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Green Goddess Dressing 

1 garlic clove

1 cup packed avocado flesh (2 small) 

7-8 tbsp water

2 to 3  tbsp apple cider vinegar, ( *you can do 5 tbsp, if you like tangy*) 

3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice, to taste

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup packed fresh parsley

1/2 cup packed green onion (dark green part only, not white)

1 tsp sea salt, or to taste

Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Honey Sweeten, to taste

1.  Finley chop the garlic, basil, parsley and green onions.  Place in blender or food processor. 

2. Add in the water, oil, avocado.  Process until smooth. Now add in the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. . Finally add in the salt to taste. 

Coconut Ranch Dressing

1 cup olive oil
1 cup Coconut Milk (use canned to get the thicker texture)
1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
1 Tbs prepared dijon mustard
2 tsp Dill
2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 Tbsp Chives
4 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1  tsp Parsley
1  tsp Thyme
1/2 tsp Sea Salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp pepper (to taste)

Optional, 2 garlic cloves, 1 bunch of green onions.  You could also try using powdered mustard instead of prepared mustard. 

Combine all ingredients in a blender or magic bullet and pulse until well combined.  Chill for about an hour.  

Spicy Kale Chips

1/3 tsp ground cumin 
1/3 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne (add 1/8 tsp for spicier chips)
1/8 tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
½ lb kale (about ¾ a bunch), large stems removed, cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces 

How to make it:
1. Preheat the oven to 275ºF. In a medium bowl, combine the spices, salt, and oil. Stir to dissolve. Add the kale and toss to coat. 
2. Spread leaves in a single layer on two baking sheets. Try to flatten any folded-over pieces for optimum crispness. Bake until the tips of leaves are slightly crispy, about 10 minutes. Use a spatula to turn the leaves over, and continue to roast until the leaves are crisp and slightly golden, 8 to 10 minutes more. Makes 4 servings.

Pizza Kale Chips: http://www.youngandraw.com/pizza-kale-chips-by-chef-amber-shea/

More Recipes For Kale Chips: 

http://blog.womenshealthmag.com/dish/kale-chips/

Kale and Nut Pesto

small bunch of kale (4-6 leaves, remove the thick part of the stems*)

1/4 cup walnuts, toasted or soaked dehydrated almonds or  soaked and dehydrated pumpkin seeds.

1/2 to 1 clove of garlic

1/4 cup olive oil (or more for a smoother pesto)

juice & zest of one lemon

salt & pepper to taste

optional: grated raw cheese, or organic parmesan 

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice and water.
2. Blanch kale for about 30 seconds, remove and place in the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
3. Dry the kale a bit, squeeze out some of excess water and set on a towel for a few minutes more.
4. Blend everything together in a food processor. Pulse to create a chunky pesto, blend longer to create a smoother one. Taste and adjust, adding more salt, pepper, lemon, olive oil, as necessary.

For More Wonderful Healthy Recipes: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mountain-mama-wellness-box-ninth-week

Raw Seed And  Nut Spread

1/2 cup each, sunflower seeds, cashews, and almonds

1 Tbs. olive oil

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 Tbs chick pea miso

water to blend, about 1/2 cup

Soak the seeds and nuts overnight or for 8 hours.  Rinse and puree with the remaining ingredients in a blender until well mixed and of spread consistency.  Serve with raw veggies and crackers.  Makes about 1 3/4 cups

Here is the video:http://mountainwarrior.ning.com/video/mcminnville-mountain-warrior-...

High Vitamin C Tea

Ingredients:  rose hips, hibiscus flowers, lemon grass, cinnamon chips

Note:  Vitamin C is a noted antioxidant with disease-fighting abilities.  

Rose Hips:  They contain more vitamin C than almost any other herb, many times the amount found in citrus fruit when measured gram by gram.  

Hibiscus:  high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids.  It has slightly astringent properties.  It is useful for treating mild colds, flus, bruising, and swelling. 

Lemon Grass:  http://planetwell.com/lemongrass-health-benefits-and-healing-proper...

Cinnamon:  Although cinnamon is considered to be simply a spice by most Westerners, herbalists have been using it for centuries as a warming digestive aid.  It is a wonderful mild stimulant and can be combined with ginger to treat circulatory and digestive problems.  It has antiviral and antiseptic activities, making it useful for fighting infections.  

High Vitamin C Tea Recipe: 

4 parts rose hips

3 parts hibiscus

2 parts lemongrass

1 part cinnamon chips 

Nettle, tea mix of apple-mint , cabbage, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, purple potatoes,kale, swiss chard, celery tops,  horse radish leaves, collard greens and mustard greens. 

Horse Radish Leaf Information: 

http://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Horseradish_Leaves_5037.php

Spicy Potatoes and Kale

5 to 6 potatoes - red, butter ball, fingerling or purple potato

1 bunch kale

1 onion

1 1/2 tbs. cumin

1 tbs. ground coriander

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tbs. turmeric

1 tsp. chili powder

1/8 tsp. cayenne powder

2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

Boil potatoes until tender.  Drain and cool with cold water.  Cube into 1 inch squares. In heavy skillet with generous amount of oil (coconut or organic sunflower) saute potatoes, onions, and spices.  When onions  are soft add kale and cook until it turn bright green.  Serves 4 

Getting a good nights sleep is vitally important for great health.  Here is an  interesting article to read about sleep.  I am going to try this.. 

An article on sleep. http://slumberwise.com/science/your-ancestors-didnt-sleep-like-you/ 

Pesto Kale Rolls

3 cup water, 110 degrees ( spring water or filtered)

1 tbs. yeast

2 tbs. organic olive oil

2 tbs. local honey

2 tsp. sea salt

4 tbs. organic unbleached white flour

4 to 6 cups organic whole wheat flour

extra flour

2 cups pesto

1 bunch kale 

Follow basic bread making instructions.   Proof your yeast for 5 to 10 minutes then do your sponge.  Let the sponge sit for 10 to 15 minutes.    

After you have followed your basic bread making instructions.  

Roll you dough into a rectangle about 14 thick.  Cover the surface of he rectangle with kale and the pesto brushed on.  Rol the dough lengthwise away from you, squeezing it some to seal as you go.  Slice into 1 1/2 inch rolls and place on a greased baking sheet side-by-side so you can see the swirls.  

Bake at 350 degrees

35 - 45 minutes 

Kale Pesto Braided Bread: 

http://www.fromthelittleyellowkitchen.com/2013/05/20/kale-pesto-braided-bread/

Mountain Mama Wellness Letter: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mountain-mama-wellness-letter-october-2nd-2013

When looking at a lifestyle change to become healthier, I think it is important to ask yourself a few questions.  The first few questions I would ask myself would be the questions below in this picture: 

When it comes to your heart this is what it needs: 

Love

Play

Adventure

Community

Healthy Fats

Good clean source of protein ( the heart, is a muscular organ and can re-build itself) 

Lots of veggies, 9 cups a day

Cut your caffeine intake down

Get outside more

Limit your use of TV, Movies, Cell Phone, Texting, Screen Time 

Exercise 

Heart Chakra: 

The Heart chakra is associated with the heart, thymus gland, lower lung and circulatory system.

The heart chakra acts as the balance point for all the chakras. It governs our relationships and how we interact with other people. A balanced heart chakra is expressed in acceptance of self and others, personal values and ethics, following one's unique direction in life.

Emotional issues affecting the Heart Chakra: Love, joy, inner peace.

Some signs that the Heart Chakra is out of balance are:

Lack of self discipline

Difficulty in relationships

An attempt to live vicariously through another

Dependence on someone else for your happiness

Exercise is a must.  It is important to create lifestyle habits of exercise for you and your family.   You kids need to see you being active this will make a better future for them.  Exercise is just something you do like brushing your teeth.   

The hardest part for most people is finding something that they like and will stick to.  I believe most of the time people like it they just have bad habits of sticking to their routine.  Remember exercise is like brushing your teeth.  Here are some suggestions to keep you going while you are trying to make it a lifestyle habit. 

You need to find a activity or a couple of activities that you would like to do.  There are lots of activities out there and here is just a few. 

1.  Mountain Warrior Kung Fu Academy or any other form of martial arts that you might be

interested in. 

2.  Gym memberships

3.  Yoga 

4.  Running 

5.  Race Walking

6.  Dance 

7.  Rock Climbing 

8.  Skating

9.  Bicycle 

10. Hiking

11.  Skiing 

12.  Personal Training

13    Private Classes, kung fu, yoga, etc... 

Keep your body moving though a week.  

There's nothing like the feeling you get after a good, adrenaline-fueled workout -- your endorphins are high, your body is tingling and you feel way better than you did before, even if it was a total pain to motivate. 

But remember, while you are enjoying your fitness routine, falling into a rut can be a drag -- especially if it starts taking a toll on your waistline. Sure, there are tons of incentives to join a new activity at the beginning of each year, but what is important is to catch the drag before it happens by finding ways to keep you motivated.  If you are creating habits of quitting when you are in a rut and then not exercising for a few months (or more) this is not good for your health and chances are you will l probably get into a rut again and keep repeating this vicious cycle   Finding your motivation to create an exercise lifestyle, (like brushing your teeth), will keep you healthier and fit.  

Here are some suggestions to keep you from getting into a rut

Setting Goals:  Belt Levels, Races, Hard hikes that you want to accomplish etc... 

Have a buddy system

Hire a person trainer

Take private classes 

1 lb. dried beans (such as Great Northern)
1 large onion, diced fine (around 1 3/4 cups) — save the end
1 cup water
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup molasses
4 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (a vegetarian version)
1 1/2 Tbsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. ground mustard
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
8 whole cloves

 lb dried navy beans (2 1/4 cups)

4 1/2 cups water

1 large onion, finely chopped (about 2 cups)

2 chopped garlic cloves

1/2 cup Grade B maple syrup

1 tablespoon organic dry mustard

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

I added red sweet bell pepper, two

5 minced garlic cloves

big onion

clove powder instead

apple cider vineagr

coconut amino acid

Instructions:

The night before, pick through the beans to remove any stones, then place in a bowl and cover with enough water to cover the beans by two inches. Soak overnight.

In the morning, mix together all ingredients except the beans, onion, and cloves in a large bowl.

In the bottom of minimum 4-quart slow cooker, layer the diced onion, then add the beans*.

Pour the liquid mixture over the beans, then add up to an additional 3 cups of water until the tops of the beans are just submerged.

For extra flavor, take the reserved onion end and press 8 cloves into it in a circle. I used a skewer to make the holes before inserting the cloves. (I also used more than 8 cloves, which I think overpowered the beans a bit, so in the future I will be using less!) Place the onion end into the center of the beans. Remove before eating.

Cook the beans on high for 6-8 hours, or on low for 8-10 hours. I left mine in the pot on low for around 12 hours (it was a long day), and as you might expect, they taste better the longer they sit.

Additional Notes:

If the beans will be in the slow cooker for less than 8 hours, parboil them first for 30 minutes before adding them. If the cook time will be longer than 8 hours, there is no need to parboil.

preparation

Pick over and rinse 1 lb dried navy beans (2 1/4 cups). Soak in cold water to cover by 2 inches at least 8 hours. Alternatively, quick-soak beans (see cooks' note, below). Drain.

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Rinse and pat dry 1 (1/4-lb) piece salt pork (rind discarded), then cut into 3 pieces.

Put beans and pork in an ovenproof 3-quart heavy pot with a lid. Add 4 1/2 cups water, 1 large onion (finely chopped; about 2 cups), 2 chopped garlic cloves, 1/2 cup Grade B maple syrup, 1 tablespoon dry English mustard (preferably Colman's), and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and stir to combine. Cover pot and bake until beans are just tender, 3 to 4 hours.

Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Remove lid. Bake beans, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed but beans are still saucy, 1 to 1 1/2 hours more. Remove from oven. Stir in 1 tablespoon cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste.

Fermented Foods

http://www.healthygreenkitchen.com/lacto-fermented-sauerkraut.html

More Sprouted Foods

http://www.healyrealfoodvegetarian.com/sprouted-green-lentil-burger-vegan-grain-free/

More Studies On Inflammation: 

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/inflammation.html

Make Kefir Soda: 

http://www.cheeseslave.com/how-to-make-homemade-soda-pop-with-kefir-grains/

Try This Recipe, But I Need To Find Organic Gelatin:

http://www.realfoodrn.com/homemade-jello-fruit-cups/ 

Have Plans Ready To Build A Rocket Stove

http://www.rootsimple.com/2007/11/our-rocket-stove/

Knitt, crochet, read, plan next years garden, fall hikes and winter hikes... 

Mountain Mama Wellness Box:  

Lemon balm, tea mix (apple-mint, lemon verbena, calendula and cleavers), collard greens, swiss chard, kale, tomatoes, peppers, nettle,  potatoes, zucchini, broccoli leaves, celery seed, wild food mix (dandelion, yellow dock and sheep sorrel), kohlrabi, garlic chives, celery, basil, beets, onions and tops.

If you don't have a CSA/farm share, no problem, check out the organic farmers at your local farmers market.  Fall crops are starting to come in, that means it is time to up your intake of more green veggies.  It also means it is time to stop the sugar intake, do not increase your sugar intake with all the holiday goodies.  Sugar brings down your immune system!  

Again increase the green veggies, the beets, the turn-up greens, mustard greens, collard greens, cabbage, wild edible weeds, kohlrabi, etc...   

JUST A REMINDER...........

Think Twice Before You Support Wholefoods: 

http://tv.naturalnews.com/v.asp?v=B2DB9DDBCAAFBB5162760F0D61FD46FD

HAVE YOU MADE A GOAL OF NO FAST FOOD?  

YOUR BODY IS YOUR 401 K PLAN........

Zucchini Pineapple Bread: 

Wild Soup: 

Dandelion, yellow dock and sheep sorrel

Garlic chives, chopped

Celery, chooped

onions, chopped

1 tsp (or more thyme) 

1 tsp pepper

4 cups organic milk, (raw is best) never buy ultra pasteurized!  or Milk Alternative

2 tablespoons arrowroot or organic white flour

2 tablespoons organic butter 

Sea salt to taste 

Saute onions and celery then add chopped garlic chives. Cook about a minute

 Wash sorrel, dandelion and yellow dock and put in saucepan with a little water (not covered). Cook slowly for about 1/2 hour.  Strain and put in a soup pot. 

Add sauteed mixture

Put 4 cups of milk . Add 2 teaspoonfuls of butter and 2 tablespoonfuls of  arrowroot or flour (thoroughly blended to avoid lumps) to the hot milk.

Add thyme and pepper,  Cook on low for about 5 minutes, be careful not to burn. 

Enjoy! 

More on Sheep Sorrel:

http://blog.emergencyoutdoors.com/edible-wild-plants-sheep-sorrel-rumex-acetosella/

Kohlrabi and Kohlrabi leaves

http://www.thekitchn.com/top-five-ways-to-prepare-kohlr-60321

Kohlrabi leaves:  saute them like beet greens. Yummy! 

Sauteed Kale and Kohlrabi:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sauteed-Kale-with-Kohlrabi-354974

We like to eat ours raw.  Here is a great recipe below.  Remember if you do not have a certain ingredient, for any recipe, just omit it or get creative with what you have around the house.  

We also like to keep it simple and just slice it up and eat it raw.  

http://g0lubka.blogspot.com/2012/08/kohlrabi-avocado-salad.html

Garlic Chives

Barbecue Sauce: 

1 cup plain tomato sauce

2/3  cup organic shade grown strongly brewed coffee

1/4 cup molasses

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tabelspoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons coconut sugar or organic brown sugar

2 tablespoon organic unsweetened cocoa powder

2 teaspoons dijon mustard

1 or 2 chipotle chili pepper or  pepper of choice.  You can also roast them. 

 (never use green bell peppers)

4 shallots, or 1 large onion chopped

4 garlic cloves minced 

2 teaspoons finely minced fresh organic ginger root

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1.  Saute, shallots or onion, garlic and peppers. 

2.  Add minced ginger to sauteed mixture, cook 2 minutes

3.  Put sauteed ingredients in medium size sauce pan. 

4.  Place all  the rest of the ingredients in a medium size sauce pan.  Stir adn combine. 

5.  Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat.  

6.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until mixture has thickened slightly about 10 minutes.  

7.  Remove from heat and let cool in the pan. 

Enjoy!

Saturday Morning Fire

A great place to sit and drink tea after harvesting this morning

Thankful for the abundance of produce! 

AND PLEASE REMEMBER....

Non-Vegan:  Preheat the oven to 375

Vegan Alternative:  Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line baking sheet with parchment paper 


Ingredients:

Whisk together:

1/2 cup certified gluten-free oat flour
1/2 cup sorghum (jowar) flour
1/2 cup brown or white rice flour
1/2 cup tapioca starch 
1/2 cup organic cocoa
2 teaspoons guar gum
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup organic Sucanat


Non-Vegan Add In:

1/2 cup butter

2 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

a little bit of milk or alternative milk, just encase the dough is to dry

OR

Vegan Add-In 

1/2 cup light olive oil or Spectrum Organic Shortening
1 tablespoon bourbon vanilla extract
1/2 cup vanilla rice milk, coconut milk, or almond milk- more as needed

As you beat the dough pay close attention to the consistency. Add more rice milk a tablespoon at a time, and beat to combine, until you achieve a smooth but sturdy cookie dough. I added two more tablespoons of rice milk to my dough.

Add in:

Optional:  1/2 cup organic chocolate chips

Instructions:

Stir in the chocolate chips as best you can (the dough is stiff).

Roll a golf ball sized wad of dough between your palms, and place the ball on the lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Repeat this process to make 18 balls. Use your palm to press down on the dough and flatten slightly- not too much- unless you like your cookies thin. Press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops of the cookies, if you like.

Bake in the center of a preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the cookies are set. They will still be slightly soft in the center. 

Remove the pans from the oven, and allow the cookies to cool and "set" for a few minutes; then use a thin spatula to move the cookies to a wire rack. The cookies will get crisper as they cool.

Cook time: 15 min

Mountain Mama Wellness Box:  The food items listed below are what the  Mountain Mama Wellness Box members received.  For those of you who do not have a farm to home share/CSA, what are the food items you  have been eating?  Are you supporting local organic farmers at the farmers markets and in your area?  Are you purchasing more organic food in your life?   How is your green, red, orange veggie intake?  Are you eating too many potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, celery and not enough green veggies?  What new recipes have you tried this week?  Have you eliminated fast food from your life?  How about supporting a restaurant that supports local farmers?  Have you eliminated GMO food from your life?   Have you eliminated movie junk food out of your life?

A Parent challenge, how about you challenge yourself to not buy hot dogs, mac and cheese, sugary cereal, monster drinks, soda, non-organic chips, let go of my eggo, colored yogurt and colored candy?

Do you  have your kids in sports, how about giving your family a health challenge, by making a pact not to eat at the snack shack, turn down the little Debbie's snacks with a Capri sun, cheese and cracker sets, peanut butter Nabisco cracker, cheddar cheese fish crackers etc.. and never set foot into  an Izzy's?     

Health Challenge to all the coaches, the dance teachers, the school teachers, the martial arts teachers, you are mentors, you are around kids and some of  you for quite a few hours,   If the kids, teens and tweens see you eating crap, junk food, colored drinks, monster drinks, chips, candy, Izzy's, McDonalds, etc, you are teaching them bad health habits.  You should think about this.

Parents challenge those coaches, dance teachers,  public school teachers, martial arts teachers, gymnastic teachers etc.. a doughnut party is not cool,  Krispy Kreme, double not cool.  Ask them to look for healthier alternatives.

Someone needs to step up and be the leader.  Just take ONE of my challenges and take off with it.  Once you have developed a healthy habit then move on to the next challenge.  Imagine if you start and people see it, just maybe they will start and so on.

We will never have change in the world if you and I do not implement change in our own lives.  Period.  

Mountain Mama Wellness Box Items: 

Tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, collard greens, brassica stir fry, broccoli leafs (for wraps), nettle, kale, swiss chard, dandelion greens, onion, parsley, celery, green beans,lemon balm, tea mix of apple-mint, cleavers and lemon verbena, basil, zucchini and cucumbers. 

Adventure In Life

Life Is Either A Great Adventure Or Nothing

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” 

What is your story from yesterday, today and tomorrow?

What story, what adventures will you be able to tell your grand-kids?

What story will you be able to tell your children?

Have you played?

Have you added spice to your life?

Are you living or are you just existing? 

Has time been put off over and over and the day is over

Have days been lost?

What story can you tell from that?

Live Like You Are Dying...... 

Broccoli Leaves 

Potato and Dill Broccoli Leaf Wraps Original Recipe

http://www.thewoodenspoon.net.au/recipes/potato-and-dill-broccoli-leaf-wraps-with-parsley-and-pepita-sauce/

This is what I did: 

Two cups potatoes (or sweet potato), chopped

1 large leek or two small chopped

4 garlic cloves, chopped or minced

2 cups (or more) collard greens chopped

1 organic sweet red bell pepper, chopped

2 tablespoons dried dill ( I did not have fresh dill)

sea salt and pepper to taste

You could also add some organic meat to these wraps.

SAUCE:

1/2 cup organic pumpkin seeds

1 big bunch parsley, chopped 

1 Small red mild pepper, chopped

1 tsp. organic onion granules

2 tsp. yellow mustard seed

1/4 organic hemp seed oil

1/4 cup spring water

a dash of apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp. honey

Sea salt  ( or celtic) and pepper to taste 

FILLING: 

Boil the potatoes until they are lightly cooked.  Strain

Saute chopped garlic and leeks.  (if you are going to add meat, start it with the leeks and garlic) 

Add dill 

Add chopped red bell pepper, cook for a minute

Add chopped collard greens cook for a minute

Add potatoes 

Turn stove off and add: 

Juice of half of a lemon

sea salt and pepper to taste. 

Large Broccoli Leaves 

Steam broccoli leaves 30 seconds to a minute.  Should have a nice dark green color.  

Lay  the large broccoli leaf out, add your filling and wrap like a burrito.  

Top with the sauce

Share and sit with family and friends. 

Wrapping It Up

Ready To Eat 

 Collard Slaw

High in nutrients, including phytochemicals and antioxidants  dark leafy greens are good source of calcium especially when combined with lemon juice.  

1 bunch of collard greens, ribs removed, leaves rolled and sliced into thin ribbons

1 1/2 cups shredded carrots

1 unpeeled apple, shredded 

3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons dijon mustard 

2 tablespoons live oil

1/2 tsp. sea salt 

Cut collard greens into ribbons and combine with shredded carrots and apple, set aside.  

In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, dijon mustard, olive oil and sea salt

Add collard greens mixture and toss to coat. 

Chill in frig for a few hours. 

Dandelion Leaf:

Dandelion leaf is good for the kidneys, high in B vitamins, restores and replenished energy, excellent source for calcium. High in vitamins and minerals including magnesium, iron and vitamins A and C.  

Here Are 10 Ways To Use Dandelion Leaf: 

http://www.thekitchn.com/10-ways-to-use-those-dandelions-recipes-from-the-kitchn-188774

7 HERB LONG-LIFE SOUP

A nourishing and restorative blend, soup.   It is an excellent broth to serve someone who is sick or recovering from illness.  Use fresh herbs whenever possible, if they are not available chopped dried roots will do.  

Pictured below is a broth I made.  I boiled a chicken carcass (last nights dinner) to make bone broth, I added Sunday's veggies scraps.  In this picture the scraps where leeks, collard green stems, broccoli leafs, garlic and one habanario pepper.

7-Herb Long-Life Soup:

Extra-virgin olive oil

2 onions, sliced or chopped 

2 - 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 

3 quarts filtered water OR Your own homemade broth 

8 large shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dried), chopped

4 ounces  fresh burdock root thinly sliced or 2 ounces dried 

4 ounces fresh dandelion root  thinly sliced or 2 ounces dried

2 ounces lycium berries

1 ounce  fo-ti (ho shou wu), cut and sifted 

1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger root 

1 ounce ginseng root 

Organic miso paste 

In large pot, heat just enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.  Add the onions and garlic and saute until tender and golden

Add water or your broth and bring to a boil

Add the mushrooms and herbs, turn down the heat, and simmer over low heat for several hours 

When the roots are tender, turn off the heat and strain out the herbs.  If the herbs are soft you do not need to strain them out.  It is up to you. 

Add other seasonings and chopped vegetables as desired 

Pour into soup boils and add miso paste to taste.  Start with a tiny amount first (1/4 tsp.)

Do not boil the miso, as it destroys its valuable enzyme's  

Pickled Nettles: 

Serve with toast, feta, and olives, pickled nettles are a tasty treat. 

Fresh tender nettle tops

Place them raw in a quart pickling jar  

Fill the jar to the top with apple cider vinegar, being sure that no nettles surface above the vinegar 

Add a few garlic cloves 

Add a whole cayenne pepper

Cap tightly, and let sit for 8 - 12 weeks. 

Enjoy 

Organic VS NON-Organic

First, I would like to say, if you are trying to eat organic I am extremely proud of you.  The important thing is that you take it slow so you do not feel overwhelmed with the difference in your budget.  I always suggest that people start with the dirty dozen list when it comes to buying produce.There is a list of produce that  shows certain fruits and vegges you should stay away from if you buy them non-organically.  Then it also shows you the ones that have less agricultural chemicals in them.   My next suggestion is to buy clean meat,  make sure it is NOT from a feed lot.  Stay away from deli meats etc. Make sure it is pasture raised and GMO Free,  Then you eventually move on to organic meats..  I constantly advise people to buy from the farmers markets, support local co-ops that support small farmers.  Organic produce from your local organic farmer is so full of nutrients that it is the best health insurance that you can buy. 

Farmers markets, farmers markets, farmers markets,  I just can't say it enough.  Please support your local organic farmer! It is important to note that not all farmers at farmers markets are organic. Please ask the farmer about their practices before buying.

No one should ingest agriculture chemicals. 

My health is way better today eating organic than it was when I did not eat organic.   Every time someone new comes  to my farm, they are totally amazed  at how awesome the food is that they have just eaten..  Is it all my food that I have grown?, No.  It is my food, a local farms organic food, and big organic farm food.  

Time For My Rant

Recently. I saw a post someone put up that deeply disturbed me for many reasons..The post was an article about how there is no difference between organic and non-organic. He was pushing that non-organic food was even better,  It was disturbing that he could post such lies.    I decided I would put my anger into a few invasive weeds that have popped up on the farm due to non-organic farm practice's from the farmers  down the road.   I ripped  those super invasive weeds out and cut them down to nothing (this is a great method to get rid of weeds), it was great therapy. 

First thing, to me the person who shared this article is more worried about their pocket-book, then keeping the waters clean, the frogs safe, the birds healthy, the dragonflies breeding, the bats flying and eating the mosquito, they are more worried about their pocket-books then trying to keep our cancer rates down.  I personally feel that  if you are looking for a way out of taking personally responsibility you will look for an article like this just so you do not have to make a change.   Only a moron would think there is no difference between eating organic and non organic.  The best thing you can do with anyone who wants to prove that there is no difference between eating organic and non organic is ask them this.  Would you like to taste test an herbicide?    I can give you a teaspoon of the herbicide, Round-Up and you can take it weekly.  The same goes with pesticides, insecticides, fungicides and synthetic fertilizers.  Then they can tell you there is no difference

The other thing is there is no-way anyone would know if the author of this article did not take money from a chemical/biotech company.   

See when you spray toxic chemicals like herbicides and herbicides that are combined with 2-4-D, you create super weeds.  Therefore those non-organic farmers spray even more toxic chemicals to kill these super-weeds.  In the mean time a little birdy picks up this super-weed seed, eats it and then decides to fly over to my property and poop that seed out.  Then several of his friends and relatives come and visit, they then decide to have a bathroom party at the Mountain Mama Farm and poop super invasive weed seeds on my land.  Is it their fault?  No Way, the fault lies on the non-organic farmer who is spray toxic cancer causing chemicals on his property.  

Now this same farmer is spraying the ditches along his land  that have water run through them.  This water that runs through them now carries these toxic chemicals that the non-organic farmer just sprayed down to a creek and into a river, then into the ocean.  These chemicals that are now in the water, play with the endocrine systems of the aquatic breeds (vertebrates, invertebrates etc.) mammals (which means humans are included) .  You now have frogs, fish and other water creatures feeling a little confused at what sex they are and that the fact they are having a hard time find a mate due to the fact their populations are dying off.  

Endocrine Disruptors are chemicals that at certain doses, can interfere with the endocrine (or hormone system) in mammals. These disruptions can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. Any system in the body controlled by hormones, can be derailed by hormone disruptors. Specifically, endocrine disruptors may be associated with the development of learning disabilities, severe attention deficit disorder, cognitive and brain development problems; deformations of the body (including limbs); breast cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid and other cancers; sexual development problems such as feminizing of males or masculine effects on females, etc

The critical period of development for most organisms is between the transition from a fertilized egg, into a fully formed infant. As the cells begin to grow and differentiate, there are critical balances of hormones and protein changes that must occur. Therefore, a dose of disrupting chemicals may do substantial damage to a developing fetus (baby). The same dose may not significantly affect adult mothers.

This same farmer decides he can mix as many toxic chemicals that he is allowed to  and kill weeds, supper weeds, insects and now super insects, or so called fertilize his land.  He can do this because he took is class.  As long as he took this class he can apply toxic chemicals.  Never mind the fact that these classes are run by the government who takes orders and rights the rules according to Monsanto, Du-pont, Sygentia, Dow and any other chemical company out there.  

I am sure the Malathion ( used for non-organic farming) that was sprayed all around our houses when I lived in the bay area at the age of 10? was safe right?  I am sure it was safe to go outside and play in the morning, touching everything outside.   I am sure all that fast food that I have eaten in my life that was laden with agriculture chemicals  did not contribute to my Chemical Injury/Environmental Injury,   I am sure when my daughter almost stopped breathing at the age of 3, and was in two ambulances and two hospitals had nothing to do with the chemical laden fast food and Halloween candy she ate the night before, and  chemical farming/agriculture has nothing to do with the higher cancer rates that we are experience in the year 2013.   Yes this is sarcasm at it best.   All of those things contributed to my health problems of today..... 

I did not get a Chemical Injury/Environmental Injury by eating organic food.  I did not get a Chemical Injury because I lived a chemical free life,  Eating organic is what has brought me back to health.   

Can you tell I am just seething.  ....

Before anyone goes to believe a crap article like this, they should do some research themselves.  Just because it comes from a well know writer does not mean it is true.  When it comes to what you are eating this is a serious subject.  Research it.  

Ask yourself or that person, this:

Have you farmed Bio-Dynamically?

Have you seen or smelled the poop of animals that have been fed GMO Food?

How much do they grow of their own food? If so, how much? 

What are their eating habits like?

Are they addict to fast food, junk food, soda, etc.?

I have done  bio-dynamic farming, when I do this practice, it is truly magical.  The results I have seen doing bio-dynamic farming is amazing.  It is hard and time consuming to learn and plan to apply it again next year.

I have seen and smelled animal poop that comes from animals that live off of GMO Food.  It is terrible! This means they are unhealthy!  

My animals get organic food and there is a difference, there is even a big difference when I make sure their food has no soy no corn. Their poop is way better! 

Side note, just because someone eats all organic does not mean they will live long, be disease free or cancer free.  In my life I have had so many people come up to me and say (they want to prove me wrong and make fun of me) I know someone who eats organic and they died early, or they got cancer.  It is like they have to find something wrong with it so they can feel better about not eating organic.  

I proceed to ask them questions about this person's life.  

Did they use soaps, cleaners, laundry soaps, that were petroleum free? No hmm?

Did they use scented candles, air fresheners, oven cleaners, Yes, hmmm

How much plastic use was in their life? A lot, hmm

Microwave? Yes, hmmm

Pharmaceutical drugs? Yes, hmm

New car? Yes, hmm?  

Did they die their hair? use hair spray, paint their toe nails finger nails, use cologne, use perfume,  Yes, hmm?

What types of organic food did they eat?  Did they eat lots of veggies or did they live off of organic sugar, organic peanut butter and organic grains. Eating like that would not give you a healthy PH level. 

Did they manage their stress?

Did they make time to play, have community and relax? 

I could keep giving you a detailed list that I would ask,but, it is to long. After talking to them they realize that even through that person ate organic they had a toxic life style with the products that they used.  They also had  high stress in their life that was not managed.  Stress kills.

I have been to organic farms that have intern students from colleges working and living on the farm, I have seen what products they use for their bodies and  on their laundry and it is toxic.   I have had discussions about this with their teacher, and he say I know that just don't get it.....  

Eating organic is not enough, to keep sickness away, you have to do more.  But it is vitally important that you start their.  Just read my article about how your body re-builds itself.  If it does not have the proper care and organic nutrients, it can't rebuild correctly, therefore disease hits.  ......

One last thing, please do the research yourself.  I am going to make it easy for you.  First, I want to say stop relying on things like snopes or any other site that is similar to that.  There is so much dis-information out there it is crazy!

Researching:  When it comes to understand chemical agriculture, just go and find the safety material data sheets.    Then go to the store and read the back of the bottles of these toxic ingredients.  

1.  Look at the Material Data Safety Sheet.  Who does the  product harm, what side effects does it give, what are the emergency procedures if it is ingested, on your skin (remember your skin is an organ)?.  What does it do to ground water, rivers, lakes, water sources, invertebrates, vertebrates, dogs, cats, bats, BEES.    

2.  Don't ever let anyone tell you that it will wash off, that is hog wash! 

But hey non-organic agriculture is no different then organic right.   NOT!

How can we change the world if people look for a way out of taking person responsibility? 

Because I have towed the line between life and death, lately, I find I struggle with being responsible. I want to play and take every moment in. I want life to feel slow. I want time to slow even stop while I sit up in the mountains and have tea with my husband, I want to sit with my kids more outside in the forest or on a beach. I want to go backpacking high up in the mountains with my family and get lost in its silence... I want to drive and experience more of this worlds beauty.
Today, I was reading a friend of mines blog, (Growing Wild Farm), I am very proud of her for realizing what is important in life, which is learning to "pause". No matter how hard you work, work never goes away, the lists are always lists. What is important in life is taking a pause, taking moments, and put play back in your life.
I love what my daughter Sophia's says, "What stories are you creating that you can share" What is your story? Is your story of staying inside, playing video games, watching movies, eyes glued to your cell phone? What story's are you going to be able to tell from that?
I will ask you again, through my daughters words (who will be 17 tomorrow) What is your story?
Here is a quote a friend of mine used in her blog. It is totally how I feel on a daily basis, even more so these last few months. ...
“I arise in the morning torn between the desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” -E B White
So, outside I go, to work, pause and then play.....

Why I choose to exercise and play outside....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blmv6gb9m64

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Where does the time fly?  We are on our 15th week and the Wellness Boxes end Oct 12th.  It just seem like yesterday that we just started our first delivery.  

This weeks box: 

Celery seed, lemon balm, nettle, comfrey, zucchini, cucumber, salad, beans, beets, swiss chard, kale, tea mix, potatoes,tomatoes, peppers, leeks, cabbage, basil, parsley, celery and onion. Also, there will be some cleavers, this is your last chance to get a tincture made.  

Celery Seed Information:

http://curezone.com/cleanse/kidney/Celery-seeds.asp

http://www.foods-healing-power.com/celery-health-benefits.html

Celery seeds are most commonly used as a diuretic, helping to clear toxins from our body system. People who are suffering from gout and arthritis may find celery seed helpful, as the diuretic properties promotes the clearing of uric acid crystals collecting in the joints. Celery seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the swelling and pain of the joints.

Additional benefits include the ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

http://www.nutrition-info.com/herbs/herbs-celeryseed.php

Provides Calcium

Fun Fall Recipes:

The pumpkins are not ripe yet, but I thought for those of you who are craving those seasonal fun drinks of the fall would like some fun recipes.   I also included a fun recipe to add rejuvenation to your skin.  Enjoy this wonderful, healing, awesome orange veggie. 

GentlePumpkin Facial Mask

Thanks to exfoliating enzymes and healing vitamins A and C, pumpkin flesh is wonderful for the skin-especially for treating acne, blackheads, age spots, or dull flaky skin. Use canned pumpkins, or cook some fresh and puree or mash it. Warm, mashed fresh pumpkin works the absolute best, feels great, and has a wonderful texture. Honey, a natural humectant, attracts moisture to skin and helps create a plump glowing complexion.

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

1 Tbls Honey 

1-2 drops lavender or geranium essential oil (optional)

Mix ingredients together and massage immediately into dry skin. (You'll get the best results if you leave it on for at least 10 minutes.) You may want to double the recipe to use as a neck decollete treatment. Rinse with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizer. 

Donn't support Starbucks (big corporation that puts the little guys out of business), make your own healthier versions of their  pumpkin latte. 

Pumpkin Latte http://mamanatural.com/pumpkin-spice-latte/

Kakai Pumpkins coming soon........... 

Cucumbers 
How Sugar Affects The Body, Giving You The Lows And Highs

Tired of being wired and tired? 

Following sugar through the body.....

When a child/adult wakes up in the morning after sleeping for ten or more hours, their blood sugar is naturally low.  Even if they had protein-rich snack before they went to bed the night before, digestion has long since delivered it to the bloodstream and into the cells, and now their blood sugar has dropped down to the bottom range of normal.

One of he most common breakfast meals is favorite breakfast cereal, toast and orange juice.  Side note: Even though the cereal boasts of fortification with vitamins and minerals, the cereal contains over fifteen grams (about five teaspoons) of sugar PER SERVING.

The toast is usually covered with jam or cinnamon and sugar, which contains more sugar and other sweeteners than actual fruit.  Another five teaspoons of sugar.  Even though the orange juice does not contain added sugars, it is still pure carbohydrate, which rapidly digest down into simple sugar.  Within minutes, the entire "power breakfast" surges into the bloodstream in the form of glucose, unimpeded by slower-digesting protein or fat.  

This load of blood sugar is dangerous for the brain.  Although the brain is fueled by sugar, it can't handle excessive sugars, so the pancreas leaps to the rescue, dumping Insulin in to the bloodstream to remove excess sugars before they can "burn" the brain.  At each meal, the pancreas senses how much insulin is needed, even before digestion and absorption are complete, so an insulin reaction can happen very quickly.  Large amounts of insulin are released.  

Then just as rapidly, sugar is pulled out of the bloodstream and deposited in the liver.  When the liver is full, the excess sugar is stored as fat, contributing to the super rising epidemic of obesity in this country! 

Side note:  Even the child/adults who are thin these days are carrying to much fat.  This is also a new epidemic.

Due to the high sugar content of the breakfast the insulin response was exaggerated, so the blood sugar plummets.  It is as though someone pulled an electrical cord out of a socket, he or she will run out of steam.   Their sugar is too low and the brain starts to panic.  They get cranky, headachy, irritable, can't concentrate.   Sometimes a child will fall into a chair and star listlessly at their TV, computer or video games.  At other times their adrenal gland spits cortisol into the bloodstream in a desperate attempt to raise blood sugar.  This extra cortisol makes someone hyperactive and damages the hippocampus, their memory center.  Their energy is "false"...

At this point, child/adult reach for the frig, pantry or freezer, pulling out all the sugary foods they can get thier hands on and stuff them into their mouth, just to get their sugar up.   This will only work briefly, but insulin again kicks in and drops the sugar.

This cycle continues, all day long, daily weekly, monthly yearly unless their lifestyle eating habits change.  

I hope by reading this I have given you some motivation to stay away from sugar.  Fall is here soon and for most it starts the "Sugar Fest Of Eating" until after spring.   Challenge yourself to stay away from all the sugar holiday items this fall, winter and spring.

 Just Say "NO" To Sugar This Season! 

Getting Rid Of The Tired Bug Or The Up Down Bug

1.  Get rid of foods with added sugar, corn syrup and agave

2.  Limit fruit.  

        a.    Eat fruit for a dessert at night.  

         b.   Eat a protein with the fruit.   

         c.    Choose fruits that have less fructose in them, chart below 

3.  Exercise is a must

     a.  Adults at least 1 hour 5 days a week, this is the minimum amount 

     b. Tired after work, tough go for a walk/run/kung fu/lift weights/dance etc...

              1.  Get an exercise partner

               2.  Blog and have an audience help you keep your goals

               3.  Get private classes, this will keep on on task 

     c.  Children, tweens, teens.  At least an hour EVERYDAY.

                1.  Young children need to physically play off and on ALL DAY

                 2.  It is up to you as a parent to get your child physically moving, because                             there is not enough physical activity in school. 

4.  Limit Screen Time video games, movies, facebook, TV, social net works:

       a.   2-4 hours a week 

        b.  By limiting their screen time ( and yours) you will gain more energy 

5.  Get plenty of Protein- Organic When You Can

         a.  Eggs, nuts, seeds, cheese, meats 

          b.  Beans combined with rice, pasta or potatoes makes a complete protein

          c.  Organic protein bars

          d.  Organic protein drinks 

6.  Sleep

           a.  Lack of sleep increases health problems, add this to bad eating habits and                     you have doubled your chances of getting diabetes, heart disease etc.  

More information on sleep: 

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/23/seven...

7.  Avoid these foods:  read labels

Soy, corn, canola,  non-organic wheat, artificial colors, artificial flavors, msg, corn syrup, sugar, agave, hydrogenated oil, frozen meals, campbells, most restaurants, pilsbury products, hot dogs (unless they are organic) any coffee drink with added sweeteners and artificial sweeteners! ,  no soda,  no caffeinated drinks for kids, tweens and teens!! and any food that has words you do not know what they are. 

http://www.cspinet.org/nah/10foods_bad.html