Blogs

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

.

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

Nettle,  comfrey, kale,  tea mix is apple-mint/stevia,  tea mix lemon verbena, basil, rosemary, beets, carrots, onions. peppers, tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, swiss chard, zucchini, cucumbers, celery and cabbage 

Making Apple Rosemary Muffins! 

http://www.cauldronsandcrockpots.com/category/herbs/rosemary-herbs/

Charred Green Beans with Lemon Verbena Pesto: 

Here is a link to a yummy recipe.  In this recipe they use pine nuts.  Never eat pine nuts, they are not good for you.  Use walnuts instead.  Use organic ingredients to make this a healthy meal. 

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Charred-Green-Beans-with-Lemon-Verbena-Pesto-395330

Other great uses for Lemon Verbena:  

Lemon Verbena infused olive oil and Lemon Verbena infused vinegar,  Yum! 

http://laist.com/2012/06/07/seasonal_eats_the_powerful_flavor_o.php

Are you taking care of your Hippocampus?  If you want to have a great memory in your golden years, make sure you take care of this one.   Hint:  Stay away from most caffeinated drinks, make sure you add play to your life and meditate on a daily basis.   

Play is crucial for social, emotional and cognitive ­development.

Imaginative and rambunctious “free play,” as opposed to games or structured activities, is the most essential type.

If you do not play you will become anxious, socially maladjusted, depressed, and have possible health issues.  

More on the importance of play, as an adult.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-tian-dayton/when-adults-play_b_666145.html

OK, turn off the computer, pack a picnic, head for a beach and watch the sunset or go for a hike, or buy an art pad and some pastels sit and draw,  just head outside and breath, laugh and play......

The body is a dynamic organism, constantly changing  constantly repairing.  Everything looks the same, with gradual signs of aging appearing as decade after decade passes.  But every second in life, cells are being born, are dying, and are being reborn.  new tissue is being laid, old tissue is carried out.  

Billions of new red blood cells are manufactured in the core of bone tissue every day.  Every two to three days, each cell lining the digestive tract dies and is reborn with new materials brought in from the outside.  Minerals are carried out of the bone matrix and deposited into the bloodstream, then drawn from the blood stream and laid down into the bone matrix again.

In the words of Deepak Chopra, as though you were living in a house in which bricks were constantly being removed and replaced.  In time, a new house will have been constructed, a house that looks and "feels' the same but is completely different.

Ninety-eight percent of the atoms in our body were not there a year ago.  The skeleton that seems so solid was not there three months ago.  The configuration of the bone cells remains somewhat constant, but atoms of all kinds pass freely back and forth through the cell walls, and by that means you acquire a new skeleton every three months.

The skin is new every month   You have a new stomach lining every four days, with the actual surface cells that contact food being renewed every five minutes.  The cells in the liver turn over very slowly, but new atoms still flow through them, like water in a river course, making a new liver every six weeks.  

Our body's ability to heal and rejuvenate is fantastic, beautiful and I think a precious miracle.  

Nerve cells do not undergo the type of renewal experienced by other cells, that once the  neuronal tissue is laid into place, it is there for life.  The Brain, cells are not replaced once they die.  

Are you doing all you can to slide into your senior years with as many brain cells intact as possible? 

Most humans are not even close,  They engage in  "antinutrition."   Instead of minimizing the damage to their nervous system, they are accelerating the damage by the very foods (or nonfoods)  that they are stuffing into their mouths.  Humans are digging their graves with their forks.  

Are you taking care of your adrenal glands by eating better food?

Do you drown your anxieties in more work,  junk eating, buying more toys, drinking more coffee, drinking alcohol, taking drugs...anything other than slowing your pace?  

Are you planning your foods carefully and enjoying the process of meal preparation?

Are you savoring a healthy meal with people you love?

Do you see good nutrition as yet another impossible task to squeeze into an overcrowded schedule?  

Do you schedule play days?

How is your exercise program ? ("NO EXCUSES")

You can design a program to feed your brain, and give your body the proper nutrients it needs to rebuild.  But, only by turning your backs on the "American Food Culture" "The SAD Diet is the Standard American Diet, SAD." 

It goes without saying that if you are serious about feeling better, you will need to stop indulging in your favorite junk foods, processed foods, fast food, most restaurants,  coffee drinks, soda, caned soups, hamburger helper, frozen TV dinners, deli meats, movie theater junk food etc.. (this list can go on and on) , that poison your body and brain.  

Are you making a point to get to your farmers markets once or twice a week and purchase organic foods, grass fed meats and pasture raised poultry?  

Here is a list of foods the Mountain Mama Wellness Box Clients received today.  How can you implement new and healthy foods in your daily intake? 

Mountain Mama Wellness Box

Hops, , nettle, cleavers, yellow dock seeds, apple mint, catnip, beets,  carrots, potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, kale, swiss chard, salad mix, peppers, green beans, tomato, leeks  and basil.   

Nettle Bed

Green Mayonnaise:

1/2 cup cooked drained and finely chopped (steamed) nettle

1/2 cup mixed basil, mint, parsley, dill and chives

1/3 cup organic plain yogurt

3 Tablespoons coconut mayonnaise

http://www.selinanaturally.com/organic-mayonnaise-organic-mayo-with-coconut-oil/

1 Tablespoon organic olive oil

2 - 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

sea salt and pepper to taste 

Place all ingredients in a blender of choice.   Blend and Enjoy! 

Side note:   Sometimes, I love adding a little bit of roasted garlic and a small amount of minced onion.  

Apple Mint

Hops:

Make a tincture, combine with catnip mint

How to make a tincture: 

http://mountainroseblog.com/guide-tinctures-extracts/

Hops is a potent medicinal herb highly valued for its relaxing effect on the nervous system.  It is great for insomnia.  It is especially useful for hypertension and eases tension and anxiety in men.   Hops is one of the most potent bitters and is excellent as a digestive bitter.  Great for indigestion due to nervous energy and anxiety.  If you suffer with heartburn try taking a hops cincture with every meal ( please note that if you do suffer with heartburn, dietary changes need to be made). 

Catnip Mint :  Is an excellent calming herb and can be used for all manners of stress.   It is also a restorative digestive aid used for indigestion, diarrhea, and colic.   Also, used for lowering fevers and for the pain of teething or toothaches.  

Catnip Mint

Cleavers ( other names are goosegrass, grip grass, sticky Willie and Rubiaceae)

Make a tincture with your cleavers

http://mountainroseblog.com/guide-tinctures-extracts/

Cleavers have been widely used in herbal medicine for centuries, on account of the tonic, blood-purifying, and diuretic properties of the fresh plant.   In spring, after a starchy winter diet, the fresh green tops were made into a cleansing drink.  An infusion of cleavers is a traditional remedy for skin eruptions, while its diuretic properties are helpful for urinary problems.  Modern herbalists value cleavers tonic effect on the lymphatic system.  This encourages the elimination of toxins and explains the cleansing reputation of the herb.  

More information on Cleavers: 

http://www.eattheweeds.com/galium-aparine-goosegrass-on-the-loose-2/

 Yellow Dock Seeds: 

Yellow Dock Seed Crackers: 

http://www.methowvalleyherbs.com/2012/03/yellow-dock-pesky-weed-as-food-medicine.html

Yellow Dock Seed Vinegar: 

http://www.hardyecogarden.com/2011/07/eat-your-weeds-rumex-crispus-curly-dock.html

New Salad Bar Bed: 

Sunflowers that smile at you.... 

One of the tomato beds, patiently waiting for them to ripen.........

I have plants to plant, gardens to be watered, a blog to write, but life will have to be pushed at a much slower rate this week,  I will have to rely on Sophia and Joseph more for help and I was going to test in two weeks for my forms, but now it is delayed.  I can't even describe the frustration, sadness and tears that came with that choice.   Really it is not choice, I have to take care of myself.  I want to push myself to get it done soon, but I am a little fearful on this one.  I need  to make sure I do not push hard on this, that I have balanced set goal and I am asking my family to help me realize if I end pushing too hard.  Pushing to hard would not be healthy for me.  

Most of you know that I have MCS which is do to  environmental injuries that I have received from the past and present.  I would like to share my story from this week with you.  I am hoping that by sharing my story, you will apply change to your own life and help spread the word.  The word is this. most of you do not know that you are using products that are unsafe, for you, the environment and of course for people like me.  These toxic products are full of petroleum based chemicals that are not safe for any of us.  If you use tide, all, surf, dryer sheets, the latest popular cologne or perfume, hand sanitizer,  the regular cleaning products like fantastic, fabreeze, windex clorax etc... They are full of toxic ingredients  

Living with an Environmental Injury means this.   You are an outcast, you loose all your friends eventually and your family does not want to be around.  The reason, they have to change their life  just be around you.  It means that you are a reminder to them that they are toxic to the earth and you.  Every time they dye their hair, paint their nails, put on hair care products, wear perfume, they are reminded that they poison you and the earth.If they are to come and see me they can not have any of these products on.  If they  use perfume  at anytime,  it does not wash out,therefore they should not be around me. 

 It would have been easier for my friends and family if I had cancer.   This is why, they would not have to add change to their life, they would not have to realize that they have been living a life using toxic products.   They could write their little checks out to give donations to the American Cancer Society for my sake and finding the so called "Cure" .  They would take time out of their lives to run "Relay For Life".  Buy their little pink ribbon stickers, their toxic cleaning products that have little pink ribbons on them, because they advertise they give money to the American Cancer Society.   They would have done all of this for "Sue" 

Because of my Environmental Injury, I have become a radical earth steward.  I care so deeply for the bees, the frogs, the trees, the water, the oceans and our air more than anyone that I know.  I care because it means "Life" for me.  It means life for the bees, birds, frogs our earth.   I know that if I did not eat organic, I would not be here.  I also know that because people are not willing to change from their own toxic eating habits, they are contributing to killing off the bees and all of earths creatures.  It is a slow kill and someday we could have a "Silent Spring"  if we do not change.  

I am not sure what it is going to take for people to change because, the people I have known  and family can't change for the sake of keeping me healthy.  They have acted like ostriches.  Their heads in the sand and I was someone they cared about, a personal connection.  

We are losing our bees at a faster rate then ever, it is due to environmental toxins from chemical agriculture and GMOs, Where are the radical changes that need to be done to save our bees?  It certainly is not happening the the circle of people I see on my husbands face-book pages.  

How can you get anyone in the world to change?  Any suggestions.  Or is it going to take starvation?  No Bees No Food...

Having an Environmental Injury is like getting beat up off and on.  Emotionally and physically. It is a curse but is a gift.   

I have been doing really really good.  I had my doctors visits almost down to 4 weeks.  

Last Monday I had a lot of exposure to environmental toxins. My day had started with an electrician coming to work on our circuit breaker.  He had very strong detergent/dryer sheet smells on him.  It took hours to air out the house.  During the day I had several other incidences happen.  That night I had liver issues.  I was in pain if I sat a certain way.  The next few days I did not notice that I was slipping, I was losing energy.  I was losing it so fast that I did not notice because I started to get tunnel vision.  

Thursday came and I had some tiny pains off and on. Friday came and it hurt to move.  So, I just rested, too tired to think I was in zombie mode.   Saturday came and I did my usual,  I did coach Sue, " come on you are almost done with your week, you are at the finish line of the week, you can do this".  I pushed myself, harvested veggies for the wellness boxes, talked to friends, spent time with my step-son, all at the same time I was having contractions of high pain. 

Sunday, I was moving slow, not productive at all,.  Throughout Sunday night the pain was really bad, my husband woke up with me every time the pain hit.  Thoughts of possible death, possible gallbladder burst, thoughts of I can't go to the hospital because that would mean to much chemical exposure which could be worse.  It was the worst pain I have ever had..  I could not move.  If I moved I was in excruciating pain.  I was thankful the sun came up and I made it.  

In the morning Sophia and Joseph took on all the farm chores as I laid in bed.   

 I got a hold of my doctor, which by the way is one of the best.  She is there for her patients more than any other doctor that I have known.  It was her day off and she had me come in right away.   I was not sure what to expect.  I had some serous tenderness on my right side, I was still having all the other issues.  I had blood taken for lab tests, acupuncture and given herbal products.  We also talked about the fact that I might have to go to the emergency room if the pain persists and gets worse.   That would be a scary scenario for me due to having  MCS.  That could be death if put under, it could be months and months and months of recovery... It also made Joseph and I realize that we needed to talk about what type of decisions, I would want to be made if I was not all there.   

After my visit you could see right away in my eyes that I was there more.  I could also feel it.  I was more alert.  I was happy I was headed home.  Home was the place to be.  I was thankful that I was under a tree laying down to rest and not in a hospital.  My son and his girlfriend came to visit which kept my mind off of things, I was thankful for their company.  

As I wait for my test results I have set some goals.  The first one is I need to keep my parts intact.   How do I protect myself better?  This is a hard one because I am not sure how much more I can do.  This whole incident was caused by an un-educated human, who trusts that the products he is using is safe for him.   I would also place a bet that if I told him that his laundry soaps and dryer sheets were toxic he would laugh at me, keep using them and think I was crazy.  

One big  goal I have is to get over is the emotion I am feeling called FEAR.  I have not had a whole lot of fear with my MCS.  I have had deep sadness, frustration, being angry but I have not had super fear.   What happened that I took such a deep dive when I was doing so well?   This question has raised the emotion of super fear because I do not want to go through this again.  It was scary and I am still recovering. 

I can only hope, that by you reading my message, that  maybe you can apply changes in your life that are non-toxic. you could put more organic food in your life, you could ban GMO food from your life, I hope  that you do not brush me off and de-freind me, that you do not become an ostrich and put your head in the sand, that you recognize that the changes to our environment rely on you as a consumer, to consume in a way that protects the earth, the bees and me.  Therefore you will put the bad companies out of business, the bees will stay, you will have longer life and so will I.  

You don't have to eat less, you just have to eat right... On that note have you been to your farmers markets this week?  Have you tried some new recipes, have you tried a new veggie for the month and how about starting a family and/or single person cooking day once a month or once a week.

Last week my wellness box clients received:  nettle, tea mix of apple mint, lemon verbena and cleavers (wild edible food this week is in the tea mix, it is called cleavers), collard greens, cabbage, comfrey, zucchini, leeks, onion, potatoes, peppers, tomato, green beans, swiss chard, kale, basil, celery and salad mix.  

Tea Mix:  apple mint, lemon verbena and cleavers:  Put bag into a gallon jar fill with spring water or filtered water.  Let sit for 8 hours drain and enjoy 

Cleavers ( other names are goosegrass, grip grass, sticky Willie and Rubiaceae)

Cleavers have been widely used in herbal medicine for centuries, on account of the tonic, blood-purifying, and diuretic properties of the fresh plant.   In spring, after a starchy winter diet, the fresh green tops were made into a cleansing drink.  An infusion of cleavers is a traditional remedy for skin eruptions, while its diuretic properties are helpful for urinary problems.  Modern herbalists value cleavers tonic effect on the lymphatic system.  This encourages the elimination of toxins and explains the cleansing reputation of the herb.  

More information on Cleavers: 

http://www.eattheweeds.com/galium-aparine-goosegrass-on-the-loose-2/

Nettle Greens:  I got this recipe out of a cookbook that I have that is dated 1937

Put on your gloves to gather, wash, and cup up the nettles.  Pour boiliing water over and the sting will be gone.  Drain and chop fine.  Heat 2 tablespoons butter in saucepan, stir smooth with 2 tablespoons, flour.  Add 2 cups milk, stir and heat until thick.  Seaosn with salt, pepper, and a few dashes of nutmeg:  add chopped nettles and simmer.  This with a little cream if you wish.  This recipe serves for all greens. 

Basil Infused Organic Olive Oil:  

Basil is considered a sedative and digestive.  Hot basil tea is said to be helpful in alleviating indigestion and stomach cramps.  

Sweet and Sour Red (or green) Cabbage and Apples with Red Wine and Thyme 

2Tbls extra -virgin olive oil or coconut oil 

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced 

1 cinnamon stick

2 bay leaves 

1 large head red cabbage (or green), cored and thinly sliced 

2 Granny smith apples cored peeled, and cut into 1/2 inch dice

1 cup spring water or filtered water 

1 cup organic red wine

1/4  cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar 

6 fresh thyme sprigs 

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive or coconut oil over medium heat.  Add the onions, cinnamon, bay leaves, and salt.  Cook stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened. 

Increase the heat to medium high;  add cabbage and cook, stirring, until cabbage wilted, about 8 minutes.  Add the apple, water wine, vinegar, brown sugar and thyme sprigs.  Let come to a boil, then lower heat until simmering. 

continue to cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Uncover, and let simmer, stirring until the liquid is reduced to a slightly thickened sauce. 

Makes 8 servings

No-Knead Bread:

I love to knead bread but, for some people, time is a big issue and kneading does take from your time. With this recipe I would only use Organic Wheat Flour, and better yet, if you can grind your own. Flour that you grind yourself is better for you.  I would also use organic yeast. 

 http://www.frugallivingnw.com/frugal-homemaking/amazing-no-knead-bread-step-by-step-recipe/

Peasant Bread: 

http://www.alexandracooks.com/2012/11/07/my-mothers-peasant-bread-the-best-easiest-bread-you-will-ever-make/

Why do you spend money for what is not bread, 

and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen

carefully to me and eat what is good, and delight

yourself in abundance. 

Author Unknown 

What Is Food? 

What is food to you? 

I have a deep fascination about food, 

Higher cancer rates, higher autism, higher ADD/ADHD, higher diabetes, higher blood pressure problems, higher impotency  higher anxiety, higher depression, higher.......

We as a society have been hit with massive disinformation, for a very long time. ...

We as a society have been hit with be a consumer, consume consume consume... Which has lead us to way to many problems. 

 ........ Considerable evidence indicates that behavioral factors related to energy balance—such as diet and physical activity—as well as body weight that indicates the state of energy balance are known risk factors for many chronic diseases and conditions, including several forms of cancer. These combined factors may be the most significant, avoidable causes of cancer in the non-smoking population. Poor diet, physical inactivity, and overweight/obesity may account for about 25–30 percent of several of the major cancers in the United States.

Websters Definition Of Food:  

What Is Diet? 

What Is Bad Food? 

Junk Food

Non-Organic Food has toxic chemicals in it....

give 1970 stats 

Paleo Eaters watch out, this way of eating, it is going to come back and bite you in the butt or should I say Gut.... Meat that is from a feed lot, factory or caged up---Is toxic, bad energy food.  This means any meat that comes from your grocery store.  Unless it is grass fed or pasture raised meat and/or ORGANIC  

If you are going to be a Paleo Eater You must make sure you are only eating grass fed or pasture raised meat and/or ORGANIC  

Processed Food--- IS NOT FOOD. It does not fit the definition of Food:  something that nourishes. Processed boxed items, like hamburger helper, TV dinners, macaroni and cheese, boxed cereal, cake mixes, brownies mixes,  

I thought this was an interesting statement on the encyclopedia:

 Despite being labeled as "junk" consuming such foods usually does not pose any immediate health concerns and is generally safe when integrated into a well balanced diet.

Do you notice the catch words?  usually does not pose any IMMEDIATE health concerns... 

Here is my input, it usually does not pose any IMMEDIATE health concerns but long term it will effect your health.

Tea mix of pineapple sage, stevia, nettle, apple-mint, rose petals, calendula, young blackberry leaves and lemon verbena, salad, collard greens, potatoes, cabbage purple, cabbage green, zucchini, cucumbers, celeriac tops, brassica mix, kale, basil and wild food of the week yellow dock seeds: 

Wild Food Of The Week -Yellow Dock Seeds, Wild Buckwheat 

Yellow Dock Seed Crackers: 

http://www.methowvalleyherbs.com/2012/03/yellow-dock-pesky-weed-as-food-medicine.html

Yellow Dock Seed Vinegar: 

http://www.hardyecogarden.com/2011/07/eat-your-weeds-rumex-crispus-curly-dock.html

Zucchini Bread and Butter Pickles:  Water Bath Canning Recipe

Yield:  6 qts.

2 qts. organic apple cider vinegar

2 cups local honey

6 tablespoons salt

4 teaspoons celery seed

4 teaspoons dill seed

2 teaspoons ground mustard 

8 qts. fresh zucchini, sliced 

2 qts. onion, sliced 

Bring vinegar, honey, and spices to a boil.  Pour over the zucchini and onions.  Let stand for 2 hours.  Heat mixture to a boil and cook for 3 minutes.  They will get mushy if cooked longer. 

Pack into hot sterilized jars.  

Insert a knife down the edge of he jars to remove any air bubbles   Complete seals, process for 15 minutes in a boiling-water bath. 

Zucchini Carrot Muffins - Grain Free 

http://veggienook.com/2013/05/22/grain-free-paleo-and-vegan-carrot-zucchini-muffins/

Zucchini Apple Spice Muffins - Grain Free:

http://paleomg.com/zucchini-apple-spice-muffins/

Basil- Shallot ( Or Walla Walla Onion) Mustard

Yield:  5 1/2 pints 

2/3 cup organic apple juice

2/3 cups organic red wine or organic red wine vinegar

1/2 cup dry mustard

1/3 cup spring water or filtered water

1/4 cup light mustard seeds

1/8 cup chopped organic basil

1/8 cup minced shallots or walla walla onion

2 tablespoons honey 

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 

Combine the apple juice, wine or vinegar, dry mustard, water, and mustard seeds in a glass or ceramic bowl and stir, mixing well. 

Cover the bowl with natural wax paper and a cloth and let stand for 4 - 6 hours, stirring occasionally. 

Process the mixture in a bowl of a food processor ( or blender) until the mustard seeds are coarsely ground. 

cook the mixture in a double boiler over simmering water, adding the basil, shallots or onions, honey, sea salt and allspice.  Cook for 20 - 25 minutes   The mustard will thicken as it cooks. 

pour into sterile jars. Cap and seal. 

Allow the flavors to marry for 2 - 3 days before using.  Will keep in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 months unopened.  

Tea Mix: Nettle, apple-mint, pineapple sage, lemon verbena, calendula, wild young blackberry leaves and rose petals. 

Empty bag into a gallon jug of spring or filtered water.  Let sit overnight, strain and enjoy.  

Pineapple Sage

Nettle/Apple-MintLemon Verbena

I had several request for my pizza dough recipes.  Here you go....

Awesome Organic Wheat Pizza

First Step:  Do this a day or two before your pizza day.

Poolish

4 cups organic unbleached bread flour or organic whole wheat flour 

4 cups cool water 

1/4 teaspoon yeast.  I prefer the Organic Rapuzel brand. 

http://internaturalfoods.com/brands/rapunzel-organic-fair-trade-foods.html

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl large enough to hold the batter after is has doubled in volume. 

Beat or whisk for about 1 minute, until the batter is well mixed and quite smooth.  (Any remaining small lumps will dissolve when the final dough is mixed, if not before.) 

Cover the bowl with natural wax paper, and then a towel.  Keep out of draft and in a warm area. Leave it at room temperature for 3 to 5 hours, or till foamy and bubbly. 

Refrigerate the Poolish, well covered, overnight. 

Pizza Dough or Bread Dough

Make your poolish !!!!!, This has to be done a day or two before pizza day

3 1/2 cups organic unbleached flour or organic whole wheat

2 teaspoons sea salt 

1/4 tsp. yeast

2 Tbls. raw local honey

1/2 cup organic olive oil 

3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cool filtered or spring water

1 1/4 cup poolish sponge (above recipe) 

Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer with a paddle attachment (not a dough hook) or a mixing bowl.  If mixing by machine, mix on slow speed for 1 minute;  increase to medium speed and mix for about 12 minutes, till the dough is smooth and creamy.  The dough will be very wet, like a thick pancake batter .

 If mixing by hand, (this is what I do) beat with a whisk or spoon for 15 minutes. 

Cover the bowl with natural wax paper and a towel

Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 3 hours, till bubbly.  

Refrigerate overnight;  it will thicken as it cools

Side Note:  You can make pizza at this point.  You do not have to refrigerate overnight.  Just flour up your counter spot real well and knead it until smooth

If you refrigerate over night: 

Turn the dough out onto a heavily floured work surface and use a knife or pastry blade to cut it into 3 to 8 pieces.  

You can make three 12 inch pizzas, eight 6 inch pizzas, or any number in between. 

Toss the pieces, one at a time, in the flour, gently round them into loose balls, and place them on the prepared pan.   Brush a little bit of organic olive oil  and cover.  Let the dough rise for at least 30 minutes before proceeding.

Dough can hold up for 2 days in the refrigerator, tightly covered. 

This dough can be made into french bread, make cinnamon rolls, a fruit roll, etc....

GLUTEN FREE PIZZA CRUST RECIPE

I used almond meal instead of ricotta cheese( I only did this for the guest that I had, had a allergy to dairy). 

Gluten Free Flour Blend 

1/4 cup millet flour

3/4 cup white rice flour (or use a mixture of brown rice and white rice flour)

1/4 cup sweet rice flour

1/4 cup arrowroot starch (or  tapioca starch)

1/2 cup tapioca flour

2 teaspoons guar gum

OR 2 cups of gluten free flour blend 

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/2 Tablespoons raw local honey

1 teaspoon honey for proofing yeast

2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

3/4 cup warm water, (heated to 115 -120 degrees)

2 Tablespoons ricotta cheese, yogurt, milk, or  for casein free try almond meal 

2 organic eggs

2 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1 Tablespoon Honey

Note: If you like your pizza dough seasoned, try adding some Italian seasoning to the dough.  I put two tablespoons of organic Italian seasoning 

DIRECTIONS:

Mix the olive oil, ricotta cheese (if using almond meal, save and add to the dry ingredients), honey, and vinegar in a medium size bowl and set aside so the mixture comes to room temperature.

This mixture should not be cold when mixed with the dry ingredients.

Next,  in a separate bowl combine all the dry ingredients and sift together.

 In a separate small bowl, place your yeast and the teaspoon of honey. Mix with about 1/4 cup of the heated water, stir, and let it sit for a few minutes. Once you know the yeast is active, proceed with the recipe. 

At this point, you want to double check and make sure all your ingredients have come to room temperature.

Give the dry ingredients a few stirs. Add the egg, ricotta mixture to the dry ingredients and stir

Add the yeast mixture. At this point, gauge the liquid level. You want the dough to look like stiff cake batter. The dough should still hold the swirls after you stir it, but it should be shiny and not dull.

Add the rest of the water slowly until the right consistency is achieved. I used another 1/2 cup – making 3/4 cup of warm water total. Since different brands of flour and measuring techniques vary, it is best to eyeball this and add the water slowly to get the texture you want. You will get good at knowing what gluten free pizza dough is supposed to look like.

Cover and let rise for 1 hour 

Turn oven on 400 degrees 

Lightly brush olive oil in pan.   With a cake scraper, slowly spread the pizza dough batter  You want the batter to be evenly distributed.  To create a beautiful crust edge to your pizza dough cover your hands in olive oil and shape the edges like you want them. Or use the back of a metal spoon dipped in olive oil.  If you find your hands or spoon are  getting too sticky get a little more olive oil.  

Pre-bake crust for 10 minutes. 

Take out of the oven and then add toppings. Cook for about 7 minutes maybe more. If you want your cheese to brown, turn the broiler on for about 2 minutes before taking the pizza out. Be careful though because the pizza will burn if left too long- I recommend watching this process carefully!!

Makes 1 12-13 inch pizza crust.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread and Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins: 

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 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

High Vitamin C Tea: 

4 parts rose hips

3 parts hibiscus flowers

2 parts lemongrass 

1 part cinnamon chips

2 parts elderberry (optional) 

1 tablespoon per 1 cup of water.  

Bring spring  water or filtered water to a boil.  Add herbs. turn on low (no boiling) simmer for 5 minutes.  Strain and enjoy. 

I like to  make this by the gallon in the summer time.  When it is hot I add honey to taste.  Let it cool strain and refrigerate.  

Also, in the late summer I like to add some elderberries to this recipe.  I add 2 parts elderberry to the above recipe.  

This High Vitamin C Tea recipe has a nice flavor that will remind you of cranberry juice with citrus undertones. 

Only  buy organic herbs!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cupcakes: 

http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-cupcakes-with-maple-cream.html

This is what my daughter Sophia did with this recipe: 

We never use potato starch.  Non organic potatos are very toxic, high contaminated with fungicides. 

Substitute:  tapioca startch

We never use xanthan gum:  It is not a food.  It is created in a lab...... 

Substitute:  guar gum 

Frosting: 

We never use powdered sugar... Yuck. really bad for your body. 

We would never use vegan cream cheese, toxic GMO Food.... 

Here is Sophia's Frosting recipe:

1 (8 ounce) package package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened (optional)

2 tablespoons ( or more to taste) maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon of real organic vanilla 

We usually do not put the butter in.  

Cream together cream cheese and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add maple syrup and vanilla and beat until well combined.

Lavender, rose petals, chamomile and lemon balm tea, potatoes, cabbage, collard greens, beets, onion,rosemary, sage, oregano, kale, nettle, salad mix (lettuce, bitter lettuce,dandelion,swiss chard,lemon balm, queen anne's lace flowers and nasturiums), cucumbers, zucchini, brassica mix, wild food of the week is Queen Anne's Lace (flowers, leaf  and green fruit) and celery

Wild Food Of The Week:  Queen Anne's Lace

Once you know how to safely identify queen anne’s lace, it’s a pretty versatile plant in recipes.  In the spring and fall, the roots may be dug up and eaten in the same manner as domestic carrots.  While these are quite flavorful, don’t expect them to be as big or tender as their orange commercial cousins.

If you enjoy the flavor of the leaves, they can be used either fresh or dried as you would parsley. Young flower buds may be added to stir-fries and skillet dishes.  Or the tiny flowers can be scattered upon finished dishes or in salads.  

You can also eat queen anne’s lace fruit (the tiny green or red bits that eventually dry into seeds).  Harvest the fruit of queen anne’s lace after the flowers start to curl into birds nests, but before they go completely brown.  Queen anne’s lace fruit has a strong flavor that is like an explosion of parsley with a long finish of citrus.

Side Note: Queen anne’s lace  is not a good plant for beginning foragers to try simply because of the risk of mistaking it with poison hemlock.  Never eat a plant which you cannot properly identify.  No harm ever comes from walking away; just consider it a learning experience.

Queen Anne's Lace Fruit 

For more information on wild foods: 

http://www.meadowsandmore.com/foraged-flavor

http://foragingandfeasting.com/

Queen Anne's Lace Jelly: 

http://www.eattheweeds.com/daucus-carota-pusillus-edible-wild-carrots-2/

More Information and Recipes For Queen Anne's Lace: 

http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/queen.html

Side Note: One of the recipes looks like a yummy wild carrot cake.  Please modify the recipe.

 I would not use tofu or  vegetable oil/corn oil.   These items are Toxic GMO ingredients. 

I would use organic sunflower oil, coconut oil or olive oil.  For the tofu I would use organic cream cheese or try organic coconut spread.  

Sage Pesto

Recipe from Rosemary Gladstar's book:  Medicinal Herbs, a beginners guide 

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems

1/2 cup Queen Annes lace leaf fruit mix OR  parsley

1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves, first time making it try the 1/4 cup version and if you would like it stronger than next time add more

3 cloves garlic

3/4 to 1 cup olive oil

1/4 to 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or walnuts or a mix

1/4 cup raw cheese (optional) 

Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt 

To make: 

Combine the herbs, garlic and olive oil in a blender or food processor and pulse until creamy.  Mix in the nuts or seeds and cheese (if using) and salt and pepper to taste.  

To use: 

Serve on toast or crackers, pasta, steamed grains, omelets, vegetables or organic meat.

Mushroom Lover's Special Treat:

Quinoa, Mushroom, and Sage Pilaf with Shiitake Crisps

The shiitake crisps are addictive, so you might want to make much more than theis recipe calls for 

For the shiitake crisps: 

1/2 lb shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and cut into 1/4 inch slices

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and pepper

For the pilaf:

1 oz dried porcini mushrooms

3 tabls extra-virgin olive oil

2 large shallots, minced

3 garlic cloves, minced 

1/2 red bell pepper, cut into small dice

1/lb mixed mushrooms, such as white, chanterelle, shiitake, or cremini, coarsely chopped 

2 cups quinoa, rinsed

3 Tbls minced, fresh sage leaves 

3 cups organic vegetable broth or water

1/4 cup organic red wine

sea salt and  freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbls chopped fresh, flat-leaf parsley, for garnish ( you could use Queen Annes Lace leafs)

2 Tbls chopped chives, for garnish

Preheat oven to 375 

To prepare the shiitake crisps, toss together mushroom slices, olive oil, sea salt and pepper in a medium bowl.  Spread mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Roast in the preheated oven until crispy, about 20 to 30 minutes.  They will look much smaller and dried out.  

Set aside. 

For the pilaf, soak dried porcini mushrooms in hot water for 30 minutes.  Drain, reserving soaking water.  Chop mushrooms. 

In a large saucepan, sweat the shallots, garlic, and red pepper until softened.  Add mushrooms, including chopped porcini, and cook until their moisture has evaporated and they start to brown.  

Add quinoa and sage.  

Stir well to coat the quinoa with oil.  Add in broth, 3/4 cup of the porcini soaking liquid, and wine.  

season well with salt and pepper.  Bring the liquid to a boil;  Lower heat to simmering.  Cover pot tightly and cook for 15 minutes.  Turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes.  Fluff quinoa with a fork.  

Put in a serving dish, sprinkle with parsley (or queen annes lace) and chives.  

Top with shiitake crisps.  

Makes 6 to 8 servings. 

Antioxidant Superstars

Rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano are about the most antioxidant-rich foods on the planet thanks to their aromatic phenols.  Though these four have slightly different medicinal properties, they're all anti-inflammatory, circulation-enhancing, and immune supportive.  

Try these interesting beverage combinations.  

rosemary-lemon balm

rosemary lemon

sage - ginger

thyme-oregano-spearmint.  

Fresh herbs often have superior flavor, but the health benefits get stronger as they dry. 

Remember when you make a tea or herbal beverage, that if you are using dried herbs, you always use less than if you you fresh herbs. 

Lemon Balm:  Did you know that by adding a few leaves of lemon balm to salad increases the salad's antioxidant activity 150 - 200 percent?  They work as a team to refresh one another, enhance absorption, and boost activity. 

Tea Of The Week

Place bag of herbs in a gallon jug, with warm filtered water or spring water.  Stir in 4 to 6 tablespoons  of honey.  

Let sit in the sun for 8 hours

Strain and enjoy

Tea Mix Recipe

14 cups of  warm spring water or filtered water

8 heaping Tbls. lavender 

8 heaping Tbls chamomile

8 heaping Tbls rose petals

1 heaping handful of fresh lemon balm

If do not have fresh lemon balm add 1/4 cup dried lemon balm and a few lemon wedges. 

4- 6 Tbls. local raw honey

Put all ingredients in a gallon glass jar.  Stir until honey is dissolved.  

Sun infusion let sit in the sun for 8  hours

Lunar infusion let sit throughout the night

Strain and enjoy

Where To Order Your Herbs: 

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Zucchini Chips:  http://www.freshbitesdaily.com/zucchini-chips/

Zucchini chips are a great snack when you got the munchies! 

If you have not made these yet, I strongly urge you to go for it and try this recipe. The are really good.  My 16 year old daughter made them and they are incredible!  She made up her own spice blend, it was a combination of garlic, pepper, sea salt and Italian spices.  

http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/08/an-all-natural-alternative-to-ibuprofen-herbal-anti-inflammatory-capsules/

http://sharonlovejoy.blogspot.com/2010/06/dandelion-wishes-to-you.html

http://deliciouslyorganic.net/oatmeal-cookies-grain-free-paleo/

http://www.stepintomygreenworld.com/healthyliving/greenfoods/homemade-bluberry-jam/

"Changing How You Eat, Will Change The World"... "If You Eat Bad Foods, Your World Is Toxic, Your Body Is Toxic, If You Eat Organic Nutritious Foods Your World Becomes Healthy...."

Prescription for Good Health

Choose it or lose it! 

Your health, that is..... There are more than four million tons of farm chemicals spread on U.S. soil every year..... 

The standard American Diet ( S.A.D.) has a hidden agenda.  Missing on the labels of most foods are the dozens of chemicals used to grow, make, or preserve that bit of something about to go into your mouth.  Just imagine your reaction if organic farmers could take back their native tongue, and their organic strawberries were simply strawberries again and their counterparts were called " chemical or genetically engineered or irradiated strawberries."  Their certified label would have to list the 25 or so chemicals or procedures that had become a part of the strawberries very makeup.   And they would pay for an annual inspection, instead of the organic farmer (Organic farmers pay thousands of dollars every year to "certify" their food that they grow).  With the label table turned around, I think chemical foods would die a slow death on grocery store shelves.  

Would you buy a carton of strawberries with a  skull and crossbones on it?  

Remember, what you can't see can hurt you. 

  If you do not belong to my CSA then make sure you are shopping the farmers market. Search the farmers markets for  organic produce and organic meat.

 If you have not done this yet, what are you waiting for?  Make a goal this week to get over to the next farmers market near you.  

This Weeks Farm Produce: Nettle, comfrey, fennel fronds, apple mint and nettle tea mix, basil, celery,  salad mix (nasturtiums, rose petals, sheep sorrel, Swiss chard, beet greens, spinach, lambs quarters, bitter lettuce, lettuce and baby kale), kale, collard greens, carrots, onion, beets, zucchini and  cabbage.

For those of you who have not figured it out I love different types of pesto.  Here is another version of an awesome nutritious pesto:

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.

Kale and Basil Salad

4 cups finely chopped organic dinosaur kale
1 lemon, juiced
½ orange, juiced
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

½ cup finely chopped basil

½ cup diced organic red bell pepper
4 teaspoons hulled  toasted sesame seeds
1 cup chopped organic walnuts

1/4 cup chopped organic sweet onion

Optional:  You could add some chopped apples or orange slices

Wash the kale thoroughly, then roll up the leaves together tightly (like a cigar) and chop across the roll, making very fine ribbons. Unravel and place in a bowl. Add the lemon juice, orange juice, and apple cider vinegar, and massage the kale for a couple minutes (so it softens), then set aside. Chop the basil the same way as the kale, and add to the kale mixture. Chop the bell pepper and add as well. Add the sesame seeds and walnuts last, and toss everything together.

Notes: You may also use other types of kale, as well as collard greens. 

Cabbage and Bean Salad:

Ingredients
1/2 head small-medium green cabbage, very thinly sliced (about 4 cups), core removed
2 carrots, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 ribs celery, diced or one  cup of chopped celery from your wellness box 
3 green onions/scallions, chopped
1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 
1 1/2 cups cooked organic garbanzo 
1 organic avocado, diced

1/2 of a organic red bell pepper chopped

Dressing:
2 lemon, juice from (about 1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons organic Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
ground black pepper to taste

Options:  If you want to add color, add in a little purple cabbage,

Directions
1. Slice the cabbage so that the strands are very thin, and place into a large bowl. Add to this the grated carrots, celery, onion, cucumber, basil, beans, and avocado. Toss.

2. In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients and blend with a fork. Add dressing to bowl of vegetables and toss thoroughly. If you are making this ahead of time, add the diced avocado just before serving.

Mason Jar Sauerkraut:

I can't wait to do this one myself! 

Click on link below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=397Dua09VUI

For those of you who are  ready to get really serious with your sauerkraut skills: 

http://nourishedkitchen.com/homemade-sauerkraut/

Four Thieves Vinaigrette

Variations of this recipe have been treasured since Medieval times.  Legend has it that four grave robbers first used this strong antibacterial formula to protect them against the deadly plague.  Turning this classic remedy into a delicious salad  dressing helps the medicine go down easy. 

1/4 cup organic lavender flowers

1/4 cup organic sage leaf

1/4 cup organic rosemary leaf

1/4 cup organic thyme leaf

raw organic apple cider vinegar

organic extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves organic garlic, crushed 

sea salt and pepper

Place the herbs and garlic in a pint jar and fill to the top with gently warmed apple cider vinegar.  Use a piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to keep he vinegar from touching the metal.  Allow the vinegar concoction to extract for four weeks in a sunny window.  

Strain the vinegar into  a clean glass jar.

To make the vinaigrette, add 1 part vinegar to 3 parts olive oil.  Add the salt and pepper to taste.  Blend until well combined 

Zucchini Chips: 

http://www.freshbitesdaily.com/zucchini-chips/

Chocolate Zucchini Bread or Muffins 

1 cup rapunzel organic whole cane sugar

1 cup organic sunflower oil or coconut oil 

3 organic eggs

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

2-1/2 cups organic wheat, spelt or  organic white

1/2 cup organic baking cocoa

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cups organic shredded peeled zucchini

Optional:  1 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of all spice and a 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

• In a large bowl, beat the sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda, cinnamon; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended. Stir in zucchini. Transfer to two 8-in. x 4-in. oiled loaf pans
• Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. 
• Yield: 2 loaves (12 slices each).

Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins: 

Special Notes:  When we bake with Gluten Free Flour we never use products that contain (or when we make our own gluten free flour mix), potato flour or starch, soy flour, corn starch and corn flour.  We do not use these food products because they are toxic.  If you can find a potato flour or starch that is organic then go ahead and use it.  But stay away from the non- organic soy and corn products, they are highly toxic... Also, stay away form xanthan gum, it is made in a lab!

Stick with products that have guar gum.

2 cups sorghum flour OR gluten-free all purpose flour mix

1 1/2 teaspoons Guar Gum (don't add gum if using a GF flour mix that contains guar gum)

Never use products that have xanthan gum 

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 cup organic unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup organic agave or Rapunzel organic whole cane sugar

2 large organic eggs

1/2 cup organic light olive oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup organic sour cream (for dairy free version substitute organic applesauce)

3 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini

Optional:  1 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of all spice and a 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Preparation:

Plantain

Parts used:  Seeds, roots, and leaves

Benefits:  Plantain is a common weed across almost all of North America and is a highly nutritional food.  It is one of the best poultice herbs and is often referred to as the “green bandage”  Great herb for treating blood poisoning, used externally on the infected area and internally as a tea.  This herb is very effective for treating liver sluggishness and inflammation of the digestive tract.

Suggested uses:  It is considered a bitter, make as an infusion,  edible green leaves, make a poultice with the fresh leaves to soothe irritation (bee stings and infection).

Oregon Grape:

Parts used:  Roots

Benefits:  It has exceptional anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiviral properties.  It is excellent for fighting systemic infection, as well as topical cleansing, making it especially useful for treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Suggested uses:  Decot the root and use it as a topical wash for infections, or take it (tincture) internally for infections, poor digestion, and as a tonic for the liver.

Mullein:

Parts used:  leaves, flowers and roots

Benefits:  absolutely the best oil for ear infections.  The leaves are used most often especially in cough formulas and for respiratory infections, bronchial infections, asthma and glandular imbalances.   Mullein used to be called the torch plant, because  its long, flowering stalks were dried, dipped in fat or oil and lit as a slow-burning  torch.  

Suggested uses:  Prepare the flowers as an infused oil for treating ear infections.  The leaves can be prepared as a tincture or an infusion for bronchial congestion, colds, and coughs. 

Nettle:

Parts used:  leaves, seeds, roots, and young tops

Benefits:  It is a vitamin factory, rich in iron, calcium, potassium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and chromium as well as a hot of other vitamins and minerals.  It activates the metabolism by strengthening and toning the entire system.  Strengthens weak kidneys and liver.  It is an excellent herb to help with allergies and hay fever. 

Suggested uses:  tea, freeze-dried capsules, Young nettle leaves can be used to replace spinach in any recipe.

Lemon Balm

Parts used:  leaves and flowers

Benefits:  Calming, antiviral, and antiseptic.  Excellent for stomach distress and general exhaustion.  Can be used as a mild sedative and for insomnia. 

Suggested use:  It makes a delicious tea and tincture.  

 A few other things to look for on our nature walk:  Cat's ear, dandelion, st. johns wort and yellow dock. 

Should You Be Able To Buy Food Directly From Farmers,  Yes!  

But your government says NO...

http://www.alternet.org/food/should-you-be-able-buy-food-directly-f...

Global Food Security: 

http://www.naturalnews.com/041280_small_farms_food_security_agricul...

Ag-Gag Laws, protects evil big food corporations: 

http://billmoyers.com/2013/07/10/alec-activists-and-ag-gag/

And 

Educational Film about our food system that needs help with its funding. 

https://www.wf-iframe.com/fb/21961/pages/5b36f8adf6c93b38

Pictures Say A 1000 Words

Quotes Speak To You 

This Beautiful Baby Turkey Has A Great Organic Life

My Ending Statement: 

And

What Are You Doing To Protect The Real Farmers and  The Real Food ? 

Weapons Of Mass Destruction: 

 Weekly Wellness Box :

This weeks goodies:  ZUCCHINI (lots) collard greens, nettle, brassica stir fry mix,  sage, rosemary, tea mix of lemon balm peppermint, pineapple sage and a honey suckle flower, lettuce/flower mix, kale,  a mix of wild spinach, orch spinach arugula, swiss chard and a few mustard greens, fennel fronds,  a mix of garlic and onion chives, cucumbers, basil and a few green beans

If you do not have a membership with a CSA, it is time to hit the farmers markets.  They are all over the place with loads of incredible fresh food.  Make sure you are supporting local organic farmers or no spray farmers.  This is vitally important for your health, your family's and the earth.  

Here is a list of foods you should be (or at least try) adding to your life.  

Arugula, spinach, salads, kale, cucumbers, zucchini, basil, swiss chard, fennel fronds, sage, rosemary, lemon balm, peppermints, chives, celery, tomatoes (for some areas) collard greens, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, all sorts of brassica leaves, carrots, beets, green beans,onions, new potatoes, strawberries (organic only), blueberries (organic only) flower salads, mustard greens (almost at the end of the season, coming back for fall) and the wild foods, curly dock, yellow dock, cat's ear flowers, lambs quarters, sorrel, honeysuckle, raspberry leaves (for tea).  

As you can see this is a great list of many healthy foods that you can add throughout the day.

A great way to start on your path to longevity and being robust: 

Cut out ALL fast food (yes ALL)

Cut out ALL  Soda (yes ALL )

Cut out All artificial colors, artificial flavors, natural flavors

Cut out boxed food

Cut out crap meat, example hot dogs, deli meat, injected chicken breasts, canned meats, etc.  

Say NO to the junk food.   Bake things at home.  

(When I say bake, that does not mean open box of Betty Crocker!   Betty Crocker is not a food, it is an item that feeds cancer cells)

Shop your farmers markets, buy local organic food, local no spray food, and make sure the meat you purchase is grass fed/pasture fed and/or organic feed only 

Get rid of the word diet in your life, it as a negative connotation.  It is time to think about wellness, longevity, being robust and vigorous!  It is time to eat, eat, eat, but, eat the right foods.  

Make yourself healthly, your family and the earth  buy Piling those plates with massive green leafy veggies! 

Tea Mix:  lemon balm, pineapple sage, peppermint and a honeysuckle flower

Gallon glass jar

Spring or filtered water

Empty bag into gallon glass jar, pour water over herbs.

Let sit in the sun for 8 hours

Strain

Sweeten with honey (optional)

Refrigerate for a few hours and then enjoy! 

Pineapple Sage benefits:  digestion, heartburn, balance the nervous system, general tonic

Lemon Balm benefits:  sedative properties, lowers fever, improves digestion, relaxes spasms, antiviral, antibiotic, insect repellent,  helps anxiety, depression, nerve disorders and tension headaches.

More on lemon balm:  http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-melissa.htm

Peppermint benefits:  helps with morning sickness, nausea, digestion, gallbladder, bile ducts, 

More information on Peppermint: http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-peppermint.htm

Honeysuckle benefits:

In traditional Chinese medicine honeysuckle tea is used to treat ailments of the heart and lungs, fevers, and dysentery.

Honeysuckle tea is used to ease sore joints and reduce inflammation.

Honeysuckle tea helps improve circulation and relieve fatigue.

European honeysuckle can help treat coughs and colds.

Honeysuckle tea is used to treat upper respiratory tract infections and infection in the bladder. The tea is said to inhibit the bacteria that causes salmonella, strep, staph and tuberculosis infections.

Honeysuckle tea can help alleviate headaches.

Honeysuckle tea can help treat nausea and vomiting.

Honeysuckle tea can help make eyes brighter.

Rosemary:  http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-rosemary.htm

Rosemary is one of my most favorite herbs! Here is a recipe for apple rosemary coffee cake.  I actually made them as muffins instead and they were intoxicating! 

I used used honey instead of sugar.  I used about 1/4 cup of honey.

I never use baking powder so I just used 1 tsp. baking soda.  If you use baking powder make sure you are using one that is aluminum free! 

I used organic spelt flour.  

Awesome Apple Rosemary Coffee Cake Recipe

http://www.cauldronsandcrockpots.com/2012/10/apple-rosemary-coffee-cake/

Apple Rosemary Muffins

Honey Basil Simple Syrup:

1 Cup honey

1 Cup Water

1 Cup fresh basil coarse chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Stir ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until honey is dissolved, but don’t boil
2. Remove from heat, pour through a wire-mesh strainer into an airtight jar or container, discarding leaves
3. Let cool completely before using
4. Store in a covered jar in refrigerator up to 2 weeks

Fruit Salad With Basil and Lime

To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome tha the most luxurious Persian rug.

 “The woods are  Ritalin. Nature calms all, focuses all, and  excites your  senses.” 

“If getting our kids out into nature is a search for perfection, or is one more chore, then the belief in perfection and the chore defeats the joy. It's a good thing to learn more about nature in order to share this knowledge with children; it's even better if the adult and child learn about nature together. And it's a lot more fun.” 
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Di...

This Weeks Harvest:

Nettle, kale, spinach,cabbage, cauliflower/broccoli mix, brassica mix, bitter Lettuce, zucchini, a pepper, a few purple beans, a cucumber,  collard greens, celery, curly top garlic,  lemon balm, peppermint, sage, basil and high vitamin c tea

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-properties/

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 

This is where I order my herbs from: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

This is a great recipe, I really recommend trying this one.

Sage Pesto:  http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sage-pesto

 ‘Green Sauce'

Green sauce is a common and ages-old early spring recipe, adapt to what you have on hand.

2 cups mixed greens, you can use orach, green garlic, beet greens, chard, arugula, celery leaves, nasturtium leaves, almost any other green herb from your garden... The sky's the limit. 1 clove garlic or 1 shallot or 3 scallion bottoms, chopped fine 1/2 cup cottage cheese 1/2 cup yogurt or sour cream S & P & lemon juice to taste Put all ingredients in  a food processor and mash/whirl til desired consistency. This sauce can be a soup embellishment, a potato topper, a risotto flavoring, etc. Experiment and enjoy.

Basil Vinaigrette

6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
20 basil leaves
3 roasted garlic cloves ( or more if you are a garlic lover)
sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
 

In a blender, purée 4 tbsp. oil, vinegar, , basil, and garlic and season with salt and pepper; transfer vinaigrette to a small bowl and set aside.

Pour this yummy vinaigrette on some chopped veggies and roast them in the oven.  

Bread, Tomato and Basil Salad 

2 lbs. medium tomatoes, cored and cut into small wedges
12 oz. organic french bread or sour dough bread, torn into bite-size pieces and lightly toasted
1 cup loosely packed baby arugula ( or mustard greens, spinach, collard greens)
12 fresh basil leaves, torn
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
organic goat cheese or raw organic cheddar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, bread, arugula, basil, and onions.

2. In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the oil, vinegar, and garlic; drizzle dressing over salad. Season generously with salt and pepper, toss to combine, and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

3.  Serve and sprinkle with organic goat cheese 

Lemon Balm Herbal Butter: 

1/4 cup finely minced lemon balm

2 tablespoons, finely chopped thyme

1 cup of organic butter 

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp garlic granules

Cream butter and stir in herbs. Chill for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to blend. Use on roasted meats, rice, vegetables and bread.  

Lemon Balm Sun Tea 

2 tablespoons of fresh leaves for each cup water

Place lemon balm and cool water in covered jar in the sun for a few hours

Strain add honey and, or lemon

Add mint for a refreshing lemony mint tea

 Chocolate Zucchini Bread-Gluten Free

1 cup of Rapunzel Chocolate Hazelnut Butter OR  use almond butter sweetened with 1 tbsp of maple syrup

1 cup shredded zucchini

2 large eggs

2 tbsp grade b maple syrup

1 tbsp pure vanilla

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp sea salt

1-2 tbsp organic dark chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. In a medium bowl combine the chocolate hazelnut butter, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla and sea salt and blend for 2 minutes on medium speed.
3. Add baking soda and vinegar (will fizz up) and blend for 30 more seconds.
4. Stir in shredded zucchini. If really watery, squeeze out excess water.
5. Place in a lined or greased loaf pan. You can use one 5x9" pan or 2 mini loaf pans.
6. Top with 1-2 tbsp of mini chocolate chips.
7. Bake for 23-28 minutes if you have mini loaf pans and 35-50 minutes for large loaf pan. Start testing with a toothpick at 35 minutes and when it comes out clean when inserted in the center, it is done.
8. Allow to cool on a cooling rack and serve. You can also serve warm too.

St. Johns Wort, Cats Ear (also known as false dandelion), celery, onions, beet greens,cabbage, cauliflower, brassica mix, comfrey, nettle, catnip, lemon balm pineapple sage tea mix,sleepy time tea, swiss chard and arugula stir fry mix, collard greens, mustard greens, bitter lettuce mix, fennel, dill, curly top garlic and basil.

Catnip:  

Catnip has long been used medicinally as a tea, juice, tincture, infusion and poultice. Catnip tea is used for headaches, stomachaches, colic and sleeplessness in children. It has also been used to treat cancer, insanity, nervousness, nightmare, scurvy and tuberculosis, while a root extract served as a mild stimulant. Drinking two cups of catnip tea a day could significantly reduce the likelihood of developing cataracts. Catnip has been employed orally to treat colic, diarrhea, flatulence, hiccups, whooping cough, the common cold, measles and chicken pox (reduces the eruptions), asthma, yellow fever, scarlet fever, smallpox, jaundice and to induce parturition and encourage menstruation. Poultices were used for hives, sore breasts of nursing mothers and to reduce swelling. A poultice of catnip and other herbs was employed to treat aching teeth in the Ozark Mountains. A tincture makes a good friction rub for rheumatic and arthritic joints and, as an ointment, to treats hemorrhoids. Catnip was sometimes smoked to relieve respiratory ailments. The fresh leaves can also be chewed for headache and as a remedy for toothache. It is an old home remedy for colds, nervous tension, fevers and nightmare. It is diaphoretic and antispasmodic. Fresh catnip leaves are preferred for infusion or tincture.
The Chinese consider it bitter, cold and spicy. They use it to harmonize the liver, nerves and lungs, and in the case of nervous tension due to too much emotional upheaval. For overexcited children, they recommend a mixture, in equal parts , of catnip, chamomile and lemon balm tea.

How to make a tincture: http://mountainroseblog.com/guide-tinctures-extracts/

Mosquito Bug Spray:  Catnip 

http://www.freshpickedbeauty.com/2012/05/natural-mosquito-repellent.html

Cat's Ear, also known as False Dandelion:  

How to make Cat's Ear Lemonade

4 cup mason jar

2 or 3 organic lemon wedges

1 organic orange wedge

Filtered or spring water

1 Tablespoon honey

Small bag of Mountain Mama Cat's Ear 

Fill jar with lemon wedges, orange wedge, honey and Cat's Ear.  Fill it up with water, seal and chill for about 4 hours.  Strain and enjoy 

If  you have Cat's Ear growing around you and would like to make a bigger batch, here is the recipe.  Remember, never pick from sprayed areas! 

Side Note:  My daughter Sophia said try adding pinch of cayenne and fresh grated ginger. 

http://www.learningherbs.com/dandelion_recipe.html

Pictured Cat's Ear: 

Cat's Ear Lemonade

Play Time Tea Time

Try making up your own tea recipe with the herbs you received:  1 cup fresh herb to 2 - 4 cups water

Example:  Nettle, St. Johns Wort, Mint and lemon balm

Sleepy Time Tea Bag: All Dried Herbs

Lemon Balm, hisbiscus flower, passion flower, st. johns wort, hops, valerian rt. lavender and damania

1 - 2 Tablespoons

 2 cups of  filtered or spring water. 

Bring water to boil, add herbs, steep 5 minutes

St. Johns Wort:  http://www.herbs-hands-healing.co.uk/singleherbs/stjohnswort.html

How To Make Herbal Infused Oil:  

http://whisperingearth.co.uk/2010/04/26/potions-group-making-herb-infused-oils/

Cabbage Lasagna

Made from cabbage, cream cheese and organic lasagna  rice pasta.  

9 x 13 Glass Pyrex pan

Oven:  350

3 cups onions diced fine

4 cloves minced garlic

2 tsp. caraway seeds

2 tsp dill weed ( more if using fresh dill)

1 tsp each sea salt and pepper

8 cups cabbage, shredded or sliced finely

1 cup organic cream cheese

1/2 cup organic swiss cheese, grated

1 cup raw cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 cup raw cheddar cheese grated (for the top of the lasagna)

2 organic eggs

1 pkg plus lasagna  organic rice pasta ( you could use regular organic wheat lasagna)

Saute the onion, garlic, caraway, dill, salt, pepper and cabbage in olive oil until soft. Remove from heat.  

In large bowl, mix cabbage saute cheeses and eggs. 

Assemble like you would  a regular lasagna.  

A layer of pasta, with a layer of mixed ingredients, repeat until at the top of the pan.    Top with some extra raw cheddar.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. 

Beet Greens Smoothie:

 http://whisperingearth.co.uk/2010/04/26/potions-group-making-herb-infused-oils/

Side Note:  If  you want to make the smoothie with the Papaya, then make sure it is absolutely organic.  A lot of papaya's are GMO.  Hawaii, was one of the the first places to grow GMO papayas.   Only eat organic papaya's! 

GMO Food is toxic and WILL give cancer.  

Rosemary, basil, onions, beet greens mixed with swiss chard, stir fry mix of brassica,peas,cauliflower and broccoli, cabbage,kale, celery, mustard,lettuce mixed with argula,spinach, nettle, comfrey, wild mix of lambs quarter, sheep sorrel, tea mix of mint,catnip mint, calendula and st. johns wort, garlic and scapes (curly garlic tops)

Rosemary is used  for culinary, for beauty and for herbal healing: 

What is Rosemary?

16 health benefits of rosemary that'll make you want to use it on a regular basis.

Cancer Prevention
Rosemary contains carnosol which has been found in studies to be a potent anti-cancer compound. Researchers have had promising results in studies of its efficacy against breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, and skin cancer. In one study, researchers gave powdered rosemary to rats for two weeks and found that it reduced the binding of the carcinogen given to the rats by 76% and significantly inhibited the formation of breast tumors.

Improved Memory
Rosemary has long been believed to have memory-enhancing properties. In 1529, an herbal book recommended taking rosemary for "weakness of the brain." Today, research has found that rosemary contains a diterpine called carnosic acid that has neuroprotective properties that researchers believe may protect against Alzheimer's disease as well as the normal memory loss that happens with aging.

Remarkably, even the smell of rosemary has been found to improve memory. Test subjects in cubicles were given essential oil of rosemary to smell and they had better quality of memory and better overall memory than the control group, though their speed of memory was slower compared to the control group.

Mood Elevator
The same study that found that smelling rosemary improved test subjects' quality of memory also found that their mood was significantly improved compared to the control group.

Migraine Help
Rosemary has been a popular natural migraine remedy for centuries. Boil some rosemary in a large pot of water and pour it into a bowl. Place a towel over your head and lean over the pot to inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Because smelling rosemary has been found to improve memory and mood, this method may also help with memory function and put you in a better state of mind.

Pain Relief
It not only helps relieve the pain of migraines, but essential oil of rosemary can also be applied topically as a natural treatment for arthritis, sore muscles, and other joint and muscle pains.

Anti-Inflammatory
Rosemary contains two potent anti-inflammatories, carnosic acid and carnosol. One study found that these two compounds inhibited COX-2, an enzyme that causes pain and inflammation in the body. They also inhibited the production of excess nitric oxide, which also plays a role in the inflammatory process.

Immune Booster
Rosemary boosts the immune system thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Because it is healing in so many ways, it boosts the overall health of the body.

Antibacterial
Studies have found that rosemary has powerful antibacterial properties against H. pylori (the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers) and Staph infections.

Digestive Health
Rosemary is often used to help treat digestive problems such as upset stomach, constipation, indigestion, and almost any other digestive related problem. It also helps to prevent foodborne illnesses when ingested with foods such as meat or eggs.

Hair Growth
There is a possibility that rosemary may stimulate hair growth. One study found that people with alopecia, a disorder that causes the hair to fall out, had significant hair regrowth after rubbing rosemary, lavender, thyme, and cedarwood into their scalps for seven months. However, it is not clear whether it was the rosemary or the other herbs that caused the regrowth.

Better Circulation
Essential oil of rosemary is often applied topically as a natural remedy for poor circulation, though there have been no studies to prove this effect.

Fresh Breath
Rosemary can be used as a natural mouthwash and is said to work very well. To make the mouthwash, steep fresh rosemary in a pint of heated water. Strain it and use it as a mouth rinse as often as you like. It will keep in the fridge if covered.

Diuretic Properties
Rosemary is a mild diuretic, which means that it can help get rid of bloating and water retention in the body. When rosemary is used regularly, it may help in the increase of urine flow and help the kidneys function at optimal levels to help get rid of excess water in the body.

Respiratory Health
Rosemary is a great natural remedy for respiratory problems. Breathing in the scent of the essential oil may help with congestion due to colds, allergies, respiratory infections, and the flu. You may also boil fresh rosemary in a pot of water, place it in a bowl, and breathe in the steam to help clear the lungs and throat. This will also help with any sinus or head pain associated with respiratory conditions.

Liver Detoxification
Rosemary has been used to treat liver problems for hundreds of years. Hippocrates prescribed it for this purpose. One study found that rosemary extract reduces cirrhosis in rats given thioacetamide, a toxic compound that is toxic to the liver. It also prevented liver damage from tetrachloride in rats and mice.

Anti-Aging
Rosemary is a popular ingredient in anti-aging skin creams because it helps reduce puffiness, stimulates cell regeneration, increases firmness, and improves overall skin tone. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and increases blood flow to the skin. 

Precautions

Women who have heavy periods should avoid excessive use of rosemary, since it may stimulate menstrual flow. The herb should not be used medicinally during pregnancy. Small amounts of rosemary used in cooking, however, are safe for pregnant women and for women who have heavy periods.

More on Rosemary:http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/rosemary.php

Rosemary Hair Care: 

Before name brand shampoos, women turned to their gardens, woods and fields for plants that met all of their beauty needs. Whether it be a cure to dandruff, premature balding, dull strands or a desire for a new color there was a plant that they knew could meet their specific demands. I think that as the world is beginning to become more synthetic the less we truly understand the implications of allowing such chemicals, toxins and mad men creations into our bodies. It is important to be knowledgeable and at the very least know that there are natural alternatives to every single demand that humans require whether in sickness or health. 

When it comes to it's contributions to hair Rosemary seems to be all purpose. Here is a brief list of its uses and benefits to hair

Rosemary Hair Care: 

Scapes-Curly Garlic Tops

Scape Pesto Recipe
1 cup (or less) freshly grated Parmesan cheese or other sharp Italian cheese
1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice, adjusted to taste
1/4 pound roughly chopped scapes 
1/2 cup olive oil
salt to taste

Puree scapes, olive oil, and juice in a blender or food processor until nearly smooth. (You can make a smooth paste if you prefer, but most people like a little texture in the pesto.) Gently stir in the cheese or gingerly pulse the cheese into the mixture; take it easy as you mix in the cheese to avoid making the pesto gummy by over blending. Taste and then adjust juice and salt to taste.

Store in the refrigerator to use within two or three days; freeze for longer storage. Scape pesto freezes well, and it holds its appealing green color when frozen even better than the traditional basil pesto.

Garlic Scape Hummus

2 cans of chick peas (garbanzos), drained
1 cup sesame seeds or tahini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh chopped garlic scapes

Place the ingredients in a blender and mix on high until a thick paste forms. Salt to taste.

Variation: Add your favorite curry, to taste.

Sheep Sorrel:http://www.motherearthherbs.com/sorrel.html