Vegmom Moments

ACV Shampoo

Several have asked me lately about the "No Shampoo" thing and if I was still doing this...  Welllll... Yes and No.  Mostly No!

It all started when I saw this link back in 2008.  At the time my hair was thick, part oily, part dry and my scalp was a little flaky.  It was long, tangled and no longer soft.  

So then I saw that link... I tried the Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar Combination's.... the first night, my hair was AMAZING!  I've never had it feel so good EVER!  

Things I've Learned This Week

A day shouldn't go by that something isn't learned.  Whether that is what to do, or what not to do, I feel like I learn something from every experience.  The past 7 days I learned more then normal.... Seee......

• Anne Frank was a Montessori Student.. (who knew?)

• My broken toe foot will get sore when the rain is coming

• Bringing an outside plant to the inside is a BAD idea if you don't want bugs taking over all your inside plants.

• When Veg says "I was giving a tour of my class" you can't say "Did you show them the ropes?"  Because he will ask 100 times "What ropes?"

• A Dog really can eat toxic food.....

• I can really have an upset stomach after seeing said dog upchuck toxic food...

• This stuff is a MUST have in my house... When I get upset stomach from watching said dog...

 

• Hubby gets Poison Ivy... and it spreads... ALL OVER his arms and legs....

• This stuff is a must have in my house when Hubby gets Poison Ivy... 
• This stuff will make said hubby burn, but Ivy goes away, and the Hubby can stop itching

• I can discover while stopped at a Grocery store, on my way for a 70 minute sweaty walk, that I forgot to put my Deodorant on that morning..

• That Aluminum Free Baking Soda is a cheap quick fix to the no Deo Problem...

• Patting Aluminum free baking soda on said pits, really does keep the smell away

• That I can sit in a room and watch 20+ people eat some absolutely disgusting things then talk about their health problems and me NOT SAY A WORD....Really, I can.... its true!!! 

• That I have one Amazingly Strong Willed Child, who has decided, he wants to start earning more money so he can pay for his own food when we go out to eat...(as soon as he pays back his part of the Vet bill, he says)

• This same Child will make his own dinner when brought with a choice of "If you don't like what we have tonight, you can make your own".... And he does....

• I can go a day without a Green Smoothie, but I DON'T LIKE IT!!!!

• I will be going to Las Vegas soon.... 

• There is a Raw Vegan Food place in Las Vegas

And lastly, I have learned that no matter how many times people question my food choices, those said choices will not change......  Really....

Aloe Spritz

I am about to introduce you to something so magnificent, so amazing, so mind boggling that you won't believe your own little eyeballs.... 

Aloe Spritz!!!

Oh yes!!  You see, I've been using this Wonderful Whole Leaf Aloe juice for a while now.  For sooo many things in our house..

Immune boosts, and mouth burns, Stops pink eye in its tracks,  stomach ailments, sore throat, dry or acne skin, itchy scalp, yeast on my dog.....   I've used it topically and internally for different things on every member of our house (and a NeeNee too)

But.. it wasn't until I was making a many hour drive by myself on 4hrs sleep that I realized... I LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff even more then I thought I did...

I decided to bring some with me.  I put it in a little spritz bottle and kept it in my cooler to stay cold...  While I was driving, if my eyes started to feel strained or tired, I'd just reach for my bottle and SPRITZ right in my face...

Then Veg started to get car restless, he'd say "I want some spritz too"...  He'd say "Ah, that feels good Mom, do it again"

It doesn't burn if it gets in eyes, and feels so cool and refreshing on the face... Not to mention by the time we arrived our skin was soo soft!  *smile*

But then we used it while there, when sinuses, sneezes or itchy eyes (in-laws have cats, I am allergic to cats) I'd sneak out to the car and spritz :-)

Since being home I've brought it to work... around 3pm when my eyes are strained from the computer all day and I need a little refreshing energy kick, I just SPRITZ!  Right in my face....  eyes, lips, mouth nose, cheeks... Spriz Spritz Spritz... I don't even care....  Oh it feels so good!

I'm addicted to my Aloe Spritz!  It is a wonderful thing!!

Thank you Lakewood for your Aloe Juice!!!  I'm not sure what I would do with out it.

A COLD AND AN UPDATE

This has been an amazing Thanksgiving break.  Seriously, the best I can remember for all my days... I got some alone time, some family time, some shopping time, lots of sleeping time, some movie and snuggles time, even a little crafting.  I let all the chores go (which I'm making up for today)... We went for long walks almost every day.. Veg got some Park time, and we all had lots of Green Goodness... 

But, even with all that goodness, I had a cold bug try to strike me yesterday.  Really, how dare a bug think it would live inside my body?  THE NERVE! 

Here is the story:

It was sudden with no warning, I was out with the guys on a walk yesterday when the sneezes hit, and my nose started running uncontrollably, with in 20 minutes I felt horrible, feverish and achy even, and just all over yuck, getting home was a chore, up the big hills and my body going down hill.  I couldn't believe how fast it was hitting me.

Well I'm not one to take sick bugs lightly and went in to action as soon as I got home...   I even took a 3hr nap. Then it came back in the evening.. so I did everything all over again... went to sleep and slept all the way until 8:30am... this morning I feel great! no sniffles, no cough, no sign of anything! I'll keep up with a few of my remedies today just to make sure the bug is dead for good.

Here is what I did:

Downed a TBS of Apple Cider Vinegar, and dabbed some in my nose, then jumped in the steamy shower for a while with Kiss My Face cold and flu menthol'ish soap. Out of the shower and put a drop of oregano oil under my tongue, swallowed a garlic capsule and drank lots of water. Later I drank a shot glass of Lemon juice straight. Rubbed garlic oil on my nose and behind ears. (yes you wouldn't want to be around me). Also added Elderberry to my smoothie.

Laid down with my Eucalyptus and Rice sock on my head. Ooh felt so good. Later I drank some Herbal Cold Care tea.

Food stayed light yesterday afternoon and evening. Lots of apples,carrots, bananas and greens and water.

And at night took another shower with the steamy and menthol'ish soap. Another drop of oregano oil under my tongue, another rub of garlic oil on my nose and and an elderberry chewy thing. Then grabbed my jar of eucalyptus & Tea Tree Goodness and rubbed it on my feet and curled up in to bed.

Woke up this morning, able to breath, no sniffles, no head ache, no fever, no cough, no aches, no Nuthin!!!

So There you go...  Today, I'm on a cleaning and disinfecting spree (natural disinfectants of course)  And everyone got some elderberry or Echinacea in their smoothies for preventative.

Hope to post more soon with pictures!!  And hope your Thanksgiving Holiday was a great one!

FEEL BETTER QUICK

My Vegman inherited Migraines from his Father's side of the family.  He also inherited the strange ability to turn a greenish grey'ish color when he is about to get one... 

We have been Migraine'less since July... so when he turned this color on Thursday night without any other symptoms, warnings or any food triggers, I knew something bigger was in store...

Then the words I love to hear just before bed (NOT!).... "Mom, I feel like I'm going to throw up tonight"....  This goes nicely with the green'ish grey'ish skin tone.   And would normally mean a 3-4am wake up call with the sick bucket.  Because of his cyclical vomiting, it will ONLY happen at 3-4am, very strange, but it IS our life...

The good news is, we had warning... So I jumped in to action... and knowing this had to be bigger then just a migraine, I threw in some immune boosting goodness also... 

He ate a dark chocolate square to stop the migraine... I got him his cool washcloth with Tea Tree Oil for migraine and breathing...  Then after he fell asleep, I Rubbed some Garlic and willow bark Oil on his nose... dabbed some ACV in his nose, and Oregano oil on his feet....

Once he smelled like a delicious salad, I went off to sleep myself in case the night became long....  BUT it all worked!  He slept all night with NO Throw Ups!  Bonus!!!

And then he woke up in the morning...  "Moooommmm, every time I move my ear hurts"

AH!!  And that would account for the migraine... Little bugger had an ear ache!  But came on suddenly with no other symptoms or signs....  Which means something bigger is still waiting to exit his body...A cold perhaps?  A sinus clog brewing?  His voice was a little scratchy, so I knew something was in there... He caught a BUG!

Now it is time to help that body fight off the yuck....  Make his ear/head feel better and keep anything else from entering.....  I go in to major Mommy Action....

Garlic willow bark oil goes in the ears and around the ears...along with behind ear massage... Ah, instant relief  (we did this once in the morning and once at night)

Sniffles homeopathic drops go under the tongue to help his nose drain the fluid from his ears.

Echinacea/Goldenseal goes in some juice and down the hatch for some immunity and infection prevention

A Delicious Green Smoothie with some elderberry for drinking to help with hydration, immunity and all around goodness.

Later a nice bath with Eucalyptus/Mint/Tea Tree/Aloe bubbly stuff.... Just to feel good in addition to hydration, and healing, through the skin, and get all the brewing gunk in his head to come out.

At bed time, a eucalyptus/tea tree and multi-oil rub on his feet....

Of course, a day of rest, good whole foods, lots of fluids...... a bunch of sneezes to exit the bad stuff...and VOILA!  

Next morning.. he was ready to go!  No earache, No headache, No Drugs, No Doctors, NO PROBLEMS! 

Sick bugs are just not allowed in this house... and if they find their way in... they will be Squashed!  DO YOU HEAR ME SICK BUGS..... YOUR NOT WELCOME HERE!!! 

(yes, I know they can't really hear me..... I haven't totally flipped my lid) 

MORE ACV GOODNESS

Adding to my previous list...Some more things that Apple Cider Vinegar helped me with..  I felt a cold coming on yesterday morning, and unless you haven't ever read my blog before, you will know that I wage war on sick bugs... I'm just NOT HAVING IT!!!

Well a couple days ago, a coworker said that the cold and flu bugs enter through the nose and if you stick salt water up there it will keep them from attaching and you won't get sickly. 

Now I'm just not fond of sniffing salt water up my nose...  but thought I'd give ACV a try... After all I've seen ACV stop a cold and flu in its tracks by drinking it, so why not dab some in my nose?

For the heckadoodles... I stuck some ACV on a tissue and dabbed on the inside of each hole of my nose... I didn't sniff or suck, just dabbed.... Not sure it is good for you or even safe (so research yourself before trying) but it worked... dried it up and killed what ever was trying to make its way in my head. 

Not a tiny bit of symptom after that... Told the Vegman that we will be rubbing ACV on our noses each day this week and possibly even on our trip to keep all those sick bugs from entering our bods.... Who cares if we smell like cider on our trip?  We'll fit in with the cider mills perfectly.....

And then I had fruit flies... all the bananas on my counter are bringing fruit flies... I remember reading that if you put ACV in a bowl on your counter that the fruit flies will go away...  Well my bowl caught 6 of them, and the rest never re-appeared.... so I'm thinking they ran for the hills.... I've since read that your also supposed to put dish soap and water in the bowl to stick the flies in to the bowl.  But mine worked just as well.....  YAY ACV!!!!!!!

I'll keep adding to the list as I think of things.... Do you use ACV?  What have you used it for??

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

The coolest little office land food blogger Allison from KubicleKitchen had a suggestion about my friend Apple Cider Vinegar...  While it is true that I've posted lots of details on this subject, I don't have a good "GO TO" place with a list...

And since my lunch plans have been averted, I shall take this opportunity to chow on some yummies and try to recall the things I've used Apple Cider Vinegar for. 

Here all together, in one handy dandy go to list.  Thanks Allison for the Suggestion!

• Poured in tub or foot bath with water for Gout and/or Arthritis pain for Hubby
• Poured in tub or foot bath to take out swelling from a regular hurt foot
• Put on wet cool wash cloth or in tub with water to soak or dab for Sunburn
• 1 Tbs with a cup or two of water in a bottle in the shower.. I used on my hair in place of conditioner
• Used straight on bug bites (same with regular vinegar)
• I put a teaspoon in some soy milk to make buttermilk for recipes that call for buttermilk.  Everything from pancakes, to cupcakes to scones, etc.
• 1Tbs straight up will stop a sinus infection for me with the quickness if caught in time.  If not, may take a couple doses along with other remedies.
• 1tsp diluted with apple juice will kick a cold, sore throat, sinusy stuff, etc. for the Vegman.  He asks for it when he is starting to catch something.  Works almost every time.  Even for pressure headaches.
• 1Tbs straight up has stopped reflux or heartburn for Hubby
• 1Tbs straight has stopped my Mom from some kind of unable to breath issue while visiting last year, she said reflux so I went for the ACV.  Not sure what it really was but the ACV worked.
• I use it in place of wine vinegar and cooking sherry in recipes that call for it (or should I say, I did use it for those things)
• Use it to soak my raw veggies in for flavor and disinfecting
• I used it to kill warts (yuck)

Hmm, that is all I can think of right now.  I will add to the list as I remember.....

Happy Day

IMPROVING HEALTH

I post a lot on here about my transformation from diet to house cleaners to natural remedies and overall health care... But I also post a lot of my opinions on those subjects, as well as parenting, marriage, well OK, I'm opinionated...  Surprise?

But its my blog I can have opinions if I want to.... So there!

Tonight I'm creating this post because I have to brag on my friend... Seriously I'm sooo proud of her!  Not only has she considerably changed her diet lately while improving some health symptoms, but she came over to the dark side of Green Smoothie land and frozen banana whip ice cream...Started Exercising again, purchased waste free Lunch boxes for the Littles and even tried a garden.

Most recently she kicked some sick bugs with Apple Cider Vinegar for her and child...  ACV is the STUFF, I'm tellin' ya... flu bugs don't have a chance!

Most people in this world think I've lost my mind... But she listens, gives stuff a try, and is helping her family in the process.... It doesn't all work, but she's willing to try other things...  Doesn't give up.  And she is smart enough to research and not always take my word, which is the way it should be...

This friend I'm talking about is one special Mom, a loving wife, and a great friend... her days start at 6am and really don't stop until midnight... but throw in some 3am feedings, and lets just say... HER DAYS don't stop!  I honestly don't think she has slept a full night in like 6 years.  But she keeps trucking... Some days when I think I'm too tired to do any more I look to her for inspiration... 

But on top of everything else she does, to find the time and make changes for the goodness of her health and those she cares for... Is worth an entire blog post and so much more!!!

Here's to you friend... Keep up the great work... Your the Bestest!

Now, if I could just get her Scrapbooking....  Ah, that is for another day!  *wink*

SHIRT AND GARDEN UPDATE

Last week I tried to make a Natural Dye Free Tie Dye Shirt for the Vegman.... It looked Really cool...

See Here:

 

But I wasn't sure if the stains would stick after being washed.  So I let it set out for 7 days. 

Then yesterday I washed it in Cold water only... and put it in the Dryer...  Surprisingly the "Turmeric" Yellow/Orange stayed great.  The Grape Juice and Cherry Juice, Not so much:

 

 

I still think it looks pretty cool.. .. Veg, doesn't like it... If ONLY YELLOW was still his favorite color, I would have been all set!

So if you ever want a yellow/orange only tie dye shirt the Turmeric worked great.  IF you want other colors, I can't help ya!  But am on a mission... if I find other things that work, I will let you know.  Smashed blueberries are next on my agenda.

As for the Garden:

Yeah well, I got Nuthin but Carrots...

Here is one I picked yesterday, very baby carrots... but maybe I can use the greens for smoothies *smile*

 

Hey Hubby did try for me, gotta give him that much... Next year, I shall take over the garden my way... And see what we come up with.. We still have the space, just have to do a few things different?

I don't know like maybe, waiting till after the freeze to plant the seeds, and possibly seed them in side first like all the directions say, and maybe, put down some soil and compost and... OH don't get me started!!!

Poor lonely Garden, pretty much looks like this still:

GOUT AND ACV

We are currently a NON-Medical Medicine house... and with the Gout coming back yesterday, Hubby once again had to make the decision of Medical Care or not...  He chose NOT!! 

Soooo...  He is eating cherries, lots and lots of cherries.... Fresh, Frozen, juice.... all cherries....  And last night, I convinced him when his ankle was too swollen to move, and he was in more pain then he could bare, fever racing up and down... All the joys of this YUCK!!  To sit in a tub with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and water.

Between that and the Cherries he saw relief... Even slept through the night, and woke up this morning able to walk.  Another dunk in ACV and a couple times through the day... swelling is gone and pain is gone...  He's still a little gimpy and sore, but 80% improvement....

Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE ACV!!!   

SUNBURN AND VINEGAR

Because Vinegar is my friend, I was sure to bring some with us on our trip... Never know when you may need it.... *smile* While it stopped my bug bite itches as always, this time, I was glad I brought it for Sunburn also.

The hubby is a tad stubborn (Just a Tad??? or more....)  And refuses all type of sunscreen...  Needless to say he spent a cool soak in the tub with Vinegar poured in several nights.. While it doesn't take the burn away, it takes the sting out and cooled him down....

He was quite happy that I decided to pack it.  While Apple Cider Vinegar seemed to be best for this, I only brought the White Vinegar and it worked fairly well....

A couple days later, I let Veg bury my feet in the sand.  He missed a spot, and with my shoe off, I had a big sunburned patch on the top of my foot (The only place I didn't place sunscreen)...

It was actually pretty painful, more so then I remember a normal sunburn being... I think the hot sand made it worse.  ANYWHO?  I placed a cool wash cloth soaked in Vinegar on the top of my foot, and while I walked around smelling like a Pickle, the pain went away, swelling went down, and I could wear shoes again....

Vinegar is still my friend... Not sure it has let me down yet.

DISH WASHING DETERGENT - REVIEW

I've been on the Non-Toxic cleaner kick for a while now, and pretty much removed all toxic cleaners from our house except one... 

Dishwasher Detergent

Hubby was set on a brand that I wasn't fond of... And he couldn't understand why i had such a problem with it... Never mind their animal cruelty (I mean testing) and everything else... I also have a problem with toxic chemicals on our dishes.

I could be wrong, but the steam that comes out of the dishwasher while cleaning seems it would spew the toxic stuff in to the air of our home and not to mention the residue it leaves on the dishes that we then consume with our food....  And where the toxic water goes after it leaves our home.... blah blah blah...

YES - I realize there are toxic things in my home, including the carpet and paint and who knows what... and there are toxic things outside my home, and the air we breathe isn't so pure.... But where I can control it, I'm choosing to do so.....

I was determined to find a suitable alternative..... And get this last toxic cleaner out of our home...  Because of our water, and our dishwasher, finding one that worked and left no residue was actually very hard to do.... Something that worked for my friend down the street, may not work for me and vice versa...

I've tried everything from Biokleen to Seventh Generation to Earth Friendly products, and many more......  Some of these work great for others, but just not with our water.   For more then 2 years, I've been on the hunt for a cleaner that we liked, left no residue, no funny taste, and no odor...

Finally The Winner has found our Dish Washer... Some how, Some way, this little Tablet thingy does the trick...  And knowing its a Method Product, I feel good about whats in it.

Yay... And it passed the Hubby test.... I even went with Not Rinsing an entire load before putting it in, and they still came out clean and shiny and sparkly...  And left something caked on and dried out, one that our other natural products wouldn't touch... but this cleaned it without a problem...

Needless to say, I'm a happy camper.... and my dishes are happy too.

NO COLD AROUND HERE

I mentioned the other day that the sniffles got me.... I heard it, I felt it, I new it was going to be a doozy... Everyone around me coughing beyond belief.. People at work sick for 3+ weeks and going strong.  At least 30 people of 100 at our conference this week were sick and miserable... taking cold meds and feeling worse each day.  Many on antibiotics but still miserable..... Hubby on his second cough week and finally getting over his coughing fits (he's not taking anything).... The sick bugs are around in full force.....

Standing in line at the store I was sneezed on, people shaking my hand that just sneezed in their own.. the germs were relentless and finally.... finally they got me.... My long run last weekend wore me out... over tired, and too much for my body to handle... the sick bug tried to get me while I was down...

BUT I WASN'T GOING DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT!!!  OH NO!!!  I was not going to loose this battle!!

So what does this Vegmom do when the sickbugs are approaching..... Well, I'm gonna tell ya!

After being around the sickies, I would take an Airborne Tablet with water after getting home.  I drank at least 2 glasses of Grapefruit Juice a day, and a swig of Aloe Juice once in a while.  Each day that I felt sniffles coming on last week, I took a Garlic Capsule (dries me right up)  and so everything stayed away.

Then this week, when I tried sleeping but my nose was plugged, throat and chest suddenly felt congested, I said "OH NO YOU DON'T"  Each night I drank elderbery, rubbed garlic oil on my sinuses and lymph nodes, and a couple hours after I took some Oregano drops.  I rubbed my eucalyptus stuff on my chest and then each morning I had Echinacea Goldenseal.  I ran on the tread mill each morning, took a shower with cold and flu soap,  took a garlic capsule before leaving the house, and then used the cold and sinus homeopathic drops through out the day if I felt the sniffles, cough, itchy ears etc.

Each night I slept comfortable (when I slept) and each day I functioned very well... No cough, no sore throat, no sinus drainage, NO headache... No Nuthin.... Every so often, I need a kleenex for blowing... but thats it!!!

3 days and This Sick Bug has been squashed!! 

Yes it took a lot, and some would say "Wouldn't it be easier just take some cold medicine and be done?"  Sure...  then I'd end up like all the others around me,still sick 3 weeks later and miserable, hardly able to function because they are so drugged up, taking antibiotics to "prevent" infection, and getting other infections and stomaches from the antibiotics....we had 4 people with this same bug, so sick that they couldn't come to work today and were unable to function during the conference.... Some people that haven't slept in a week and yet they are taking lots of meds.

So, I may smell like a  Garlic Clove, and my blood could probably be turned in to salad dressing at this point, but I'm feeling good!  And the sick bugs are going DOWN!!!

WHAT DOES SHE USE PART 3

So YES, I went a little crazy with the homeopathic stuff.. But once I saw it working, I couldn't help my self... 

Because of the cost involved, I decided every couple weeks, I'd buy one more, so eventually I would be stocked for all common ailments....

The fun part is now Veg will actually tell me if he needs a "remedy" and which he feels like.... You'll also notice a Bug Bite Dark Chocolate Square in our Non-Medicine Cabinet. 

We have discovered thanks to a local Mom, that by Veg eating a piece of Dark Chocolate at the first sign of a Migraine, the Migraine goes away!!!  The other option is Coffee, but I'm using the chocolate as long as its working.  And if he doesn't outgrow it, then he'll probably have to switch to coffee at some point..  He'll also ask for the Headache Remedy now or Tummy one depending on where the migraine settled.  The last two went away in 20 minutes with no Vomitting!  WooHoo!!!

Thankfully Kroger put all their Bug Bites on Clearance, so I stocked up and have a cup full of them in our Non-Medicine cabinet instead of the snack drawer.  They are for Migraines ONLY!!  that way we dont' run out when needed.

My current favorite is the SNIFFLES... My sinuses are acting up again and that is keeping them draining...6 drops in the morning and I'm clear head all day.

And as always the Garlic Willow Oil...  Add to that, our cabinet is always stocked these days with Echinacea/Goldenseal Drops, Elderberry, Garlic (vegan capsules of course), Oregano.... 

Ah the list goes on!!   And Over the counter or Prescription Meds are no where to be found!!  (except in the basement bathroom where all our old stuff got stockpiled.. until they expire... I'm never sure how to properly dispose of that stuff...  Besides visitors sometimes need something and don't necessarily want to dabble in plants)

WHAT DOES SHE USE PART 2

I still plan to do an updated pic of our non-medicine cabinet... But that will be a weekend project.  Here are the items in my "feel better bag "that I carry in my back pack...  A Mom can never be too prepared for Owies!

 

Burts Bees Hand Sanitizer...Smells better, does't burn and much more mild then its counterpart.  Burts Bees ResQ ointment.  We use for everything from scrapes, scratches, bumps, paper cuts to bug bites...  Stops the hurt, the itch and the tears in my house!   My Veg calls it his "Feel Better tin"

The Burts Bees outdoor stick was purchased for bug bites, but I'm still liking the ResQ ointment better (as does Veg) 

Tom's of Main Floss, you never know when you'll get something stuck in your teeth..

Some Latex free bandages.

And lastly the tea bags!!!

Seriously!!  These have been amazing!! I'm so glad my friend told me about these.. The Tummy Time one has helped us out of 2 near disasters while out for the day....I think almost all Mom's can relate to being an hour away from home and you hear suddenly "My Tummy hurts"...... and the Cold Time tea pack has helped us with an onset of sniffles as well...  And because they are tea bags, they fit easily in to the back pack and you can find hot water almost anywhere.

Recently this same friend told me about the Throat Care one!  Guess I'll be adding that to my bag soon ~wink~

WHAT DOES SHE USE PART 1

I've had a lot of questions lately from friends and local Mom's about what natural products I use and where I find them... And so I thought I'd start a series on here with pictures of products that we use.  As for where I find them... Natural food stores, Target and Kroger are usually my friends in shopping land... Always check for yourself if something is right for you, as I only purchase stuff that I feel is right for our family.

I've added a category called "WHAT DOES SHE USE" for easy reference later in the archives.....  Today in the interest of time I've started with the shower... How exciting is that??   NOT!!  ha ha...

Kiss My face Cold and Flu Stuff (big bottle toward the front) is my new favorite during cold or sinus season.  It is refreshing, and head clearing and mild enough for Veg to use.  There are two bars of soap, one is just Lemon Glycerin and the other is a Tea Tree therapy with Eucalyptus..

The Two Ketchup looking bottles are my No Shampoo Bottles... I use one for Baking soda and water.  The other for Apple Cider Vinegar and Water....

The other bottles are Tea Tree Triple Treat and Smooth as Silk from Giavanni  And California Baby (also used for shower toys when bottle is empty)

If there is a product you like in a category that I'm talking about that day (or not) feel free to add your recomendations.  (PS. ignore the dirty shower and ugly decor)

LUNCH BREAK UPDATE

EDIT - Not really lunch anymore... this is what happens when my day happens....Work goes on, hours go by, and here I am... but will finish my "lunch" now to complete this post.

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Because I know you have all just been dying to find out how I'm doing with my 1/2 Marathon Training, No Shampoo Mission and Starbucks denial.... Along with many more things, I decided to take a quick lunch break and give a shout out.... (P.S.  I know that no one really cares about this, but it makes me feel better to keep a log.. so just humor me.. and go to the next post if you choose)

The No Shampoo Thing - Well.. I hit the detox stumbling block where my hair went from great to not so great and so I started adding new things to the mix.  Including honey etc.  I read that if you can make it through hair detox period then it is smooth sailing from there.  But I couldn't take it... I caved...

In theory, you've used shampoo all your life and stripped all natural oils... So you have to give your head time to re-adjust.  Mine was GREAT for a couple weeks...Then there is a step where it is midstream and your hair goes crazy...  But when I used shampoo, I got white flakes and break outs again, so I'd lost my happy medium...  I switched shampoo, and no good came of it... 

Finally I went back to my Baking Soda Water rinse.... And my hair was happy again.... Then I use my Tea Tree Conditioner, and my Hair is Super Happy Again....  I save the Apple Cider vinegar rinse for only once a week.... So there you are!  I'm back to Shampoo Free and Happy!  With a little natural conditioner thrown in.  And my Hair is Happy Too!

Denying my Body the goodness of Starbucks- Well this one is a little shaky... Some weeks all is well, and I get by with Tea or Soymilk and tiny bits of Coffee.  Other times like yesterday when a Coworker twisted my arm to the point of breaking and even offered to pay, I ended up with a Yummy Delicious Chocolaty Frozen caffeinated beverage delivered to my desk... I HAD TO DRINK IT!!  I was forced to... I had no choice.... (come on...seriously.. Free and good and caffeine after getting no sleep for 2 weeks, who would say no?)

1/2 Marathon Training - I made it to 7 miles... I got past all goals I had set for myself.  All was good... Then not so much... I haven't done more then a mile in 2 weeks.  I need motivation... I have to get back at it!  I'm determined and I will finish every bit of those 13 miles... You mark my words...

OK don't mark them because then your monitor will be filled with ink.  Why do people say that anyway?  "Mark my words?"  What does that mean?  ....  Sorry, got carried away there!   Hoping for good news to report this weekend on running progress.  A Co-Worker has been sending me motivational links, and that has inspired me to not stop totally.... Stay tuned!

Natural Remedies - Well this is my long term quest that will not stop amazing me... From Garlic to Aloe, Lysine to Tea Tree....  A total lifestyle change.  So many things that make such a difference.  We have gone 18 months with out any medical intervention (except when I thought I broke my foot but thats another story)  and only one over the counter med (motrin), which is now also out of the picture.  I won't jinx it by saying we have no problems. Because we do get sick bugs.  In fact there was one day last weekend that I felt like the flu had taken me over... But it was ONE DAY!  got rid of it and I was fine.  I didn't  actually got sick, and didn't get weeks of cough or sniffles, or sinus infections like years past.  I just needed sleep and some garlic and oregano...Then it was over.

Also Veg has had two bouts of sick this year, and one was pretty miserable, but he refused to take my stuff.  On day 3 he took it, and was fine by day 4 and all better on Day 5.

NOW - On this subject, I've had some people try the same tricks and they work, I've seen others try and they don't.  I've seen some that will do everything possible to DEBUNK my attempts at Natural'ish living, however I must say.....  Just throwing on some salve or taking a remedy isn't going to fix everything. 

Its a life style change.  Ridding the house of toxic cleaners, Getting off the antibiotic roller coaster, Boosting our immune systems.  Staying away from meats and dairy products (especially during sick times)  Avoiding Mucous causing foods and things to enter the bod.... Not being around Smoking...Also not taking any over the counter meds at every sign of a cold.  Not tricking the body (that doesn't work by the way) by taking cough meds.  Exercising and Smiling (yes both make a difference) Eating natural and organic food where possible. Sleep when needed.. Eat when needed....Then using natural resources to help the body rid itself of bad things.

I'm not a Hypocrite nor am I an idiot.  I know that some day, there will be medical intervention.  I know that some day I could need real medicine in a life or death situation.  I know that some day my body will grow old and laugh at me....  I know that I will have to do what is best for my child in the event care is needed and that he will come in contact with every sick bug and probably get several of them each year...

I also know that I've done my absolute best to give us an environment where we feel good most of the time, and where sick bugs don't last most of the time.  From there it is out of my hands, and I can only hope for the best.

So for those that think it is all placebo, Yeah, it might be, but I don't care.  I know that I haven't had a single fever blister in over a year (used to get them every month) thanks to Lysine ointment, and if that is a placebo, I'll buy it all day.  And if I get a fever blister because I just typed that, then so be it... I still haven't had one in over a year.  HUGE Difference!  Talking swollen lips to where I can't eat.... ALL GONE!

And to those that try something and it doesn't work, so they won't even consider the idea of making a change...  Well for 1, they just aren't ready to make a change, and for 2 just because one thing doesn't work doesn't mean others won't.  Just like it took me years to find out that Advil was the only cold medicine that I liked, and then another bunch of years to realize I didn't need it at all.  Just like you may like one brand of chips but not another.  You have to be willing to try things and listen to your body to find what works for you.  Every one is different and what works for me won't work for everyone.  And because I'm not a professional, I wouldn't tell someone to do anything I do.  I can only say what works for us.

Now to The Budget -  Finishing week two Debit and Credit card free!!  How cool is that??  Will be some time before we are Credit free, but working on it.

Homemade Deoderant -  Still LOVE IT! No smell at all.  I do get some redness after a good exercise though, and so there are a couple days a week I don't use it to allow the red and sore spot to go away.  Next time I won't use as much baking soda and corn starch and that should fix that problem.  But for now, I shall finish the batch happily, while using my other natural stuff that I don't like as well on the sore days.

Think that is everything on my updates... So if you read this far... I hope your eyes are still in tact.. And assuming my mom is the only one that read this far... Hi Mom, I love ya!

.

ALOE AND GARLIC

Not too long ago, I posted this about ALOE and how it is one of my best plant based friends...

Since then I have used it on a cotton ball for my dogs ears every couple days and it is really and truly keeping his yeast and bacteria infections at bay.  His scratching has been kept to a minimum and the smell hasn't come back... Now if I can only remember to do that for him at least once a week, I bet we will be rid of that chronic issue he's been prone to since we found him in a ditch all those years ago.

NOW to the GARLIC that I promised to post about!!    Yes, it is for eating.. Yes it is great in recipes... But this little clove jewel has many more wonderful qualities then giving taste to a pasta dish....

They say it can help with Cholesterol, Tri-Glyceride's, Blood stuff, and may other things, but I've recently discovered that it has been shown to kill bacteria that is antibiotic resistant.  It has also killed strains of bacteria faster in a dish then an antibiotic fighting the same strain.  I've discovered that it will boost my immune system while it is under attack...

But more then that I've seen it work for Veg's Ear infections time and time again...  He still gets those little agonizing beasts but maybe once or twice a year now and each time we cure them without antibiotics.  Each time we have gone Antibiotic free....  Thanks to Garlic!

I've brought up the ear oil before, so why am I bringing up Garlic again.. Because I started taking the capsules (vegetarian of course) only as needed instead of just rubbing the oil on skin.  (*note - I've heard that garlic on skin can cause burns, so I only use the proper safe for skin oils when using on skin)

And I've seen a pending cold disappear.  I'll come home from work with a drainy, runny, drive me crazy nose... take a capsule of garlic and within 10 minutes my nose is dry and happy...and cold is gone.  I've watched it clear up Hubbies last chest congestion (his takes a little longer because he doesn't catch it in time)....  And while everyone has had the flu around me at work, I've stopped the pending doom, by taking a garlic pill.  Not saying anyone else should use it as I'm not professional in any way... But really research all the benefits, the next time you take a bight of your garlic butter... *smile*

Now granted it can make ya stink... maybe not so appealing...  But the pill is better then eating a clove whole when it comes to the stink factor.  But I notice myself cooking much more with real cloves of Garlic and will request them on pasta dishes at restaurants. 

I'm not saying I won't get sick and that our family doesn't get sick.. But if I can keep the bad stuff at bay most of the year.... then a couple bouts of annoyance isn't so bad.

And so that is my story about Garlic and why it is my favorite Bulb friend!

ALOE JUICE MY FRIEND

This seems to be my most popular Google search term (As in How people clicked to my blog )  All 5 of them *smile*

 Aloe Juice and Pink Eye....

Each day when I check my stats, that aloe post always comes up as a page people found via google.  Well I have to say that Aloe Juice is one of my best friends.. (assuming a plant based juice could be a friend)

So I'm happy that other people are looking for it too.. I only buy the Lakewood brand and so far have been very happy with it.  Everything from Pink Eye, to soothing a scratch in the eye... 

To gargling for a mouth burn, putting on gums for ouches...  I even use it on my dog for hot spots, and drink a little internally to stop a sore throat..  Also drinking a little internally helped to boost my immune system during the crud going through our house and will make my acne go away...

Here is the problem.... It can cause a laxative effect... in most people it may... but for me it does the opposite!!!  Yes lets talk poop!  If I take the aloe internally the bathroom is not needed.  And when the bathroom is not needed, I get cranky.... And no one wants a cranky Mom... So I stopped taking it internally unless really needed, and my skin is horribly broken out again!! 

Now I have to decide.... Bad skin or Crabby Mom???  Hmm... really hard decision... But for everything else, Aloe is my friend... I can't even say how many things it has helped for us.  Pink Eye happens to be my favorite though...Nothing like waking up with gunky swollen eyes, and have them wiped clear in a day or two! 

OH OH, and another cool use for this golden yellow beverage was when my Dog was scratching his ears like crazy the other night, it was too late to look for his drops and get back to bed.... So I put some aloe on a cotton ball and swabbed his ears.....Not only did he rest easy and quit scratching, but the next day I noticed the stink was gone...Apparently the yeast in his ear didn't like the Aloe..... BUT I DO!  *smile*

Soon you will see me post about Garlic!!  Yup, that is another member of the plant family that has become my friend.... Ok, maybe this one isn't a plant, more like a bulb?  A root?  something like that.... 

BUT ITS GYMNASTICS

So my guy is officially sick.. Bound to happen sooner or later this year I suppose...  this is his first time out of school because of sick all year, and his first "non-food related migraine" day of feeling bad in a long time...

I think this may even be his first fever since this time last year.  I don't remember, but regardless, he feels bad... And is so pitiful... but so sweet....

In his fever induced sweetness he looks at me and says "Mom, your so great"....  "Mom, I just love you"

As I'm wiping his brow with a cool wash cloth or filling the tub or making his special tea.... "Thank you Mom, your my favorite person"

And then it hit him.... The Being a guy thing.... The "Ooooo I can't move"  "I'm tooo sick to get off the couch, can you hand me that paper on the table"..... 

"Mooooom, I need your help"  I came running thinking this was an emergency, to find him lying on the floor, "I have to go to the bathroom".... SO GO, I say.... "I can't" he says.....  Apparently he just can't walk when he's sick....

OK, so I know he isn't feeling good, but it sounds like he's read another chapter in the Guy Manual..... Because when he asked if he could go to Gymnastics.... I said..

"You can't even walk yourself to the bathroom and you want to go to Gymnastics"

He jumps up and says BUT ITS GYMNASTICS...And he shows me how high he can jump.... "See, I'm all better" he says....

Needless to say we won't be going to Gymnastics, but its funny how fast he healed himself....

**Ps, I tried a new tea concoction and he is sleeping happily and fever is gone... I'll let you know how he does tomorrow and post the recipe if it continues to work with no side effects.

EUCALYPTUS JARS

Using some old Avery labels and card making supplies, I made labels to fit these cute little jars... Think I was actually having fun... Even though it took like two hours to get the right size printed, but thats another story... Did I mention the little jars are just too darn cute. 

When I went back to the store today they were already sold out.  I think someone else thought they were cute too.  Needless to say there are only four up for grabs right now, and already taken... Because those are the only 4 that asked.  :-)

I hope that no one I give them to actually needs them, because that would mean there is a cold brewing, but you asked and you shall receive!!

Due to limited supplies and high expense, I only made small ones for testing.. think of these as samplers *smile*...  I suppose if I like ya enough and you ask for more, I will be glad to Oblige, but I can't guarantee the cool label next time.  hee hee!

HOME MADE VAPOR'ISH RUB LIP BALM UPDATE

Last night, the sniffles for Veg turned in to a coughing fit while he was sleeping.  The deep yucky kind of "Oh no its going to his chest" kind of a cough.

So I took my little happy Eucalyptus stuff in the bedroom and put some on his Back, Chest and Feet....  as soon as I walked out of the room there was no noise... No coughing... It stopped... I waited for a few minutes thinking "This can't be"  But it was.... Hubby and I watched an entire movie and still no cough... so I went to sleep, he didn't wake us up...

And in the morning he woke up ready to go to school as always, came out of his room all dressed and ready for breakfast.... His congestion was gone, and he felt great!   Even the color in his face was normal again.

Just to be safe, I stuck some Echinacea/Goldenseal drops in his Orange Juice and Off to school he went...

When I picked him up in the afternoon, he said he didn't have any aching body parts and that his cough didn't come back... So far tonight there has been silence!   I shall call this the shortest cold of all time! 

I'm a happy camper!  And to think, no petroleum, chemicals, medicine or doctors....  Natural Stuff makes me happy and I think it makes Veg happy too...  Here's a little secret.. Hubby is coming over to the natural side too...Shhhhh!!  Don't tell, he doesn't know it yet!  *smile*

HOME MADE VAPOR'ISH RUB LIP BALM

A few weeks ago I posted about making Deodorant and Lip Balm... I mentioned that I would be making some with Eucalyptus for the next time one of us get sickly. 

Well Veg started with the sniffles today and I thought it would be great to have something moisturizing to put under his nose that would also help him breath.  And So I made my Vapor'ish Lip Balm...

Not really for the lips but to put on his Back, Chest, Feet and under his nose as needed.... Of course all he has is the sniffles, so none of that is needed.  But I'm prepared just in case!!

Using the Lip Balm Recipe and instead of Sweet Orange Oil, I used 18 drops of Eucalyptus Oil and 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil.  If I had some mint, I would have thrown that in to... But it is perfect.  I rubbed some on my chest, then pulled the collar of my shirt up over nose to absorb the vapors.  (leaving the rest of the shirt on, of course)  I don't even have the sniffles, but I just wanted to try it :-)

Also had to make sure there were no skin reactions before putting on Veg since we both have Uber Sensitive skin.  But 4 hrs later, I can still smell it, and my skin is soft too.  :-)  Think I'll be using that even when I'm not sick just because it smells good.  BUT... Probably don't want to wear it in the office or people may steer clear... Although maybe thats a good thing??

MAKING MY OWN DEODERANT

For Real... I did it!  Last night!!

My "sending awesome links" friend sent me this one from the Angry Chicken....  I immediately said this would be my mission.  I've been so sick of going on the no chemical, no aluminum search for Deodorant.  Even the ones I found that do work, aren't as great as they could be... And so making my own Deodorant seemed like the logical thing to do.

Not that I would have EVER thought of it before, but last night it sounded like a very logical thing to do... I made one batch that filled two containers.  (One for me and one for my awesome friend that gave me the link) So far I don't stink that I know of...  But my coworkers are probably thinking I'm quite strange walking around smelling my pits..

Then again, I'm always strange, so I suppose this is nothing new!!!

I'll send an update in a few days... For now after 4hrs, I'm happy with it...*smile* I used sweet orange and eucalyptus as my essential oils.  But it hardly smells orangery at all.  I'll have to add more next time.  Was also thinking Coconut may be a good smell... I could feel like I'm at the beach all the time.

Just noticed she also has a recipe for Lip Balm?  Hmmm Think I'll be doing that one next....  Ha!  Who would have thunk that making your own products could be so easy!  Why buy anything ever again! 

Oh, Well you do have to buy the products to make the products, unless you plan to go to South Africa and harvest your own Shea stuff and turn it in to butter.  How ever... even with having to buy some products, they are natural and not hurting anything and animal friendly.  Not to mention much more cost effective.

By the way... from the Angry Chicken website, I found this link about how not to use Shampoo....  I tried the Baking Soda with water and Apple Cider Vinegar with water recipes last night.... My hair is very happy with me today!!!

WoooHoo.... 2 veggie thumbs up to natural alternatives!!!