Vegmom Moments

The Chiggers Update

Another update from this summer is not as pleasant but wanted to share in case anyone else experiences the lovely chigger.  When Vegkid came home from camp in the mountains, his legs looked like this...

(sorry for the gross pics)  Actually these pictures are from day 5.  You do NOT want to know what he looked like when we picked him up.

And the backs not much better:

 

The rest of his body had other kinds of bumps, like poison ivy, mosquito bites, etc. I knew that because I used all my natural remedies to clear them up and they were all gone in a day or two.  

But his legs... OH MY WORD!!!  That stuff was persistent and seemed like it kept getting worse.  Nothing, not even Tea Tree would make that go away.  I heard of chiggers, but had never seen their reaction.

Well being a responsible parent, I decided to take Veg to the Doc before getting him around any other children, just in case this was something contagious.  

Doc confirmed it was chiggers and not contagious.  He also confirmed that they don't spread, but that reactions can take up to 3 days to appear.   So likely the new bites were showing up from each of the three days prior.    OK, that made sense.  But what now?

He basically said to treat the itching (which we already had, even as bad as it looked, he wasn't itching) and to treat any infection.  He sent us home with Antibiotic prescription.  Veg did NOT want to take medicine as much as I did NOT want to give it to him.

I told Veg to give me 24hrs.  I was ready to try the Garlic.. Bring out the big guns!!!  If we couldn't see improvement, we'd have to get the antibiotic.

Sooooooooooo.... I rubbed ear oil.. yes EAR OIL... Garlic, Willow Bark Ear OIl:

 

 

All over his legs while he slept.   In the morning when he woke up, ALLLLL the redness was gone.  And the really bad spot, looked 1000 times better.  

We decided not to fill the prescription and rubbed the Garlic oil on his legs a couple times a day for a few days.

And that was that!   Who would have thunk it??

So we learned a lot this summer, and one great thing we learned was that Garlic ear oil, stopped a chigger rash and infection within a couple days.  

I LOVE that stuff!

 

Made Our Own Body Care Products (again)

A Vegmom Spa Week wouldn't be complete without some Serious Skin Pampering.

First things first... Pull out the supplies:

We made some more C-Serum:

I kept asking my Mom after she used it, if her face was burning yet.  And the answer kept being "NO" although her face did feel tighter.  

THEN - She put this stuff on, right out of the shower... and I heard "Um, OK its burning now"  hee hee

Some more Aloe Toner:

Refilled the Minty Vanilla After Shower Spritz... Oooh we do love this stuff:

We made some Antibacterial Hand Salt Scrub:

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Body Scrub (oh my yum):

And Sugar Spice Hand scrub.. (Oh my Double yum):

Our skin became sooooo soft and smelled sooo good, my Mom was walking around singing:

"I feel so pretty and pretty and bright"

We didn't even know what to use first... the whole kitchen was full of delight.  I think every women should have a Spa day in their own house.

Thankfully I had lots of jars, so she was able to take a lot of this home with her.  And she wrote down the recipes to make her own too.  

As for me?? I couldn't get enough of the pumpkin spice scrub... I may or may not have put it in my hair.  But if I did, my hair would have been really really really soft!   Just sayin!

As for recipes for all this goodness.  The two sugar scrubs were found via Pinterest:

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub (this one is spice, sugar and oil, so it will keep for a while in a jar)

Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub (this one has actual pumpkin in it and no oil, so you have to use within a couple days) ------ This is the one I may or may not have put in my hair.

We also made a general counter/sink scrub cleaner with a grapefruit oil scent.  So I could show how shiny things can get without chemicals.

As for everything else, they were all found in the Do It Gorgeously Book.  Some were modified to my likes, but most were left as is.  You can find many of her recipes in video on the Gorgeously Green website.

It has been a week since the "Pamper Our Skin Day 2012" and I can't confirm how my Mom is feeling, but my skin feels wonderful.   

Thankfully, I have lots left over.   The only thing I need to make more of, is the pumpkin puree scrub.  You can bet that will be on my grocery list!

I'm not sure which of us liked the day more.  But I do know that we will have to do it again soon!! 

 

NeeNee's Visit To the Vegmom Spa 2012 Continued

I posted a few days ago about my Mom (aka NeeNee) coming to visit and her willingness to let me "fix" her!

You can read that post here

My Mom is an amazing caregiver.  She tends to take care of everyone but herself, so when she comes to visit, we like to make her trip as restful, non-toxic and enjoyable as possible.  This time, when she showed up, there was a cold being fought in her head, arthritis in all of her joints, and a nerve thing in her ankle (which we would discover later)

Here is another similar post from 2010

The difference of the Vegmom Spa in 2012 vs. 2010 is that I'm now going to school for Wellness Coaching.   I was able to speak in a much more educated manner to my Mom's questions as well as take a different approach to teaching.  Yes, she was my test subject.  *smile*  Especially since on day one she asked for my help.  

This was an open door for me to insert all of the goodness I could possibly find and make the NeeNee feel better.   I also wanted to show her how easy it could be to feel good without huge effort. I wanted to offer cost saving tips, cooking tips, and shortcuts so that she could easily do this at home when she left our Spa.

She gave me permission to share her thoughts, so you will see them inserted through out this week's series of posts.

My first order of business was to get rid of her sniffles so she could enjoy the rest of her trip.  Insert Garlic Capsules to dry her up.  This worked almost immediately by the way.  She even decided to nix her over the counter meds that she purchased because the Garlic worked so well.

She said "If you can fix me naturally, then I'm not going to take that other stuff"

We continued with Sniffles drops to unclog, Elderberry Syrup to fight the viral stuff,  Cold Care Tea to drink,  and a mixture of herbal tea (to share later), lots of rest, lots of water, and lots of this:

And this:

And this:

Spicy, creamy, soup is so awesome for comfort food and to get those sinuses draining. 

And this:

Pretty sure we went through 12 heads of romaine lettuce while she was here!

NeeNee was such a good patient/student.  She asked lots of great questions.  Even took notes!

By day 2, her sniffles were completely gone... I sent her home with a care package of the herbal items listed above as well as a bottle of garlic so she can do the same thing at home if/when the sniffles ever come back to get her.  That bad bug didn't settle in her chest or anything, it just went away as fast as it arrived!

I tell ya.. Sick Bugs are NOT welcome in this house and she saw that first hand!

Next up.. How did NeeNee handle a completely Veg Life experience?  

 

 

NeeNee's Visit To the Vegmom Spa 2012

My Mom showed up with a cold (and or allergy, we haven't decided yet) and horrible arthritis pains in her joints, specifically her ankle was bothering her to the point of limping and not able to apply pressure.

She looked at me quite miserably and sniffly and said "You have a challenge for this visit, you need to fix me"

<REALLY?????>  Insert Me, Jumping for joy!

You see, when NeeNee comes to visit, we give her lots of sleep, lots of good foods, tender loving care, fresh air, a few fun events and lots of all natural body stuffs. 

BUT I also would fit in my digs about her need to quit smoking at home since she doesn't smoke while here, and how to eat healthier at home, how not to put plastic in the microwave, about her husband's stomach and heart dilemma... blah blah blah.. Yes, I'm totally annoying!

THIS year, I decided I would practice what I'm learning in school.  I decided not to nag, not push, not be annoying, and just offer all our goodness.   Let her enjoy the spa visit, without my two cents.  This would require a muzzle but I was determined.  (until she tried to put some of my goodness in the microwave, I couldn't contain myself)

Anyway, the moral of this story, is that I was not going to push my agenda, and yet she came to me on day one and said "Your challenge is to fix me"... My head started spinning as if I'd hit the jackpot.  This was my IN!!   An open door to make her feel better!

To be continued....

Feel Better Sludge

We have used Garlic and Onion for several years here in the Vegmom house.  Everything from helping earaches or colds, to getting rid of strange skin infections and of course tasty additions to foods.  

But let me tell you, NEVER have I experienced the healing power of this Feel Better Sludge until I hinted about it yesterday.

Citrus, Garlic, and Onion all in the power of a drinkable concoction:

Drinkable I say with a puckered scrunched up face, that is!   And enough garlic that the vampires will stay away from me for a life time.  Luckily my meetings today allowed me to sit in the back of the room (a full table away from people).

First let me set the scene..

Kids at Veg's school have Pnuemonia, three of them to be exact.  Several have the flu too.   I've been around at least 10 people in the past week that are either sick or have a sick family member.  Every where we go there are people sneezing, coughing and talking about there month long sick bugs.

Hubs is on his 4th week of a cough (he went the medical route), Vegkid finally got it, and we nipped it in 5 days (naturally no medicine).  So when I woke up yesterday with the sniffles, as in stuffy head all over, I knew that the yuck was pending.  In fact I only lasted at work for a couple hours and had to come home. 

I arrived home with a full head, clogged sinuses, uncomfortable, unable to sleep and beginning to cough.  I took all my normal natural stuff to get me comfortable (including a garlic capsule) and settled in to the fact that this would be a doozy, but I would kick it fast.  Figured a couple days Max!

Then I remembered this recipe..    I immediately whipped up a batch and thought "What in the world am I doing"  The smell alone was enough to send me running.  But I knew this HAD to go down the hatch!  It would work, I could feel it in my natural bones.

TBS 1 went down the hatch.  Surprisingly, it stayed down, and it seemed to settle in my belly OK.  I noticed after the second dose that I was drying up quickly.  My head no longer stuffy and I was able to rest.  In fact I fell asleep, for 3hrs!   Really!!

Before the night was Over, I had a couple more doses and FELT great!  Slept better last night (as in deep dreamy sleep) then I have in years!!!  

I woke up with out even a thought of a sniffle, had a clear head, tons of energy and ready to face the day.  I've felt great all day! Even did a workout.  (although did take a couple more TBS just in case)..  

No cough, no sniffles, no headache, no clogged sinuses, no sinus pressure... Gone Gone Gone!!!

TAKE THAT YOU SICK BUGS!    Less than 18hrs and you are Squashed!!!  

As my Mom would say "I don't want any of your business"

 

This Raw Vegan Sludge may taste nastier then anything I have ever experienced, but you won't hear me complain!

Nope, not one single bit!!

 

Love These Words - Makes it all Worth It!

As a Natural'ish Mom, I realize that my son is going to grow up some day with a Comedy act of me and all the things I say will make him feel better.   From swabbing his nose with ACV, putting garlic oil behind (and IN) his ears, to putting home made eucalyptus rub or oregano oil on his feet.

Putting Garlic oil on a boil, and tea tree wash clothes on his head to fight a migraine.

He will share stories of me making him smell like a salad in the spirit of making him feel better.   He may even mention the head in the freezer trick for Croup or coconut oil lathered on his itchy skin.

I will likely never live down the Aloe Juice on his eyes for redness or having him suck a tea bag when a tooth fell out and was bleeding.  Gargling salt water, swallowing aloe juice and/or sticking ginger drops under his tongue to settle an upset stomach.  

He will forever remember the "feel better" Soap, comfrey ointments, and oregano oil in his arm pits.

Some day he will look back at my Non-Medicine cabinet and laugh himself silly.  

But for now, he says this:

"Mom, Thank you for taking such good care of me, and making me not have to go to the doctor, I don't know where I would be if it weren't for you"

I Love those words!!!  Even if I'll be the root of all his jokes when he grows up, for now I'm the Mom that makes him feel better, and I'll Take it!!!

 

 

 

 

Reorganizing my Days

Hi There, I'm still here Mom... don't panic, don't sound the alarms... everything is OK!!

As part of keeping my sanity  and giving myself a break, I've been trying to reorganize my time.

Sadly, Exercise and Blogging has been hit hardest by this change.  

BUT things are going well.  I'm intentionally making dinner each night, then sitting down with the Vegkid and having some good chats.  We have played countless rounds of board games, and he is mastering Chess on the computer.    

I've enjoyed some old movies via Netflix.

I've been doing at least One house thing each day after work, so I don't get so overwhelmed come the weekend.  

Getting really caught up on work too, so I can take a few days off next week and not come back to a mess.

I have much of my Christmas Shopping done (Veg's stuff is All done).

Oh, and I found out there is a Legoland in Florida, how cool is that?  I feel a quick trip being planned!

Also been looking hard for a brainiac group activity for the Veg kid to take part in.  If anyone has suggestions please send...  

Most importantly, I'm getting to bed earlier, and even more importantly, I'm spending time with my skin!  Yes, I said spending time with my skin.

It is very happy with me right now... just Sayin!  Both Face and Body care has made me feel so much better.

Here is another great recipe from Gorgeously Green and sooo easy:

Moisturizing Hand Scrub

I've been using that every day this week when I get home from the office to get rid of all the germies and grime.  But I can't believe how moisturizing it is.  Even with all the hand washing during the day, my skin still feels soft.  I'm thinking sweet almond oil is my friend!

She uses lavender for this one, and I'm not a fan of the floral scents (nor the sneezes that come with them)  So I used Tea Tree and Eucalyptus oils.

I'm hoping to get exercise back in to the fold as I need that and starting to miss it.. But I think my body asked for a break too.  So I listened!  

If we can't listen to ourselves, who can we listen to?

As for Blogging... You can see by this not very exciting post that I'm still here...  I also like to check in often on Twitter @Vegmom1.  

Oh Oh Oh, AND, I spoke with a couple people this week that are eliminating meat from their diets at least temporarily so that is exciting.

But I also found out that Veg's School is going to have a Vegetarian and mostly Gluten Free Thanksgiving meal this year!  How absolutely awesome is THAT?  I'm sure those Turkey's will be very thankful *wink*

As for me?  My Tummy has been very happy with me the past few days!  I think I have found the perfect ratio of cooked legumes, oats, veggies to Raw nuts, seeds, fruit and veggies.   Maintaining will be key!

Guess I better call it a night or I'll turn in to a Pumpkin..  I'll post more soon!

Good Night Moon!

 

 

 

 

 

Do It Gorgeously Product Marathon

I Declared Saturday Morning as a "Making Amazing Products for my Sanity" Day!

So I looked through this book: 

Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products

And began creating:

This Minty Vanilla oil after shower Spritz is so amazing!!  The recipe called for different scented oils, but I went a little rogue.

Cold Aloe Juice Toner... My Face really likes this one:

Another batch of anti-aging C-Serum:

Coconut Vanilla Body Cream... smells sooooo good and perfect for the pending winter months and dry skin that comes along for the ride.!!!

Cough Syrup and Cold Elixir (I snuck a taste.. YUM!!)  Its one of those things that you hope you'll never need, but when you do, you'll be glad you had it:

Last but certainly NOT least.....The mintiest freshest Mouth wash EVER:

I had so much fun making all this stuff.  And so empowering to know the products I'm using were made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, THAT I can Pronounce, in my very own kitchen.

They were also all very very very easy to make.  

As for cost?  I used many recycled jars and bottles, so they didn't cost anything.  I did purchase the blue bottles, but they were very inexpensive.  

The Oils can be an investment, but not if you start small.  And they last forever.  I just found an oil the other day that smelled so good and was on sale for the holidays.  Some even have coupons like Aura Cacia.

As for other ingredients:

Most things I had in my (Concoction closet) from other goodies I like to make.  A couple I had to purchase, but not too horrible.  All the Herbs were purchased from the bulk bin for example,  So that cost maybe $1.50 total.  I just grabbed exactly what I needed for the recipe and that worked great!   

I'd say if your new to this and purchase enough stuff to make one recipe, you will be surprised at how many other items you can make with those same ingredients.

I also really like that the author provides a common use for the items (ie: use after cleansing but before moisturizing)  and she always lists a shelf life.  So I labeled all my jars with the name, date and shelf life.

The best part is, some of these have caused me to create a new Shower/skincare routine, and force me to make a little bit of down time to take care of me.  Even if just for 10 minutes!  

Speaking of which, that After Shower Spritz is calling my name.. therefore I must sign off of here and go take that shower while the house is quiet.  Shhhhh, don't tell anyone or they'll start making noise!!

 

Gorgeously Green Vitamin C for the Face

A few days ago, I mentioned finding these awesome videos that teach you how to make home and body products.

Then I ordered the book:

Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products

While waiting for the book to arrive, I happened upon a little Health store in our area that had many of the products I saw in those videos.  Including the cutest little blue bottles. I went a little overboard actually... Lets just say my Essential oil stash has grown x10.  But I also grabbed some Vitamin C and the cutest tiny bottle to make this:

Anti Aging Vitamin C Serum

The whole mixture took about 2 minutes to throw together, and I've already used it 3 times and feel younger already *smile*  

Trick will be to remember making another stash every week, because it "expires" quickly.  But as good as my skin feels/looks this evening, I'm thinking it will become a nice addition to my weekly task list.

Well, about an hour after filling that cute little bottle... the UPS guy drops off my package:

Hello, cool book filled with goodness!    I think you and I are going to become good friends!  

There is nothing more satisfying than making your own products.  Yes, I already make some of my own skin care products, so one may ask "Why do I need more?"  

Because it is fun, that is why!  And because I can, So There!  *smile*

**Note to NeeNee, look out, your "Spa" experience at the Veg house has just become more exciting!  *smile*

 

My Little Desk Personal Feel Better Clinic

I've been meaning to share this phone picture for a long time.  But figured you would really think I lost my top to see what I keep in my Desk.

Then I figured you already know I lost my top, so why not share!

Every time I open the overhead at my desk I feel like I have my own little Apothecary.

I surround myself with things that make me feel better in hopes I'll never need them.  But if I do, I'll be glad to have them.  Not to mention I can't stand work germies.

So I come prepared:

Left to right:

• Seventh Generation Germie Desk wipes
• Little glass jar of Himalayan Salts soaked in eucalyptus and peppermint
• Coconut OIl
• Green Tea Bags
• Grapefruit extract Hand wipes
• Minty Ginger Drops for tummy aches
• Bottle of Tea Tree Oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar

I'm not very fond of the Seventh Generation smell, so I only use that one to wipe the desk and door handles down if someone was visiting that I know to be sick.  Otherwise, I'll wipe messes up with water or towels.  

Now, if someone is really really sickly, also happens to be a nail biter (Ewwwww) and they touch my desk.. I'll skip the wipes, and go straight for the Tea Tree oil.  I try not to do that too often or my office neighbors may get really annoyed.

The Tummy drops have saved me at least 100 times.  Nothing worse then eating something that doesn't settle well and have to work all day with a sour stomach.  Phooey!   I do love those drops.  YES they are for kids (shhh, don't tell) but I'm a kid at heart, right?

I keep the Coconut oil around for lotion, lip balm, paper cuts, sudden fever blisters or just because I really like the smell.

The Smelly Salt Jar, is a home made concoction for those days that I have a stress headache or feeling tense or sniffly (this Idea came from a good friend, and I love that little jar)

Grapefruit extract hand wipes, are good to have for extra sticky fingers after eating my morning fruit or to clean and refresh my hands, face and neck after a sweaty walk.   Quickly get back to concentrating status.

Green Tea bags when moistened with cold water are awesome for swollen or itchy computer staring eyes.  Also for allergy, pink eye and any other pink'ness.  And I've been known to use them for swollen gums or burns.  And of course drinking hot tea on a cold day is quite tasty.

As for the ACV and Tea Tree Oil... Oh my goodness.  I could go on ALL day long regarding the reasons I keep these two things with me every where I go.  Home, Office and Vacation...   But my favorite office use for the ACV is when I'm in a meeting of Sneeze and Coughers, I'll go back to my office and swab my nose with the ACV.. I was told that it kills the germies upon entry.  Not sure if it really does, but makes me feel better.

Also if I walk past a smelly perfume desk and get the sneezes myself, ACV swabs of the nose, always seems to nip that right in the bud!  

Soooo, that is my office remedy cabinet.

Keeps the sick bugs, stress bugs and allergy bugs away, while keeping my skin smooth and my tummy happy!  What else could a girl need??

What do you keep in your desk?

Gorgeously Green Videos

Not sure how I found this website, it was sort of a twitter link, that lead to a site that lead to a favorite of that site, and eventually ended up on this Video page:

Gorgeously Green TV

I warn you, it is addicting.. Click only if you dare!  I already see 5 things I want to make.  

Vanilla Coconut Body Cream anyone?

 

Shampoo Story Continues

While I still use ACV every so often, and mint/tea tree shampoo the other so often... I'm happy to report that with healthier lifestyle, juicing and green goodness, I still don't need conditioner...and my hair is softer than ever...

It's been a couple years now since I've had to buy a bottle of conditioner, and let me tell you, I have some long, thick and crazy hair.. but it is soft, not tangled and rarely sheds. 

So WHY would I try a new Shampoo???  Because the idea of this bar intrigued me:

 

And I finally purchased one... Figured if it worked as good as the bottle stuff, than I would never again need to purchase a plastic bottle of Shampoo...  If I really wanted the clean fresh feeling of tea tree and mint, I could just add a couple drops of oil to water and spritz the noggin. 

So I got the bar... I've tried it twice, and will say the jury is out...  I'm not convinced that I love it yet, and not convinced that I don't. 

With the promise of one less plastic bottle in the house, inexpensive, safe, all natural, no animal product ingredients, I really want to love this product... will have to see what my hair thinks after some more tries.

Stay tuned!

My New Home Made Deodorant Concoction

Along time ago, I posted a link that started my trek to home Deodorant Making..  There were several expensive ingredients, several supplies, a microwave, a jar and a fridge involved.  But I was so grateful to find a natural vegan option that worked.

Included in that process was baking soda, so one day when on a business trip, I realized I forgot my deo-balm, and found baking soda in the hotel store.

Why not?  To my surprise, It worked so well, even when on a nervous business trip and jogging in the morning.  

I switched full time to non-aluminum baking soda as my deo when I ran out of the last batch of balm... Baking Soda was cheap and fast... Remember, I'm trying to simplify!

It is also easily transportable for travel.

For over a year, I've been using the baking soda and just recently began to get a rash.  So at night I'd put coconut oil on the rash and during the day, I put the baking soda on by itself... While on our trip, the two got mixed in my bag, and a new concoction was born..

This weekend I made the following:

1 Part non-aluminum Baking soda (for the stink)

1 Part organic Corn Starch (to help dry)

And a big glob of Coconut oil....(for moisture)

Once well combined, it turned in to this white glob and I stored it in a glass jar in my bathroom drawer.  Took all but 5 minutes, was cheap, no microwave, no fridge, and smelled great!

I've put my new deo to the test... Washing a car in the heat, scrubbing the tub, jogging in 93 degrees, and decluttering the house.. Still no STINK and no Rash!!!

Should warn, that I still sweat (sorry for the TMI) but the stink is not there, and I haven't found any natural store bought solutions that work for me... so this is Awesome!

Make this reason #5239 that I do LOVE coconut oil! 

Its only been a couple days, but so far I'm a happy camper!

 

Salt and Essential Oils in a Jar

Yes, I'm going to talk about my FRIEND again... we have had lots of chats lately, so it is only normal that she would creep up in my posts these days.

Well, she is starting to try some more natural things to help the Owies around her house, and one of those is headaches/stress/neck aches.

She grabbed an herbal book from the library and told me about some of her findings... One of which caught my ear... 

It said something about putting Himalayan salt rocks in a glass jar and a couple drops of essential oils.  The salt will hold in the fragrance, and the smell will help a headache...

Now I don't get headaches so much, but I do get stressers, and I thought having one of these in my office, will help with tension when I can't get out for a walk...

Having one at home, would help Veg when he gets a headache. 

So I made two!

The little brown jar for my office and the clear jar for my house...

The jars have a drop each of, Eucalyptus, Mint, Tea Tree & Sage...

I think I may look for some netted tops, and make a couple more of these to just set around the house with average fragrances.  Maybe Orange or Coconut or Vanilla....Ooh, the possibilities are endless.

All Natural Room Fresheners... Hmmmm? 

When Molars Hurt

My young one is having a lot of trouble getting his gigantic molars through his little face.  They started about 2 years ago, and got stuck part way through.  So they are now forcing the rest of their way in...

The dentist said "Now that looks really painful, if it hurts, you be sure to tell your Mom so she can give you medicine"

My Veg said all matter-of-factly... "We don't use medicine in our house, we use natural remedies"  hee hee...

Those proud Vegmom Moments....

Anyway, I told him if they hurt, I had things to help him, but he didn't want any of those.  And then yesterday, he looked so pitiful..... I stopped off at our local Health Food Store and found this:

 

I tried it on my self first.. It tastes like Spicy Pumpkin Pie...  After a few moments I felt my lip a little tingly and sort of numb but not like the medicated kind of numb.  Just a slight tingle.  Then Veg was ready to try it....

When I first put it on, he said "Mmm, this smells good, but isn't doing anything for my toothache"

Then about 5 minutes in to our drive, I hear.. "WOW, Now its kicking"  He ended up eating his dinner with out problems, going to sleep without it hurting, and waking up my happy boy!!

So I'm not sure I would use it on babies teething.. it is spicy to us, and a little strong... It more heats up to tingle and not cool down..  But for my Vegman, he LOVED IT!!

He's asked for it two more times since yesterday, and has had no pain today at all.  

THANK YOU HERBS FOR KIDS.....

Park and Vine - The Coolest Store

Once arriving at my hotel, I did a little exploring.. and came across this shop called "Park and Vine"

They had the funnest stuff... The whole store is Vegan.   Everything from Paints to Glue to clothes, to glass baby bottles, cloth diapers, and foods... some of the yummiest foods!!!  I even found Vegan Marshmallows.

They had natural house cleaners, body products, Composters... oh the list goes on... check out their site to see.

If I had a way to keep everything cold and get it home, I would have purchased A LOT... BUT... I did buy this shirt.... Oh yes.. I HAD to have this shirt!!!

 

The colors are actually brown and peach, but they came out kind of yellow in this pic.

Much more to post.... So much to tell....

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)