Vegmom Moments

No Conditioner for Me

Since changing my diet to a mostly whole foods plant based variety, my hair no longer needs conditioning.  In fact I've gone a long time without using it.  

Of course I don't use sprays, gels, hair dryers, curling irons or any thing else on it either.  So just a light shampoo, acv or baking soda rinse always does the trick.

The other day I tried a sample natural conditioner for the first time in years, and OH MY GREASE... It took me three days of ACV rinses to get my hair back to a somewhat normal state.

I have made an executive hair decision... NO CONDITIONER FOR ME!

 

 

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!! 

 

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!!

 

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!!

 

3 More Reasons Why I Start My Day With Lemon Water

I was told by our Herbal Lady that lemons were Alkalizing.   She said if I start every day with water and drops of real lemon before I eat or drink anything, that it will start my day off right.

Keeping sick bugs away, provide energy, curb appetite cravings, help with metabolism, clear my skin, and much more.  While my skin still sometimes gives me trouble (like today), I can say that the rest seems to be doing what she said.

What I didn't know, is what happens on the inside of our bodies by drinking lemon water.  This article on Livestrong shows 3 More reasons why Lemon water is so good for us.

• Cleansing
• Digestion
• Liver

Do you drink Lemon Water?

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*

 

Travel - I'll be Prepared next Time

My last business travel excursion brought with it a terrible food experience.  

And there was no reason that I shouldn't have been more prepared.  It is different when flying and you can't take certain things with you or don't have the space.  But when Driving, I should have no excuse.  

Now to my defense, I did think there was a Veg Store near by, and figured I would stock up there, but they happened to be closed!  Boo!!

SOooo. then I saw this post from the Pure2Raw girls, and thought Duhhhhh (As VegKid would say)...  Why didn't I think of that?

They carry a little cutting board and knife with them.  Then some fruit and veggies that are easily portable, and Voila!  I stuck that little suggestion in the back of my brain.

While shopping this week, I found the cutest little cutting board and a knife with cover that will be perfect for hotel food chopping.

Thanks Pure2Raw for the idea.  I'll be ready next time....YES I will!!!

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?

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!

 

Why I Love Macadamias

Sure, I liked a White Chocolate macadamia nut cookie in my past life.. but never did I really KNOW the goodness of the Macadamia nut until I went on a search for raw foods a couple years ago and started taste testing new foods.

Sadly I don't like the flavor of Brazil Nut and Peanuts can only take me so far... But we found that my Vegman can't have Almonds, Cashews or Pistachios because they upset his stomach.

Pecans and Walnuts he doesn't like... but Macadamias... Raw Macadamias... Now they can do so much.

Not only are they high in good fats, carry some protein, good carbs, calcium, magnesium and potassium along with many other minerals..but they taste good, satisfy my crunch and they are so versatile.

I've taken those sweet little yummy things and made raw cookies, raw cupcakes, dips, sauces, dressings, cheezes, nut butters, toppings,  trail mixes, raw macaroons, raw mayo, raw pies, raw brownie bites, raw cookie dough, granola bars, AH the list goes on!  Eating a couple just plain for quick hunger fix makes me happy too.

Now granted, where I live, they are VERY Expensive.  And, every last little piece is used wisely for that reason.  But I shop the bulk section and always try to stay filled up. 

They may not be good for everyone but they sure do make our tummies happy in the Veg house!

**Note, dogs should NOT eat macadamias.. we learned this the hard way and ended up with a tummy pumped puppy in the ER when he climbed up and grabbed the container...so beware of doggy thieves!**

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? 

Stainless Ice Tray

We use Glass for almost everything these days, and Stainless as well... I'm actually becoming a little obsessed with these containers, but that is for another day... *smile*

First it was the glass to replace plastic storage containers.  Then it was my Tiffin,  Eventually found the Glass Straws (thanks to friend for my first try at them), then Glass Water Bottles, which we were soo excited about... 

And NOW... my plastic ice tray can become a storage bin for paper clips, because it is getting OUT of my freezer....The whole plastic/cancer thing, especially when frozen, always made me an unhappy camper... Finding an alternative has been very difficult though... UNTIL NOW!

I introduce you to my new, Stainless Ice Tray from "Life Without Plastic":

 

 

(still gotta figure out the whole foodsaver bag replacement, but one step at a time)  

I must say, it was easier to pop out some of the ice then I thought it would be.  BUT, there are a few in the center, that I haven't quite figured out an easy way to get them.  And I had to fill/freeze/dump a couple times to get the yucky stuff off the blade things that didn't come out in the wash. 

But otherwise, it has been a cool gadget.  The Ice freezes A LOT faster, and is ready sooner, which I LOVE... especially without an ice machine in our kitchen, this little gadget will get a LOT of use!

Glass Dharma Straw Stash

You may recall a few days ago I mentioned Hubby requesting more Glass Straws in the kitchen....

Thanks to Glass Dharma his wish was granted... We now have Quite a few... All different Shapes and Sizes!

 

Bring on the Smoothies.................

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.....

Glass Water Bottle

We found this during our trip to Asheville and I was Soooo Excited! 

A Glass Water Bottle (or smoothie in my case) with cool color cover thing....

Life Factory is the brand and they have baby bottles and sippies too.  Soooo wish I'd known about these 6 years ago...  Everything tastes better in Glass, and no chemicals leaching.  Its a Win/Win!

So then Hubby sees the bottle and I thought he would say "NOT ANOTHER BOTTLE" but instead he said...

"I WANT ONE"  Which means I will be purchasing more!  This one is already stocked with tomorrow's Green Smoothie action... Which I made tonight because I have an early start....  See....

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!  

Glass Dharma Straws and a Food Journal

Look Look Look what I got for my Birthday Present from my Crafty friend....

 

And by the way, her gift isn't late... My Dad said that he didn't "miss" my birthday that he simply extended it!  So that is my new motto for late gifts.  Even gifts from my Crafty friend...

It wasn't late... Just extended my Birthday and that was a wonderfully fun surprise today.

So back to the gift... She got me Glass Dharma Straws.  I'm soooo very excited.  I have wanted these since I first saw them last year.  They are reusable, made with the good stuff in the USA, and Guaranteed for life. OH and dishwasher safe.

And even cooler that she got one for Veg size cups.  He was SOOO excited!  I can't wait to use them and stop with our plastic waste.

 

She also got me a Recipe Journal... which is too funny, because I made myself a recipe journal before I knew there was such a thing to buy.  See Here! 

And it is getting full,  I told my self last weekend that I needed to start another one... and then VOILA!  I got this:

 

It even has Veg friendly labels:

 

My old goat of a journal can now be retired:

Thank you Crafty Friend... Such wonderful surprises today!  I really really really appreciate them.

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.

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??

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.

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)