Chickenpox Vaccine: Is It Really Necessary?

The chicken pox vaccine is SO not necessary.  I caught the chicken pox when I was a kid and now I'm immunized.  My mother is a nurse and she understood this to be the best way to be immunized against chicken pox.  When there was a chicken pox outbreak on the east coast a few years ago, 75% of the infected were already vaccinated for the disease.  One would need to explain to me WHY they feel this stuff is actually working... especially when that was neither the first nor last time such a thing happened.

In certain cases some people absolutely CANNOT catch the chicken pox or there would be fatal consequences.  I understand this, but THOSE are the kids who need to stay home.  I know it almost sounds unfair, but in any school environment illness is inevitable unless you have a school full of children with rock solid immune systems which, by the way, vaccines DO NOT deliver!

I was quite disgusted by this video.  It's stories like these that make parents feel that maybe they should just home school their kids and be done.


Chickenpox Vaccine: Is It Really Necessary?

The Overlooked Nutrient

Iodine is perhaps the most overlooked nutrient of all... at least in the US.  There are many of us who are "within range" of thyroid health and still have hypothyroid symptoms.  This is because regardless of the "range" your thyroid falls into, you still have an under active thyroid.

To get my fill of iodine everyday, I used to put kelp powder on my eggs.  Another thing I was doing was experimenting with recipes that I could make with Irish moss.  I was so creeped out by that stuff once upon a time.  My parents made it a few times when I was a kid.  When they soaked it, it looked like it was going to come alive and I wanted nothing to do with it.  I started to experiment with it as an adult.  There are all kinds of other brown seaweeds that can also help one get their iodine intake from food.  I've never heard of sea asparagus until today.  It certainly sounds like something that I would eat, but I would like some kind of recipe though.

If you are intentionally trying to raise your iodine levels,  there are two things that you should be wary of.  First, be sure to stay away from chlorine, bromine and fluoride.  The fluoride I knew about, but the video below just informed me of bromine and chloride.  All these chemicals you could find in our water (especially traditional pools and hot tubs).  The second thing to be wary of, that is often way overlooked, is x-ray machines.  They will kill thyroid function very quickly and very easily.  Decline x-rays when possible, only allow them to be taken when absolutely necessary.  When it is necessary, ask the doctor about the level of radiation it gives out.  There are some machines that are milder than others.  If he can't answer your question, then perhaps you may want to find someone else to do the x-ray exam.

I hope you learn from this video.  I found it to be wonderfully informative.  Enjoy!

Labels on GMO Produce? Could This Be Real?

I saw this in Google Images and had to research it because I didn't believe it.  Monsanto labeling their stuff all of a sudden?  Why?

I know the PLU that starts with a "9" is organic.  The organic industry benefits by labeling their products.  But why would the biotech industry finally label their stuff?  It seems as though produce that starts with a "8" is definitely GMO.  The thing is, is the four digit PLU always conventionally grown; as in they use chemicals and pesticides but not GMO?  The answer is no.  That's where this is very misleading.  GMO labeling is certainly optional, but it isn't required.  So if you see produce with a four digit code it could have been grown with chemicals, pesticides or it could be GMO.

So the information under the first and last circle is true.  The information under the middle is misleading because it isn't always raised via non-GMO conventional farming.  Therefore, unless you buy organic or unless you don't care what you eat, be wary of the four digit PLUs.

Just Label It!

It's unfortunate that 37 didn't pass.  The good news is, those of us who are educated can be a light in the dark.  We could educate each other on how to raise our own food; even on a small amount of land and on a low budget.

It's easy to feel like a victim these days when it comes to the desire to be healthy.  After all of your efforts and the money that you spend are just to have real food in your kitchen; meanwhile there are still people out there trying to poison you.  They poison the air, water and most of the food.  It's so frustrating.  It's a good thing that we can STILL choose not to be victims!

I still join the fight for labeling, but instead of putting all of my hopes in that, I'm trying to gain more control over my own household by raising my own food.  It's a project I had only started, and I'm very inexperienced, but I'm also determined to learn.  I'm also incredibly stubborn when it comes to my health and the health of my family.

Here is yet more info on GMOs, though I have a feeling that most of my readers know all of the information that this video can offer.

Eco Friendly Lawn

Now there are many who encourage growing food instead of lawns.  An individual from Solar City brought up a good point about lawns that I never thought of.  Lawns need to be watered and that water can go to something more useful like food.  To that individual I say "I hear ya!"  It really made me think twice about having a lawn.

This video gave me another idea.  What if I could have a low maintenance lawn that doesn't require very much water or cutting?  If there were such a thing; I'd probably re-reconsider.  Let's hear what Patty Moreno has to say about this fantasy lawn.

Producing Food All Year

There are many methods of year round gardening that I've mentioned.  There are some that I like, some that I wouldn't even consider and others that I would like to do if they just weren't so pricey.

There are three methods in particular that I've considered; hoop houses, cold frames and greenhouses.  A hoop house is a popular idea among gardeners.  To be honest, I'm not crazy about the use of plastic even in the case of a hoop house.  If you are one who would consider a hoop house, regardless of the mentioned issue (that I admit is personal), then a hoop house is otherwise a great way to go.  A hoop house is a very cost effective way of doing year round gardening and it's very easy to make.  If there was just a way that I didn't have to use anything petroleum based, I would happily make hoop houses.  I much prefer the idea of a cold frame.  I recently posted about them and posted a video on how to make a relatively cheap one.  This is a method that is much more conducive to my needs.  Like everything else though, it's going to take me some time to learn how to make one.  The only problem is that I couldn't grow anything very tall in a cold frame.  Therefore, the most ideal method of year round gardening for me, would be a greenhouse.  There are sooo many things that I could grow all winter in a greenhouse.  The grow dome that I posted about is an absolute dream for  me.  But because a greenhouse is simply not feasible right now, I've had my heart set on the cold frame.

There are so many cold frame designs to choose from.  I can even buy one if I really wasn't ready for building yet.  Somehow or another, however, I would like to do some gardening this coming winter.  As far as my favorite veggies that grow to tall for a cold frame, I can be patient and wait for my greenhouse someday.

Genetically Engineered Food Alters Our Digestive Systems!

The article below is not a new one, but even after reading it numerous times it still scares me.  How dare people do this to others just because they can!

I'm all for building the gut flora, but not with artificial bacteria.  As it turns out, however, it looks like this is something that can't be controlled.  Unless you've eaten NOTHING but food produced in your own back yard for the last 20 years, GMOs make up a part of your body.  If this doesn't scare you (even just a tiny bit), then you don't know much about GMOs.

Genetically Engineered Food Alters Our Digestive Systems! 

Marketing Garbage to Children

This presentation is a discussion about how these corporations are marketing garbage to children.  I almost asked myself how I didn't see such things happening after my experience with teaching and counseling.  Then I remembered when I did my internship, there was one middle school where there was a P*zza H*t IN  the school cafeteria.  So I DID see and observe some of what this woman was talking about.  Then I reminded myself of some of the reasons why I left the education system in the first place and now I can't say that I didn't know that it was this bad.

This is where television, magazines and newspapers are dangerous.  They get kids hooked on these shows and then feed them all of this information that gets them hooked on other things.  Then all of the sugar and other addictive substances in foods get them further hooked.  What these corporations are creating goes beyond "customer loyalty"; they are creating addictions.  And don't be fooled, they KNOW what they are doing.

Causes of Early Puberty: Why Is This the New "Normal?”

I had a roommate once who had an eight year old daughter who was developing rather quickly.  I remember how surprised I was about it because she was clearly still a child; yet she would not wear tank tops because of her armpit hair.  Little did her mom know that estrogen imitators was at work in that situation.

Estrogen imitators are everywhere.  It's in our shampoos, conditioners, laundry detergent, dish detergent, soaps, lotions even our food has imitators.  Phytoestrotens are better than xenoestrogens.  Phytoestrogens are plant based estrogen imitators; the body can deal with it because it is naturally in foods that we are meant to eat, but xenoestrogens are far more invasive.  They are NOT to be in our bodies at all.  The xenoestrogens make phytoestrogens dangerous to people like me who have estrogen dominance or people like my eight year old roommate who was a child in a young teen's body.  Constant sugar intake can also raise estrogen in the body.

Early development is now considered a "norm" when it's actually just a sign that our environment is more toxic than ever before in history.  It makes me so sad that so few people see this.


Causes of Early Puberty: Why Is This the New "Normal?”

'Killer Spices' Provide Eco-friendly Pesticides For Organic Fruits And Veggies

While farmers in India are using different kinds of colas as pesticides, organic farmers are looking at nature itself to find insecticides that truly don't harm us, but can and will harm bugs.

DE (aka diatomaceous earth) was one of my pesticides of choice for the organic vegetable garden that I want to raise, but I'm always open to more options.  The article below mentions using thyme, mint, rosemary and clove; but I also know of people who use bay leaf and hot peppers depending on the crop and the invader.  I also have an insecticide spray that uses oil of mint and cinnamon and this stuff works!  It works best on ants, it kind of just stuns flies; but it stuns them long enough for me to swat them afterwards.

If you're going to grow an organic garden, why not use a pesticide that can grow like the rest of your crops?

'Killer Spices' Provide Eco-friendly Pesticides For Organic Fruits And Veggies

Coke, Pepsi Used as Agricultural Pesticides by India Farmers

I used to drink C*ke and P*psi as a kid.  I switched to clear sodas like Spr*te after I became a little more health conscious (I was about 16).  The idea was to avoid the artificial coloring, but I knew nothing of the dangers of HFCS or preservatives or anything else at the time.

Sodas in general were considered "unhealthy" when I was a kid.  Today, anyone who knows anything about health knows that those big brand sodas are now MUCH worse; deadly in fact.  Because of all the GMOs in it, "unhealthy" or "junk" doesn't quite say enough.  It may take years for it to kill you, but it eventually will.  No one will say that these people died from GMO poisoning, their illness will be called heart disease or cancer.  So anyone can blame anything, including the disease itself, for killing the individual.

The article below was bizarre for me.  Indian Farmers actually use colas for pesticides.  The GMOs after being processed into a cola is still present.  So much so, that one can use it to kill bugs.  No one can doubt that these plants are registered pesticides after seeing this.  There are botanical pesticides that are perfectly safe for humans that I would much rather use.  If corn and sugar weren't made to kill bugs, I would say something is very wrong with them the day they are used for just that.

Coke, Pepsi Used as Agricultural Pesticides by India Farmers

Fishing Pond

The last post made me more desirous than ever for the self sustaining fish pond that I've always wanted to build.  Again, farm raised fish doesn't have to be unhealthy.  It's when the little guys are fed a bunch of GMOs and other garbage that makes the end product unhealthy.  Salmon just happens to be a fish that cannot be farm raised very well.  Salmon really needs to be in its natural habitat to be the nutrient dense food that it can be.

Even though there is a limited variety of fish that I can raise properly in a self sustaining pond, I'd rather raise it and have good fish than search everywhere for good fish to eat and rarely find it.  Right now I hardly eat any fish at all and it's not because I don't enjoy fish or believe in its nutritional quality; it's simply because most of the fish that is available has disadvantages that WAY outweigh the benefits.

I already have an idea of what kind of fish I want to raise.  All I need to do is tend to the water vegetables before the fish are put into their new homes.

Wild Alaskan Salmon Is a Powerhouse of Nutrition

Salmon is a food that I will miss very desperately.  If there is ever a time to eat it, now is the time.  Thanks to government giving its okays to corporate greed, GMO salmon has been approved.  Most salmon is farmed (even when labeled "wild salmon") and farmed salmon has a nasty chemical infested diet filled with GMO corn and soy anyway.

The link below is an article from Mercola.com that explains what exactly to look for if you would like the REAL wild caught salmon.  He also talks about what an amazingly miraculous food it is.  THIS is what food is suppose to do.  Food is suppose to nourish the body and prevent disease.  So if you are in the habit of eating the real deal salmon, you are on your way to long healthy days!

Enjoy the presentation!




Wild Alaskan Salmon Is a Powerhouse of Nutrition

MARCH AGAINST MONSANTO!

Join the fight!  All over the world people are marching against Monsanto; I would love it if you to join us.  The march will be on May 25th.  There are many of us who are just tired of what Monsanto is doing and many of us would simply like to have our freedom to choose once more.

The link below provides a list of the places and times people will be marching all around the world:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah7h2ApbBPnpdGhOMElaSVg1QUQtRlJQWm1FaUZISlE#gid=0

Worm Farm

My worm farm is coming along slowly.  I've purchased some of the equipment to build it and I'm going to be working on it today.

There are just a few more things that I need.  I need to collect some small stones (for the bottom of the bin) and I've been having a tough time finding coconut coir for the worm bedding.  Many people use shredded newspaper for cheap worm bedding, but I don't like that idea for my farm.  I'm not crazy about the toxins in the ink of newspapers and I would rather keep it out of my garden if possible.  If my worms eat it, it may end up in the soil.  I perfectly understand that toxins are in the air and in the soil anyway, but I would still rather take steps to reduce it on my land if I can.

I did find red worms, but they weren't the kinds that I wanted.  I found the eisenia hortensis, also called red worms, which are commonly used for fishing; but I wanted the eisenia fetida, also known as red wigglers, which are commonly used for composing.  The red worms and night crawlers (fishing worms) can be used for composting, but they aren't as desired for worm farms for a couple of reasons.  One big reason for me is that the fishing worms tend to try to escape the "home" that is built for them while the red wigglers tend to love it as long as you keep it comfortably warm, dark and full of food.  Another big reason for me to get red wigglers is that they tend to multiply more quickly and I love the idea of expanding my worm farm.

Anyway, I'll post when it is finished and when I am on the hunt for local red worms.  I'd rather not have them "mailed" to me if I can avoid it; especially since it's getting so warm outside.  If I must order it online and have it delivered, however, I will of course.  They tend to arrive at their new homes exhausted which makes me sad.  I know they are "just worms" but I have a tough time seeing any living creature suffer (unless it is perceived as a threat).  Besides, It would be wonderful if I could run out and buy them the same day that I am ready for them.

K*llogg…one of the worlds most ‘ethical’ companies?

I found what this MD had to say about K*llogg's to be interesting (not to mention very, VERY true).  I can't say that K*llogg's didn't bring this on themselves, but this is just a drop in the bucket compared to all of the angry feedback that K*llogg's has been getting from former customers.  If you check their facebook page, you'll see what I'm talking about.

As a kid, I used to eat their waffles and cereals.  When I was 16 and started becoming health conscious, Sp*ci*l K became my cereal of choice; it was my cereal of choice for years since.  The whole low calorie, low fat craze was my obsession until I went away to college and started learning the truth about health.  Rather late in my college career, I even learned about the garbage that they put in the foods that I loved (like Sp*ci*l K) and the junk science that influenced healthcare.  This is the time my diet began to change forever.  Today, knowing even more still about the food and pharmaceutical industry, I'm so grateful that this happened.

There are many words that I could use to describe K*llogg's, but ethical is certainly NOT one of them.  Sorry, K*llogg's!  Your foods are not "Grrreat!" for anything.  I wouldn't feed a stray dog anything that you produce; in fact, my garbage bin is too good for your products.  I sincerely wish that you wouldn't make such dangerously foolish choices.  Since you do, however, I hope you understand that you deserve every last jeer that you are receiving from former customers like me who simply opened their eyes one day.

(Click on the link below to see the MD's comments)

K*llogg…one of the worlds most ‘ethical’ companies?

Avocado Dreamin'

All of this talk about avocados has me avocado dreamin'!  My favorite avocados are these huge ones that I've seen plenty of in Jamaica, but I rarely see in the states.  My mother always knew where to find these suckers in New York, God bless her!  When I was growing up, they were usually served with some kind of Jamaican pastry.  Maybe my "sweet" memories are more literal than I thought.  I mean, my family still does this now, but I don't eat pastries anymore (at least not the kinds sweetened with granulated sugar).  I now enjoy avocado with a variety of other foods.  I especially enjoy it with a dish full of Jamaican food like aki (a yellow fruit with big black seeds) or callaloo (a dark leafy green vegetable) mixed with salt fish (usually cod), yellow or green banana (boiled or fried) complete with either breadfruit or bammy (a bread made from cassava).  Wow!  I'm really just salivating over here thinking about it.

Because my parents live so far away, I rarely get a chance to enjoy those giant avocados.  There are many who have climate controlled green houses and are able to enjoy growing foods like avocado and other tropical native foods.  I hope to learn to do this.  I may have been American raised, but I still have Jamaican blood and I often crave after the native food.  And why wouldn't I?  Jamaican food truly is awesome!  I've seen family members cook the food that they picked fresh from their own backyards.  For me, this is what makes Jamaican food BOSS; there is only only way to enjoy food... fresh!

Growing Avocado From Seed (Part II)

Here is a fact about avocados that I didn't know until a conversation with my father last night (who enjoyed yesterday's post).  Much like apples and mangoes, each time an avocado seed is planted, it bears a different type of avocado fruit.  You can achieve getting the same avocado through budding (an old genetic trick that does NOT involve splicing genes, dorking around with DNA codes and making cancer causing toxins out of food).  The problem is, unless you know of someone who sells trees that bear hass avocado (the most common type of avocado that I've seen sold in America), you would need to be okay with whatever avocado your tree will bear.

Be comforted if budding isn't a possibility.  I've tried a variety of avocados and believe me, they are ALL good.  Just have fun with whatever type of fruit your tree will bear.  Maybe you'll enjoy it so much that you can bud THAT and sell it at farmer's markets!

Growing Avocado From Seed

My mother has done this so many times.  There are a few differences between the way the individual in the video does it and how I would do it based on how my mom did it.

First, I wouldn't put the toothpicks in the seed.  I've seen many people do this and I understand why, but there are better ways of getting half the seed in water.  My mom used to stuff a paper towel in a cup full of water, but to avoid the toxins in the paper towel, I would use coconut coir.  The coconut coir would provide bedding to hold the position of the seed but the roots will still have room to grow.  Second, the heating pad suggestion is brilliant, however, my mother succeeded in growing several avocado plants in New York without a heating pad.  I remember before putting it in soil, she would just keep it by the window so that it would get plenty of sun.  On the other hand, the heating pad makes sense since avocados are tropical and it would probably grow happier in an environment that is more like home.

No matter how you want to try this at home, I'm sure you will figure out what works best for you.  Enjoy the presentation.

Avoiding Petroleum on Your Farm

Avoiding petroleum based products turned out to be much more difficult than I thought.  It's definitely not impossible, however, there are more petroleum based products than there are alternatives.  Another discouraging fact is that the plastic containers are almost always cheaper; sometimes by far!

There are a few examples of this struggle that I've faced.  Something as simple as a non plastic watering can was a pain.  I just purchased one that I am very happy with, but there were often not many non plastic watering cans to choose from.  Then there is the non plastic worm bin issue.  I tried to find a worm bin made from wood, I found ONE!  This is the reason I decided to build a worm farm myself.  Weed killer is another product that is difficult non plastic product to find.  Although, weed killer comes in fabric and paper, the majority of the times that I've seen it, it was made of plastic.

The list goes on; these were just recent discouragements.  I actually found most of these products in a non--petroleum based form, but it's sad that it took such a search to actually find some of them.  I will admit one advantage though; I saved a significant amount of money on the worm farm because of the fact that I am making it myself.  I guess sometimes it can be better not to find what you're looking for.

Freak April Snow Storm

I must express how happy I am that I didn't start planting anything outside yet.  We had a freak snow storm yesterday.  It wasn't as bad as I had anticipated, for my phone issued two warnings that urged to "avoid driving" and everything.

I look forward to making that cold frame.  Once that is done, vegetables can be planted outside.  In all honesty, it may not get done this year.  I mean, it took me a year and a half to plant ONE bulb and to finally get started on my worm bin.  Still, since I actually got started on building my urban mini farm, I can dare to hope that I will be brave enough to start other projects as well.  I hope to have a few things done this year so that next year, it won't take as much to get started.

I'm hoping to start my worm bin on Friday and to be more than half-way through by Sunday, if not finished.  I'll post my success.  Please wish me luck!

Progesterone Boosting Foods

Up until there was a crisis, I've heard plenty of information about estrogen.  In other words, I was told how to attain more estrogen, when it just happened to be last thing that I needed at the time.  There isn't very much info about progesterone boosting foods which is what so many more women need.

I find myself finding more and more enlightening information and asking myself "Why didn't someone tell me this earlier?"  It's so sad how information is grossly lacking when it comes to things that would REALLY improve health.

There is also so much conflicting information out there.  One doctor says that sunflower seeds help boost progesterone, another says to stay away from it if you suffer estrogen dominance.  It's really quite irritating because what am I to think and what am I to do?  Many of these sites are written by doctors and no one adds any information that pertains to the clinical research that backs the claims; which brings me back to my own confusion.

I'm grateful for the information that I did find so far.  There was some information that seemed to be consistent the more research that I did.  Even though the following information doesn't seem like much, I actually found it very helpful.

1. I've actually eaten avocados for hormone balance.  Several sources suggested it and I was desperate enough to try it and, WHOA BABY, does it work!
2. My nutritionist actually suggests sunflower seeds and sesame seeds in the part of the "seed cycle" that calls for more progesterone.  Now again, I haven't the clinical research to back this claim.  I've relied mostly on someone's professional experience.  I never really saw a difference with the sunflower and sesame seeds, but consider that I haven't been doing the seed cycle for very long and I have made several mistakes with it involving using the wrong seeds during the wrong part of the month.
3. Several sources also suggest exercise.
4. Raising vitamin B6 and magnesium were suggested to me by several health practitioners and internet sources as well.

According to Dr. John Lee, it seems like it can even be cured.  So don't ever lose hope.  I hope this information helps you as much as it helped me.  Estrogen dominance can be painful and it can be a monster obstacle, but it can be controlled.  Keep searching until your body heals.

Cocoa vs Cacao

What is the difference between cocoa and cacao?  Besides the connotation to each concept, there is absolutely no difference.  Cocoa is unfortunately associated with processed chocolate like H*rsh*y bars and such.  Cacao is associated with the raw chocolate treats.  

Both are from the cocoa fruit and both are natural foods and both even have nutrients that shouldn't be ignored.  The problem isn't in the name or the food, it's in the process of making it into a "product" for sale.  Generally, chocolate is processed with lots of sugar, maybe preservatives and lots of other kinds of garbage.  So what makes "chocolate" bad is the added ingredients.  Chocolate itself is far from being bad.

Another reason cocoa is demonized is because it is an estrogenic food.  If you are avoiding estrogen, then I would definitely advise that you stay far, far away from chocolate.  But this doesn't make it a bad food either.  I must stay away from nightshades, but does this make tomatoes and peppers bad?  They may have a bad effect on me right now, but this doesn't make them unhealthy food.  The antioxidants and flavonoids in cocoa definitely DON'T suggest that it is unhealthy.

Cacao is associated with "raw chocolate" therefore it is seen as "healthier" than cocoa.  Once again, while it's true that raw chocolate is awesome and it's better to eat it without the sugar and additives, it's the association alone that made cocoa the zero and cacao the hero.  So unless you have a sensitivity to chocolate, and as long as you are watching out for the additives, eat up!  Cocoa or cacao... it's ALL good stuff!

State Rainwater Harvesting Statues, Programs and Legislation

Rainwater restrictions have no basis in reality at all.  I've heard some argue that domestic collection of rainwater will divert water from streams and other such places where water is "necessary"(... really???).  I haven't the slightest doubt that this isn't a fear as much as it is a blatant lie.  No one is stupid enough to really believe that people are "stealing" the water supply by having rain barrels.  It's just another way for the government to control the people.

America needs to stop this.  We've never been so far away from being the "land of the free" as we are right now.  The only way to put the government in their place is if the people do this.  America's independence wasn't won because England thought that letting us go was the right thing to do, it was won because our forefathers fought for it.  Freedom isn't free, if we want it we need to demand it back.



State Rainwater Harvesting Statues, Programs and Legislation

Oral Hygiene For Women With Estrogen Dominance

An important part of being a healthy person is having healthy teeth.  Unfortunately, I have an issue with estrogen dominance.  Because of this, I have to be SO careful about what I put on my skin or in my mouth.  When I had to quit using literally every kind of toothpaste and tooth powder on the market to avoid phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens; I was lost.  HOW do I keep my teeth clean and my gums healthy?  I had a few options.

One option was using only miswak from now on.  Miswak is a very common part of oral hygiene in the middle east.  It's very much like "chew stick" in Jamaica.  First, you chew off the bark, then you moisten the fibers inside (some people do that by soaking it in some water and others do it by continuing to chew on it until it is moistened with saliva).  Once the fibers are moist, you use the fibers almost as you would a toothbrush.  I've actually tried miswak before, but it is bitter and very difficult to clean your molars with.

My only other option was to make my own tooth powder.  I took some bicarbonate of soda, xylitol and salt and made a mouthwash out of water and colloidal silver.  I wanted to add myrrh so badly, but most of the literature that I've read so far suggests that it is a phytoestrogen.  Nothing actually said this, but it was consistently implied by many sources.

Actually, I'm happy about my new all natural tooth powder. I know what is in it, and it is pretty effective.  I won't have to be so careful forever and I'll probably keep making my own tooth powder even after it's no longer necessary.  I'll just add some ingredients (like myrrh) that I really shouldn't use right now.

Growing onion from seed

This video is slightly different from the last one, it's about growing onions from seed as opposed to growing them from bulbs.  I didn't buy any onion seeds, but one of the onions that I purchased from the grocery store started growing; so I planted it.

There are so many seed companies online now.  It's not very surprising with the homesteading movement and with all of the people who are disgusted with GMOs.  Enjoy the video and happy farming to you!

Growing and Harvesting Onions

Growing onions are pretty easy... according to the literature and videos.  I'm growing one now, but I admit that I'm not entirely sure about what I am doing.  I found this video and it gave me ideas.  I never thought of cooking with the green part of the onion, but why not?  It's all food, right?

I would do something differently than these people though.  They froze the onions, which of course is fine, but I'd rather can them.  They will last longer and they will offer more nutritional benefits.  I'm sure it would taste delicious with a variety of vegetables.

April's Book: Mini Farming

You don't need tons of acres to build a modern homestead.  Last month we read about urban homesteading for the city folks who would dream of living a more sustainable life.  So it IS possible!  There was a picture of a small garden on a fire escape in a high-rise building which I found VERY encouraging.  So you could do farming whether you are a country bumpkin or city slicker.

This book will give you an idea of how much you could do with just a fourth of an acre!  If urban homesteading is possible, I'm sure that there are few things in this book about "Mini Farming" will surprise you.  I hope you enjoy learning about how much more you could do with a small piece of land.

Collecting rainwater now illegal in many states as Big Government claims ownership over our water

This burns!  Rainwater collection in some states is illegal...  ILLEGAL?!  Have we really traveled so far away from what was once freedom that states as dry as Arizona, Utah and Colorado that the cities can now claim ownership of rainwater???

Everything that is happening with GMOs and the restriction of free speech is crazy, but this is just insulting!

Collecting rainwater now illegal in many states as Big Government claims ownership over our water

Candida Diet: Xylitol

Xylitol has received both cheers and jeers from health professionals.  The jeers, by the way, weren't so much for xylitol itself.  Xylitol just happens to be very, very fibrous (which can be a blessing or a curse).  If one eats too much of it, one can be sick with loose stool; or when one is just starting GAPS diet, fiber is decreased as much as possible so xylitol isn't an ally in that case either.  My nutritionist, in fact, prefers that I receive my sugars from a little bit of low glycemic fruit or from honey.

This doesn't make xylitol a bad guy; not even just to me.  In fact, I make a tooth powder and I use a non GMO xylitol as one of the main ingredients.  Not only does it fight plaque and tartar, but it sweetens the powder as well!

As far as using xylitol as a sweetener when you are avoiding yeast feeding foods, this is a decision between you and your health professional.  Ask which sweetener is best for you.

Candida Diet: Xylitol