D.I.Y. Tea Infused Vinegar {Cleaner, Disinfectant and Mop Solution}

I recently bought this tea from Teavana and I LOVE how it smells almost more than it tastes.

We already use orange peels and pineapple skin to create our own vinegar based disinfectant but after brewing this amazing tea I thought I'd try this out to reuse the loose leaf tea.  

I'm so happy I did because a few nights ago Husband said, "Did you add cherries to this vinegar [spray]?!" 

"No. I added tea."

"Oh because it smells awesome."

I store my infused vinegars for about a week in a large ball jar.  Then, I either strain out the particles and mop with 1 buck of water per jar OR I dilute it one part water one part vinegar in a spray bottle {to clean counter tops and glass surfaces}

Happy Infusing!

Jenn

***NOT A SPONSORED POST***

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Healthy French Toast Casserole.

For my sister in law's Bridal shower, her Aunt made an amazing French Toast Casserole, I ate the leftovers all week.  But I knew there was tons of fat in that version so I came up with this healthier option, which is still full of flavor, but not as much cream cheese.

Mix, 1 stick melted butter with 1/2 cup coconut sugar, tons of cinnamon, some nutmeg, 5 eggs and 1 1/2 almond milk.  

In a 9x13 pan place torn up slices of bread to fill the bottom, place pecan chunks on top of that layer then add another layer of bread.  Cover all the bread evenly with the egg & milk mixture.

Allow to sit for an hour to as long as over night.

Bake at 350* F for 30 minutes, if you'd like it cooked a little more maybe 35-40 minutes.

{I reheat ours during the week so I don't mind if it isn't fully cooked through}

It's actually sweet enough, you don't even need maple syrup!

Enjoy easy breakfast for a few days!

-Jenn

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Banana, Kale, Coconut Smoothie

My friend Michelle recently commented how @amysilvermanfitness inspired her to work out the other day and when I checked out her instagram profile, I was also super inspired!  I already started doing yoga postpartum, but now I want to start getting my booty back into shape before we head to the beach. I'm not the type to obsess over my body, but it's weird being pregnant and after because it's a version of your body but not YOUR body, if that makes sense.  So, I'm going to get more active and eat a little healthier to get MY body back!

...and this was the first smoothie with that mindset!

I used:
10 chunks of fresh COLD pineapple
1 frozen banana
handful of kale from our garden
a splash of coconut juice {made from the pulp of the coconut, not to be confused with coconut water}
and a scoop of vanilla whey protein.


Happy Healthy Smoothie Making!
-Jenn

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D.I.Y. Postpartum Witch Hazel Pads

Here's a quick video from during my labor.  I found this trick before Sonja's birth and it helped my yoni {perineum} so much after my last birth I knew I'd need some for this birth.  So, once I knew this was the real deal I grabbed the supplies and let my sister in law make a batch for me.

What you'll need:
super absorbent maxi pads
witch hazel
a freezer

Add witchhazel to maxi pads and freeze.  Use immediately following the birth {as in within the hour}. Repeat as frequently as necessary.

Here's the link for the full video

Happy Home Birthing or Yoni Healing!
Jenn

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Pregnancy Round 2 {15 & 16 Weeks}

Checking in for my bi-weekly pregnancy update {Sorry. no photo this week}

Week 15 was a good week.  Not much to update on...  I don't know if I mentioned that we're still breastfeeding at night.  It usually only takes a few suckles before my Sweet Sonja is out, but it's been painful and I'm sort of over it, but also sad to end it.  So, I've just sort of been letting it continue, and I'm not sure how much longer I will.  I guess I thought it would be good to document here, in case I forgot how long I nursed during the pregnancy, later on.

I felt a real solid flip or kick from baby this week.  Before, I was thinking I felt something but knew it was early so I wasn't focusing on them, but this week a real solid kicking sensation caught me while I was resting on the couch.  Such a weird sensation I was sure I wasn't going to feel again after Sonja {I really, really only wanted to be pregnant once, but I guess things change and we do what's right for ourselves in the moment, and trying for another baby was right for us!}

I finally felt like everything was returning to normal.  I can walk outside without the overwhelming heat making me want to vomit or pass out.  I'm feeling like I can eat all the foods I want but in small amounts (since my stomach is moved up and closer to my ribs).  I feel generally good most of the time with the exception of minor heart burn and the urge to burp{which I can not do on command} and sometimes when I sit up too quickly I feel a reflexitory urge to vomit, but I never do and it passes instantly.  It's not nausea but more of a stomach contents are so high and close to my esophagus they might just fall out.  It's not a pretty image, but it's real.  And I think that kind of info. makes these posts more educational for other expectant mothers.

Week 16
The only concern I had this week was when I realized wormwood was in an anti-candida supplement I've been taking.  I'm still trying to clear my body yeast completely and it seems this potassium permanganate I've been using is doing a pretty good job, but I'm taking herbs and supplements too.  The one I thought was safe actually has wormwood in it and I'm still not sure how I missed it!  Anyway, the biggest issues I could find was that it's a uterine stimulant {causes contractions} and can lead to miscarriage and birth defects, although I was unable to find out the exact birth defect it can cause.  I started taking it around 8 weeks and haven't had any symptoms or side effects often associated with wormwood, so I think I'm safe.  I hope.  I also couldn't find out the "high doses" amount all of the sites kept referencing, they all said it could cause miscarriage or birth defects in high doses, but then didn't list any mg or source.  VERY frustrating when you're trying to convince yourself that everything is fine.  Which, after consulting my husband and midwife, I think it is.  Needless to say, I stopped taking it immediately.

The interesting thing is; the only reason I noticed it was because Sonja and I have developed a bedtime ritual of taking our multivitamins and supplements together before bed.  She kept asking to have some of my prenatal vitamins.  So, I got her some of her own {sour gummy vegetarian bears} and on Monday night, she was asking what each supplement was.  I got to the candiacin and when she asked, I started to read all the individual herbs and that's when I saw the wormwood.  So, thanks to big sis for looking out.  I really do hope everything is okay because this little baby keeps kicking me and it's making me more and more excited to meet him or her.  Please send your positive thoughts our way.

Oh and on a positive note, I felt the baby kick me strong enough to be felt from the outside!  I was laying in bed with Sonja with my hands on my tummy when baby bumped into it.  Such a sweet moment.

Other bodily changes for week 16 include this sensation of fullness.  Which is a super annoying and bloated feeling in my upper abdomen.  Unless I'm laying on my left side, I feel like my stomach is going to burst.  I know I have a lot more room in there and am going to get a lot bigger, but this past week has been really uncomfortable in terms of stomach and abdomen stretching. Also, in that same realm of discomfort is my inability to stop burping.  I actually can not "burp"; so, I just have these air bubbles floating up and out of my mouth all day long. I wish I could just free up some space by letting out one good belch, but alas my body never learned how to force out a good burp...  Other than that I feel really good and I should note I worked out both this and last week.

Oh! AND we're all out of milk.  Wow, I guess that's a lot of changes for week 16.  This past week while nursing Sonja to sleep as I've done EVERY night for the past 2 years, she latched and said, "milk all gone."  And that was it.  I've had a slightly harder time getting her to sleep now.  I have to sing or rock her, but it sort of solved the weaning problem on its own.  Now, when she's asked this past week for "night night chi chi," I've just reminded her that the milk is all gone.  She usually replies with, "I drink it all," or "New baby has all the milk."  She's taking it much better than I expected.  I still haven't decided if I want to let her drink milk again when the baby gets here.  Part of me thinks, why not? If I have extra she could get some extra antibodies.  The other part of me thinks, she never had to share milk or bonding time with anyone else, so why shouldn't this baby get 100% of my milk... I guess I'll let you know once the baby gets here {mid March}

Thanks for following along with my pregnancy journey.  

If you have any mommy to be questions feel free to leave them in the comments!

-Jenn

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Pregnancy Round 2 {5.5 Weeks}

I'm not one for being patient, and I'm not one for keeping secrets.  Sonja, actually, said to me last night, "Mommy has big mouth." I think it was because, I told her to take a little bite, because she has a little mouth.  But that's not the point.  Is it?

The point is we're pregnant.

5.5 weeks pregnant to be exact. 

Now, if you know anything about my thoughts on pregnancy; you know I'm a firm believer in waiting until 12 weeks to tell anyone.  So, why am I telling you all here?  Since, I already have baby and she's happy and healthy, I'm less superstitious this time.

With my Cupcake, I was all, "if I sit this way, am I going to hurt her?"  

"if I do too much cardio am I going to have a miscarriage?"

"if I sleep on my back or tummy am I going to cut off her circulation?"

"if I tell anyone, god/goddess/fate will show me, I better not jinx it!"

This time, I'm not so worried about it.  I'm really going with the flow.  I'm excited, that I know what I'm doing this time.  I already budgeted for this, because I knew it was a possibility {we pay our midwife out of pocket.  Once we get insurance involved, they start telling me what I can and can't do with my body} and I'm prepared to buy a new car once baby gets here, since two car seats won't fit safely in the car we have now.

I also know that by sharing the news early this time around, I have the physical and metal support of the people around me.  The first trimester is the HARDEST for me. or at least it was last time.  Each pregnancy is different, but since I've already experienced a few quick waves of queasyness, I'm sure I'll get hit with a few "bad" days.  And this time I will have more support for those moments since everyone is in the loop.

Now, you might also be thinking {if you know me in real life, or if you've read this blog for a while}, "I thought you were going to wait a while? I thought you only wanted to birth one baby." Those thoughts are still true.  

I wanted to wait 2 more years before getting pregnant again, but there was a tiny opening in my life plan that allowed for us to get pregnant right now!  So, for our anniversary weekend we didn't follow natural planning guidelines, we just did what we wanted.  This timing allows for me to be postpartum for Emily's wedding, meaning dress shopping and wedding planning and assisting won't be inconvenienced.  Baby will be 7-8 months old when we go to Europe in 2013, an age I'm very comfortable with for both the plane ride, and for baby wearing around all the beautiful cities.  Our big move to Hawaii was slightly postponed, instead of 4 years it's looking like 6 because of some business opportunities, here, for Husband.  So, having baby number 2 now, will make him or her a good age for the move.  Sonja and new baby {which she's convinced will be a sister} will be a "perfect" 2.5 years apart, an age I've heard is great for bonding and closeness as they get older.  And I get to birth with my midwife here in phoenix, which makes me really happy as opposed to trying to find one in Hawaii when we get there, where midwifery is not licensed the same {or at all, if I recall incorrectly}.

As far as only wanting to birth one, but adopt more... my thoughts are the same.  I really, really didn't want to deal with morning sickness (notice the book in the photo?), wardrobe limitations, nor swollen feet.  But my birth experience was really good, and I found myself telling Husband moments after, "That wasn't as bad as everyone told me it would be." {and just to be clear, it wasn't a happy go lucky orgasmic birth.  It was a real, fucking painful, birth, I just expected it to get worse, but then, it was over}.  I also have some over population issues, I was mentally processing.  Like, why should we have more babies; where there are already too many and too many without homes?  Then, I heard from one of my favorite sources, that actually, it's not so much an over population issue; as much as an over consumption issue.  So, as long as everyone listens and doesn't drown my home in another dose of baby toys or unnecessities, we'll be fine.  I would still love to adopt a few more, but that's a lot to think about right now and a lot of money we don't have.  It also sort of feels like buying a baby, unfortunately due to the legal process involved.  So, we'll cross that bridge when we get there.  

For now, I'm excited about growing this baby, sharing the early pregnancy stories, documenting the whole process, with all of you here and enjoying time with my only-child-for-now.

Happy Pregnancy Following!

-Jenn

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Creosote Harvesting and Oil Making; A Medicinal Plant and How We Use It!

Last Sunday,we headed out into the mountain by our house with dogs and baby in tow.  Our goal was to collect some Creosote, also known as Chaparral, leaves in order to create an oil extract to use medicinally.  

Our dogs and the plant{s}. 

Once the plant is identified {not hard here, once you know what it looks like} we remove new growth branches from various bushes and give thanks {usually this means a little extra water for the giving plant}. 

Even the Cupcake is interested in the process... 

Here you can see one of the pieces Hubs gathered. 

The plant is one of the most bountiful by our home, and wouldn't you know it treats almost EVERYTHING I'd been complaining about over the past year.  It's actually an active ingredient in one of the medications I was taking for yeast.  It's a mild sun screen when infused in oil like I'm doing {about spf 8}.  And it is great for helping clear up skin, reduce scarring and overall general skin care when used in the oil mixture I'm making.  There are liver risks with this plant and should be a low ratio when ingested internally as tea.  I'm interested in taking it orally in tincture form {plant mixed with 100 proof alcohol and used as dropper into juice}, once we gather another round and purchase some vodka.  Until then I'll be using it topically.

Here's what I do with the plant when I bring it home:

Most plants' leaves should be dried, but because of the anti-fungal and antiseptic properties of this plant I didn't dry before making the oil, if you're more comfortable with dried leaves wait a few days and then use dried leaves in the mixture.

Fill the jar about 2/3 full with leaves. branches are fine, but it's the leaves I'm using as the medicine. 

Once filled and compressed to desired amount, add organic olive oil. 

Fill until covering leaves with about an inch or two of oil on top.

The oil on top keep the leaves from contacting the air. THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT PREVENTS MOLD FROM GROWING ON THE LEAVES. Again, this plant prevents mold, but don't take chances with your medicine!

Cover with lid, place in room temperature but dark space for 6 weeks.  Then, strain through cheese cloth and collect oil.  

Use the oil {rub onto skin} as needed for skin regeneration {prevent or heal scarring}, to treat yeast infections {I'd check with naturopath, N.D., before treating an infant's thrush though!}, as mild sun screen, to treat ring worm, and since oil pulling is great for treating tooth aches temporarily {for instance a pregnant mom who can't have fillings done, or someone in between dentists}, I think this would be an even better oil to use.

I know you can also use the raw leaves if you have a tooth ache, chew the plant and spit it out as temporary treatment.

To make a tea with this plant, dry the leaves, then using a tea infuser use 1/8 leaves to 1 part water ratio {1 part leaves 8 parts water}.  The tea is safest at about 10% creosote, strong enough to cure, but weak enough for your body to process the toxins of the plant. Drink, but don't necessarily repeat frequently.  If you experience nausea, that's your body telling you to stop.  Also, pregnant women should not drink the tea as it is listed as an abortifacient.

I'll be making a tincture eventually and I'll share that too.  but if you're in the desert and looking for natural treatments, I suggest starting with this one, as long as your liver and kidneys are fine, it's so abundant and treats almost everything!

More information about the Creosote (or Chaparral) plant is available here. and more medicinal uses here.

**Remember I'm a blogger not a doctor, this is how I am treating my family and myself naturally.  If you have questions check with your N.D. or N.M.D., an M.D. will have no idea what you're talking about!

Desert Tour with the Herb Mother!

My Friend Latisha hosted a desert walk recently, showing us the plants most abundant in the desert and the most helpful, here's what I learned...

Creosote or Chaparral plant;

yellow small flowers, vibrant tiny green leaves, fuzzy seeds and tastey unopened flower buds.

Native peoples would pickle the unopened flower buds and use them like capers.

I will be posting about how to make oils, tinctures and teas from this plant because it is so important and healing.

Creosote 

I'm posting more about Creosote tomorrow so check back then.

This dull colored leafed sage looking plant is great for using in tincture form as an antihistamine. 

It's called brittle bush. Here's more info. and more images too.

This one is called Bursage. 

Bursage

Bursage

Bursage

This one is actually the best antihistamine but once it flowers you should NOT collect the leaves because it's too hard to separate the flowers/pollen and the leaves.  And, the flowers will make allergies worse!

More info here.

This is desert lavender. {Hyptis}

It smells divine.  Well the leaves do, the flowers have no smell.

Helps with sleep, anxiety, stomach acid problems and good as a salve for bites and stings.

Make as tincture with honey to drink and amazing as incense.

More info here.  I can't explain how amazing this smell is.

Hyptis

Hyptis

Hyptis

Hyptis

Cute little weed called Scorpion Weed.

The leaves look like scorpion tails. Had to take a photo since you know Scorpions are my power animal.

This sad little plant is dehydrated, but see that red dot below? That's a Wolfberry.

It's a super antioxidant, cousin of the tomato and eggplant family.

It's the desert's equivalent to the goji berry.

It tastes so good! But don't eat too many you'll get nauseous. 

and by too many I mean a whole bush in one sitting.

Wolfberry.

And that was most of the tour.

She shared so much information I couldn't possibly tell you everything I learned.

But I hope if you're in the desert you'll 

Anti-Candida Diet {weeks 5 & 6}

This diet was supposed to go for a month but I needed to go a bit longer since I was still having symptoms well into the second week.  I think I'm clear now but I am finishing week 6 out and then splurging this Friday.  I really need some home made mac and cheese and then after that I'll probably continue on as best I can with the next major events coming up; friends visiting, wedding, vacation, and more.

I'm feeling really good, like really good.  Alert, focused, and energized.  The no sugar thing is really working.  I do miss my fruit though, and I think I can eat that in moderation and be happy.  I do miss cupcakes and frosting and those I can save for birthdays, so I don't plan on really stopping the diet, just modifying it so we're not spending tons of money on fancy gluten free items and other diet specific foods.

New favorite; spaghetti squash with kale

quinoa, rice and coconut flour quiche crust

Mexican "rice" bowl

Those chips are AMAZING and totally friendly to gluten free and vegans alike.

fancy stir fry photo

Zucchini dipped in egg and brown rice flour and baked...

and dipped into home made spaghetti sauce.

Homemade Salsa

and the produce for this up and coming week!

Here's the meal plan from last week:
Egg, quinoa, approved veggie stir fry
Pizza with quinoa crust and home made sauce, veggies on top and fresh mozzarella
Valentine's Day Dinner at True Food
Quiche with quinoa crust and mixed veggies, organic eggs and feta cheese
Gluten free spaghetti with homemade sauce and cauliflower on the side
Spaghetti squash with kale and walnuts
and I'm missing a day but don't remember what I ate...

and here's what I'm going to eat this week:
Egg and quinoa Mexican food bowl {beans, quinoa, salsa, topped with feta}
Stir Fry
Baked eggplant with fettuccine and butter sauce
Quiche with quinoa crust, swiss chard and broccoli topped with feta
Martha Stewart's lentil cakes
Spaghetti Squash with kale
AND FINALLY MAC AND CHEESE AND WAFFLES!!  I can not wait!

and then back to more repeats and same old diet, but I really really miss my cheese :)

Anti Candida Diet {week 4}

Today is the first day of week four of my anti candida diet.  My symptoms are gone thanks to another round of treatment from my wonderful Natruropath Doctor.  But even though I was being really strict in the first few weeks I wasn't feeling better right away, so she wants me to stay on it longer. Which sort of sucks but also is not so bad now that I'm used to it.  I did negotiate one slice of toast a week, and enjoyed that slice with an egg bake at Lux today. SO GOOD.

After this experience I realize how bad sugar is for me, I don't plan on cooking with sugar once I finish what I own probably ever again... I will use honey {which can still trigger yeast growth} in moderation.  I'm used to stevia now in most things so I'll continue using that.  I might eat sugar for special occasions, but my skin is just so clear and healthy I don't want to ruin that!

So what have I been eating {please excuse the iphone pics}??

Asian stir fry {no carrots though, I just found out!}

Quinoa Casserole modified no tortilla and homemade enchilada sauce, no cheese

See Wednesday's meal plan below...

So Excited to find these!! 

Homemade salsa and GF CF chips!

Quinoa yeast free crust with buternut squash {maybe not allowed?? conflicting info}, onions, broccoli and fresh organic mozzarella balls

Spaghetti Squash and kale see Saturday's meal below... 

Meal plan this week:
Last night, Saturday; spaghetti squash with sauteed kale, walnuts, onion, garlic, garbanzo beans, herbs and feta
Sunday; True food, several items on their menu are safe!
Monday; Asian stir fry {quinoa, egg, broccoli, bock choy, lime and ginger}
Tuesday; Bean and rice bowl with homemade salsa, avocado and my new gluten/corn free chips!
Wednesday; Brown Rice Linguine with almond milk and butter garlic sauce and baked eggplant with mozzarella
Thursday; GF quinoa quiche crust with tomato, brussel sprouts, broccoli and feta
Friday; Lamb with cauliflour, celery, and any other approved veggies

snacks:
green apples with almond butter
GF corn free chips and salsa
almonds

breakfast and desert:
plain full fat organic yogurt and 5 drops vanilla flavored stevia

I'm going to make sugarless donuts on Valentines day, and probably eat chocolate too, but then I'll go back strong on this diet for as long as she likes, or until the next big event... like Wayne and Gretchen's wedding!

Happy Healthy Healing!!