"There is nothing quite like the experience of working hard to plant different vegetables and fruits and reaping the benefit of theirharvest. I have been gardening since I was a little kid. Every spring my mom and I would plant a large numbers of items and harvest a bounty of goods in thesummer! With my husband going back to school on the new GI Bill, I found myself having some extra time and decided to start a garden, both to help the earth and myfamily. Additionally, having participated online in some nutrition classes froma distance learning university helped out when I was trying to figure what plants would be best nutrition-wise.
We would have the most incredible meals in the summer madewith food we actually grew ourselves. The freshness simply cannot be beat, andthe satisfaction gained from growing your own garden.
My favorite time to plant is in the spring after the lastthaw. I love to finally get into the garden and begin planting the seeds. There are many things that I enjoy planting, but there are a specific few that arebest to plant in spring to be able to harvest in summer. My absolute favorite thing to plant in the spring is zucchini. Zucchini grows like wildflowers andproduces some of the most beautiful vegetables that you could never find in the grocery store. They grow to be rather large and are so flavorful.
Another one of my favorites is tomatoes! Tomatoes are the perfect things to plant in the spring because they will render the juiciest,best-tasting tomatoes you have ever had. We plant tomatoes all over our garden because we eat so many of them, and want the biggest bounty possible. Tomatoes are wonderful because they are easy growers and are so versatile in thekitchen.
In addition to zucchini and tomatoes, squash, cucumber,basil and cilantro are wonderful to plant in the spring. Squash, like zucchini,grows rather rapidly and produces a wonderful crop. The plant can overrun your garden, so it must be pruned and planted with room to spread. Cucumber is another fantastic plant that is fun to grow. My mother was always keen ongrowing herbs and her favorite were basil and cilantro. Both of those herbs grow with relative ease and are perfect for spring planting and summer picking.
It’s hard to find any food or meal that isn’t improved bythe addition of fresh herbs; especially picked from your garden. I love to make a cold pasta salad with my zucchini, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers and fresh herbs.The flavor combination is out of this world and so very healthy! No matter whatyou want to grow, I encourage you to get out and plant anything! The rewards are tasty, nutritious and fun to experience!"
Karen is a long time blogger, and a life long gardener. She now enjoys sharing her gardening hobby with her kids when they are home from their outdoor education school.
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Thursday, May 26, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
An article on "Why should I buy organic?"
CLICK HERE for the full article (taken from "Healthy Bellies Happy Babies")
an excerpt:
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an excerpt:
Why should I buy Organic?
I always hear the reason why people don't buy organic is because its much more expense then the alternative brands; I get that, but I've been doing my research on why eating organic is so important. So here is why.
The Environmental Working Group recommends buying organic whenever possible. It is the smartest way to reduce your exposure to pesticides; Pesticides are toxic by design. They are created to kill living organisms -such as insects, plants, and fungi. Many pesticides pose health dangers to people. These risks have been established by independent research scientists and physicians across the world.
As acknowledged by U.S. and international government agencies, different pesticides have been linked to a variety of health problems, including:
Finally, organic foods are healthier for you. The research on whether consuming organic food is healthier for people remains inconclusive. However, the USDA's own tests show that most non-organic produce contain residual pesticides even after washing. The long term effects of consuming these pesticides has not been sufficiently studied, but most research shows that they aren't good for you.
Things to do to limit your exposure to Pesticides:
Starting with the Best and down to the Worst!
The Environmental Working Group recommends buying organic whenever possible. It is the smartest way to reduce your exposure to pesticides; Pesticides are toxic by design. They are created to kill living organisms -such as insects, plants, and fungi. Many pesticides pose health dangers to people. These risks have been established by independent research scientists and physicians across the world.
As acknowledged by U.S. and international government agencies, different pesticides have been linked to a variety of health problems, including:
- nervous system toxicity
- cancer
- hormone system effects
- skin, eye and lung irritation
- Lower IQ in children (recent studies done out of Mount Sinai, Columbia, Beekley)
Finally, organic foods are healthier for you. The research on whether consuming organic food is healthier for people remains inconclusive. However, the USDA's own tests show that most non-organic produce contain residual pesticides even after washing. The long term effects of consuming these pesticides has not been sufficiently studied, but most research shows that they aren't good for you.
Things to do to limit your exposure to Pesticides:
- Wash, Scrub and Peel your fruits and vegetable's
- Buy organic for those fruits and vegetable's that cant be peeled
- Discard the outer leaves on leafy vegetable's
- Meats/Poultry/Fish - take off skin and trim fat since pesticides affect these areas most
Starting with the Best and down to the Worst!
- Onions (Best)
- Avocado
- Sweet Corn (Frozen)
- Pineapples
- Mango's (Subtropical and Tropical)
- Sweet Peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Kiwi Fruit (Subtropical and Tropical)
- Cabbage
- Eggplant
- Cantaloupe (Domestic)
- Watermelon
- Grapefruit
- Sweet Potatoes
- Honeydew Melon
- Plums (Domestic)
- Cranberries
- Winter Squash
- Broccoli
- Bananas
- Tomatoes
- Cauliflower
- Cucumbers (Domestic)
- cantaloupe (Imported)
- Grapes (Domestic)
- Oranges
- Red Raspberries
- Hot Peppers
- Green Beans (Imported)
- Cucumbers (Imported)
- Summer Squash
- Plums (Imported)
- Pears
- Green Beans (Domestic)
- Carrots
- Blueberries
- Lettuce (Imported)
- Grapes (Imported)
- Potatoes
- Kale/Collard Greens
- Cherries
- Spinach
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Nectarines
- Blueberries (Domestic)
- Apple
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Celery (Worst)
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Sunday, May 22, 2011
*Side Note* Quick and Easy DIY artwork
I don't normally post things like this, but because decorating/remodeling has been our main focus the past few weeks (and will be our focus the next few months) these are the little things that are occupying my time right now :). I thought I would share in case anyone is getting a little crafting itch as the weather warms up. Not necessarily "eco-friendly" but definitely budget friendly! Hopefully these will give you a little inspiration...
So here's what I did:
Project 1
Spray paint ugly frames white
Project 2
Make "wall art" (scrapbook paper + modge podge + canvas)
Project 4
Paint, paint, paint; a rocking chair, toddler bed, kitchen table, etc. haven't started this one yet... yikes!
Share your cheap and easy DIY with me! I need some inspiration!
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So here's what I did:
 |
| Lost my "before" picture, but it was a hideous dark, fake wood frame |
 |
| "before" this picture actually makes it look a little better than it was |
 |
| "After" looks bright and sunny! |
Spray paint ugly frames white
Project 2
Make "wall art" (scrapbook paper + modge podge + canvas)
 |
| Project 2, this picture doesn't really do them justice :( these turned out so cute! |
Project 3
Make more "wall art" (scrapbook paper + modge podge + matting paper- for framing)
Project 4
Paint, paint, paint; a rocking chair, toddler bed, kitchen table, etc. haven't started this one yet... yikes!
Share your cheap and easy DIY with me! I need some inspiration!
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Thursday, May 19, 2011
Body Spray postponement... (please don't hate me)
Due to my delayed trial and reviews on the OCM, everything has gotten pushed back a little bit. I am going to attempt to make the body spray by 6/1 (ish). We are moving that weekend so I may be a little delayed again, but please know I will post just as soon as I can!
This lull in making new products would be a FABULOUS time for you to revisit some of your favorites, or to read up on older ones you may have missed! Just type "final review" into the little search box at the top left of the blog and you can see a list of what I've made to date... if you see a final review on something you're interested in, just follow the links back for all the info you need.
Good luck, and as always please e-mail if you have trouble finding anything or if you just feel like saying hello :)
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This lull in making new products would be a FABULOUS time for you to revisit some of your favorites, or to read up on older ones you may have missed! Just type "final review" into the little search box at the top left of the blog and you can see a list of what I've made to date... if you see a final review on something you're interested in, just follow the links back for all the info you need.
Good luck, and as always please e-mail if you have trouble finding anything or if you just feel like saying hello :)
Like what you see? "Subscribe via e-mail" in the top right corner to receive updates when a new post is added! Never more than 1 e-mail a day. Find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NaturallyNourishing1 or on twitter @naturalnourish1
Final Reviews on the Oil Cleansing Method
First, let me start by saying thank you all soooo much for your patience! This school semester is officially over and I am a free bird until summer school (yippee)! I apologize for running late on this review, but I assure you it was worth the wait :)
CLICK HERE to read my initial thoughts on parts, price, and process.
My Final Thoughts:
Cons- The smell of EVOO. Unfortunately, since the start of this pregnancy I can barely stand the thought of even cooking with EVOO. I used to use it almost daily, but something about it has me weirded out now? Anyway, this probably wont be a problem for the majority of you all, but if you are finicky about smells, remember that there are several different oils you can experiment with here (jojoba, grapeseed, almond, etc).
Pros- For fear of sounding like a broken record: easy to make, chemical free, and most importantly, it works! You HAVE to try this. Even if it's just once in a blue to give yourself a little mini facial. It feels sooo good and your skin will be soft and glowing. The whole process of rubbing it into your skin, then laying a warm damp cloth across your face... it's so fancy feeling, and I know each and every one of you could stand to take an extra second on yourself (even if it's just a fleeting moment of serenity, pretending there isn't a 2 year old banging on your door saying "HEY! HEY! MOOOOOMMY!!") -just me?
That brings me to the second thing I love about this; you don't have to be in your bathroom to do it! All you need is your little cleaner and a warm damp cloth, but you can do it anywhere. If you're like me, there is no such thing as a quick and easy face rinse at the bathroom sink. Whether I'm brushing my teeth or washing my face, the wreckage I leave behind is enough to make you call your Mother. My Husband refuses to believe this type of mess if physically possible by 1 woman. Sometimes he sits and stares in disbelief as I try to daintily splash water on my face with my eyes closed (like the commercials). The end result looks like a I composed a blindfolded water painting across my bathroom sink and walls. Anyway, with this there's no water splashing, no lathering, you don't even have to close your eyes! Just rub the oil in, let the warm wash cloth sit for a moment, then wipe away!
Overall- Like I said, you have to try this. Remember, this if for EVERYONE dry and oily faces alike! You can take my word for it, or read my PREVIOUS POST explaining how it works for everyone. If you just clicked that link and read that post, you could have already washed your face with this method 3 times and just seen for yourself ;) I really hope you all try it. Experiment with oils based on your skin type and see what works best for you. I promise it doesn't take nearly as long as you think it does. I don't think I'll go back to face wash. I have been in dire need of something that works (and doesn't take the top layer of my skin with it). Besides, once you start using this there's a good chance you wont need face lotion anymore, what was that sound? Ohhh just the sound of $money$ being saved!
Let me know if you try it!!
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CLICK HERE to read my initial thoughts on parts, price, and process.
 |
| I used 3 parts EVOO to 1 part Castor Oil (b/c I have drier skin). I didn't make much because I wanted to test it out first (and it doesn't take much) but that didn't keep me from making a gorgeous label... well... |
My Final Thoughts:
Cons- The smell of EVOO. Unfortunately, since the start of this pregnancy I can barely stand the thought of even cooking with EVOO. I used to use it almost daily, but something about it has me weirded out now? Anyway, this probably wont be a problem for the majority of you all, but if you are finicky about smells, remember that there are several different oils you can experiment with here (jojoba, grapeseed, almond, etc).
Pros- For fear of sounding like a broken record: easy to make, chemical free, and most importantly, it works! You HAVE to try this. Even if it's just once in a blue to give yourself a little mini facial. It feels sooo good and your skin will be soft and glowing. The whole process of rubbing it into your skin, then laying a warm damp cloth across your face... it's so fancy feeling, and I know each and every one of you could stand to take an extra second on yourself (even if it's just a fleeting moment of serenity, pretending there isn't a 2 year old banging on your door saying "HEY! HEY! MOOOOOMMY!!") -just me?
That brings me to the second thing I love about this; you don't have to be in your bathroom to do it! All you need is your little cleaner and a warm damp cloth, but you can do it anywhere. If you're like me, there is no such thing as a quick and easy face rinse at the bathroom sink. Whether I'm brushing my teeth or washing my face, the wreckage I leave behind is enough to make you call your Mother. My Husband refuses to believe this type of mess if physically possible by 1 woman. Sometimes he sits and stares in disbelief as I try to daintily splash water on my face with my eyes closed (like the commercials). The end result looks like a I composed a blindfolded water painting across my bathroom sink and walls. Anyway, with this there's no water splashing, no lathering, you don't even have to close your eyes! Just rub the oil in, let the warm wash cloth sit for a moment, then wipe away!
Overall- Like I said, you have to try this. Remember, this if for EVERYONE dry and oily faces alike! You can take my word for it, or read my PREVIOUS POST explaining how it works for everyone. If you just clicked that link and read that post, you could have already washed your face with this method 3 times and just seen for yourself ;) I really hope you all try it. Experiment with oils based on your skin type and see what works best for you. I promise it doesn't take nearly as long as you think it does. I don't think I'll go back to face wash. I have been in dire need of something that works (and doesn't take the top layer of my skin with it). Besides, once you start using this there's a good chance you wont need face lotion anymore, what was that sound? Ohhh just the sound of $money$ being saved!
Let me know if you try it!!
Like what you see? "Subscribe via e-mail" in the top right corner to receive updates when a new post is added! Never more than 1 e-mail a day. Find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NaturallyNourishing1 or on twitter @naturalnourish1
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Quotes about Mommas :)
The phrase "working mother" is redundant. ~Jane Sellman
If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been. ~Robert Brault
"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." – Sophia Loren
“A hundred men may make an encampment, but it takes a woman to make a home.” -Chinese proverb
“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” -Marion C. Garretty
“When you educate a man you educate an individual; when you educate a woman you educate a whole family.” -Robert M. Maciver
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If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been. ~Robert Brault
"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." – Sophia Loren
“A hundred men may make an encampment, but it takes a woman to make a home.” -Chinese proverb
“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” -Marion C. Garretty
“When you educate a man you educate an individual; when you educate a woman you educate a whole family.” -Robert M. Maciver
Like what you see? "Subscribe via e-mail" in the top right corner to receive updates when a new post is added! Never more than 1 e-mail a day. Find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NaturallyNourishing1 or on twitter @naturalnourish1
A little disclaimer...
Hello All!
I was glimpsing at my calendar for the month of May and realized I may have bitten off a little more than I can chew. The week I am supposed to review the oil cleansing method and make my new product (body spray) also happens to be my finals week at school. Although I would like to pretend I do this all effortlessly, finals week does require a bit more of me. I am saying all of this to say that my final review and first thoughts on the body spray may be a bit delayed this time around. So sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thanks for your patience!
For all readers who are Mothers, I hope you had an amazing Mother's day!!!
Like what you see? "Subscribe via e-mail" in the top right corner to receive updates when a new post is added! Never more than 1 e-mail a day. Find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NaturallyNourishing1 or on twitter @naturalnourish1
I was glimpsing at my calendar for the month of May and realized I may have bitten off a little more than I can chew. The week I am supposed to review the oil cleansing method and make my new product (body spray) also happens to be my finals week at school. Although I would like to pretend I do this all effortlessly, finals week does require a bit more of me. I am saying all of this to say that my final review and first thoughts on the body spray may be a bit delayed this time around. So sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thanks for your patience!
For all readers who are Mothers, I hope you had an amazing Mother's day!!!
Like what you see? "Subscribe via e-mail" in the top right corner to receive updates when a new post is added! Never more than 1 e-mail a day. Find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NaturallyNourishing1 or on twitter @naturalnourish1
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