Apple season around the corner.

There is a sense around here that fall is coming. It is only 100 degrees today so I am almost giddy. I have faith that someday we will be able to pull out the hoodies and play outside for more than a half hour at a time. It will happen! That means, apple season, pumpkin pie, holidays! Hooray!

A couple weeks ago, we were up at the cabin and the apples were ripe for the picking. It had been a couple years since we have had good apples due to the frost and Elk. The kids were busy gathering bags full to take home to munch. We needed to use them up fast so we ate lots and lots of apple dishes: Apple crepes, apple muffins, apple crisp, apples and peanut butter, apple sauce, etc. I still had a big bag full so I did the lazy girls version of canning; my favorite.

I used my handy apple corer/peeler and in minutes had those apples in cute little rings. Immediately they were dunked in a bowl with half water, half apple juice (no sugar variety) and about 8 drops of lemon oil (essential oil) to keep them from turning brown. As I would peel/core the apples, I would put them in the bowl. This way , they were kept from turning brown while I was getting the whole batch done. 

After the bowl was filled. I gently put them in quart freezer bags, making sure that there was a some juice in each bag so that they were not exposed to air. I would seal them up tight so there were not any air pockets and into the freezer they went. I always have a backup plan in case we all loose power , long term and my freezer food storage would spoil. I have a 3 burner camp stove with 4 extra propane tanks filled and ready to used. I have lots of mason jars and  good pressure cooker/canner. I would can them immediately so then they could go on the shelf. Same thing for the meats in the freezer. I prefer to have my food frozen, not canned so I usually go for the freezer first with the canning back up plan. When I run out of room in the big freezer, I opt for canning but I haven't been that good lately to stock up as I should. Hopefully I will be better the rest of the year!

These apples are great to pull out to use for waffle and crepe toppings or apple crisp. I love that they aren't in a syrup to ruin the nutritional quality. Apples are sweet enough. They don't get mushy if you use good apples.

Until next Wednesday, October 5th, Organic apples are on sale for $.99 per pound at Sprouts. Great time to get your apples stash going!

Pre-Schooling

Now that I am 17 1/2 years into child rearing and into my second year of teaching those cute little chubby fingers in my preschool classes; I have some opinions about early education. Now, granted, this is my opinion so take it for what may but there are probably a few out there who may also agree with me. This opinion probably has changed a bit over the years and really takes watching your first born go from womb to graduation. Watching my children's journey in education has inspired me in my preschool teaching and what these little ones really need to succeed in their primary education.

Everyone will learn their ABC's at a certain time in their life, barring disabilities of course. They will be able to count to 20, recite their colors and label shapes. It will happen if they aren't already there by 3. So many measure their little ones success and intelligence by what they know at 3 and worry way too much if those milestones aren't met. What I have learned is that the pre-school years should be focusing on getting ready to learn. Of course, learning academia at this age is also important but a huge focus should be on learning how to learn.

For instance, if a child lacks obedience for authority, ability to hold still and focus or inspiration to learn, they won't be nearly as teachable. If a child is allowed to run the show and dictate their every wish; that will carry into their education. If they lack manners or social skills, education and friendships will also suffer.

Therefor, these early "pre-school" years should be focused heavily on shaping these little primary students to be. If they come out of it knowing how to read ahead of the game and are the smartest cookie in the class; great! However, the most important thing is that they are ready to learn. They become ready to learn by holding still when it is required, being polite, respecting authority, being attentive, being obedient. When these are mastered, everything else will fall into place. Not everyone is a rocket scientist. We all come with different levels of intelligence but social skills and manners will make up the difference. Guaranteed.

Teaching these skills takes patience and diligence. It means not letting the little ones run the show. It means not giving up when it doesn't go smoothly. This can be done in a sweet but firm manner. I run my preschool like this and somehow, they all love me despite my rules. I expect them to listen, to be polite and to follow the rules of kindness. It is a learning process so it does take repetition. So many times it is easier to let the little ones get what they want so we don't have to endure the fight but this will only carry on to bigger things in life. You need to nip it in the bud early on.

I get to see lots of little personalities. I get warned by moms of their child's precociousness and stubbornness. I sort of like these challenges. It really doesn't take very long to get them in the groove of things. They learn the rules quite well since there really isn't an option for them. It can be done without time outs and belittling. 

Every child is different. Some are born with more ants in their pants than the others. Every mom can testify to that. However, I am a firm believer that each and every one of them can learn all the skills they need to be successful in the classroom. That is true for the typical child as well as those with special needs. Just a little more patience is involved. This must start in the home as early as can be. Children really do best with rules. 

For me, I feel that if my preschoolers graduate from my class with nothing else than learning to sit still when asked, saying "please" and "thank you" without being prompted, sharing and being kind to each other, respecting my authority and following the rules; my job has been done. Of course, it is great if they can learn the basic preschool academia as well but that is done over and over again the next few years of school.

Just my thoughts but for my children, I think this has worked. Even my little Tater with autism is an extremely obedient little one for his teachers. Not always for mom but he respects his teacher. He follows rules like their wasn't an option. I know by learning this early, this principle has blessed my children's lives. I thank the teachers who have persisted to teach this to my children and have not let them get away with things. I thank the teachers who have made learning fun and creative. 

Children need to be inspired and that means they need to be allowed to be creative and hands on. Just one fun thing before I end this sermon ; the picture above is something we do often for snack time. Toothpicks; love them! It makes snack time fun and educational. On this day, I gave them toothpicks, Cheerios and raisins. We were learning patterns so I would tell them how many cheerios and raisins to pattern. They loved it and it was much more entertaining than writing it out on paper. It also teaches them to sit and focus and to develop a better pincher grip. Just a little idea to pass along.

Thanks for listening.

P.S. I have ordered some extra immune boosting supplements and allergy pills for those who missed my order today. First come, first serve.

The Tour

I am simply in love with the Queen Creek Olive mill. After years of wanting to go take the tour, I finally did with my hot date and we both fell in love with it all. This mill is truly a "5 star" establishment and sticks to the Enlightened Homemakers strict guidelines for acceptable foods. I learned so much about the process of making olive oil and what true, good olive oil is about. I learned that "light Olive Oil" in the stores is the worst of it all; the garbage oil. So many think that means low calorie. Stay away from that. You want Extra virgin, expeller pressed and from the Olive Mill if you can! (you out of towners can order from them).


First,  I must tell you a bit about the great people who brought this to us. The owner, Perry, had a lucrative auto parts business in Detroit (I think it was there?) and decided to retire from it and do something different with his life. He had a gaggle of kids and wanted them to learn something new. He had farmer stock in his family and decided that would be a good venture. Now, he did what I want to do in the worst way ever. He yanked those kids from their home and moved them far away to become farmers. He decided on olive trees and before he knew it, he was making some amazing olive oil that fine restaurants were begging for. Today, he is on top of his game with some of the best oil in the world. I will leave the rest for you to learn about. My dream is to have a plot of land, away from the worldly things of this life (not too far), away from chaos and rush of life and to have my hands in dirt and up to my elbows in canning and homemaking. I love that this man had a dream and went with it. I love that he makes quality and does not , at all cost, cut corners jeopardizing it.


Back to the olive oil; these trees are grown under sustainable farming. No pesticides, no waste. They use the left over olive pulp for mulch. They press the oil using the best possible techniques so you get all the flavor and all the nutrition. Perry hand makes all the oil blends with his amazing touch. If you go, you get to sample them all. I had the chocolate olive oil drizzled on my roasted banana gelato. Heavenly. I had an amazing roasted veggie foccacia sandwich and their homemade prickly pear lemonade. I wish you could have all joined me. 


The Backyard Farmer just delivered the Garlic Olive Oil to me from the Olive Mill and I can't wait to use it tonight. This is going to be an expensive new hobbie!


Anyways, I simply love how there is still quality in this life. I love that people find passions and go for their dream. I love that kids are learning to work hard. I love that there are people like Perry in this world and I so hope that I can meet him soon. (Anyone at the Olive Mill reading may hook me up anytime. I will do dishes or shovel olive manure; whatever it takes)


Hope you all can take the tour. It is a great date. Go in October and you will get to actually see the whole process as it will be harvest time. It really is fascinating and makes you appreciate food. We are so detached from our food. If we saw how things were made or grown, we would be much more picky about what we eat. I now will only be able to use this Olive Oil. I am spoiled on the good stuff. It is rough being a foodie.


**P.S., you can still get the Groupon for $18 that is good for two tours, two gourmet sandwiches and two drinks. Super great deal:
Olive Mill Groupon

My new addiction....

I don't know how I have survived this long on my culinary journey without the encounter of these delectable oils of splendor. Honestly. How did I not splurge before now? This was my first lot of Gourmet olive oils from our very own Olive Mill in AZ. I came home with 3 oils and one vinegar. I will be going back very soon. I will not rest until I own them all. I started with Blood Orange, lime, rosemary and the pomegranate vinegar. I opened the blood orange and really could have drank it. It was amazing. If you haven't tried fresh pressed olive oil, you have no idea what you are missing. It has a whole different taste to it. I drizzled it on my cantaloupe with a little chopped mint. I then put some of the blood orange and pomegranate vinegar together for a salad dressing. Nothing else needed. The rosemary vinegar was half gone after my Sunday dinner. I rubbed a whole chicken with the oil and put some rosemary and thyme sprigs in the cavity. I tossed the new potatoes with the rosemary oil along with  the roasted vegetables. Divine!! The lime oil was used in my veggie fajitas. 


You can get some of this delicious oil at the Langley's market on Guadalupe just west of Higley (click here) or at the Queen Creek Olive mill (click here). Did you know they have some of the best olive oil in the world? Even better than Italy? So I am told and now believe. The Olive Mill has an oil of the month club that I am itching to join...just for fun! You can also get some of this oil delivered right to your house from the Backyard farmer along with some local produce. (click here) I just ordered up some roasted garlic olive oil with my Backyard Farmer order next week. Can't wait for Wednesday. The jalapeno olive oil will be on next weeks order, ooooh and the Backyard Farmers fresh cranberry beans and sweet peppers; a lovely pair!


It is so nice to be able to completely season your food with just a little drizzle of olive oil and vinegar. They even have a chocolate vinegar. Not sure about what to do with that one yet....strawberries? 


****Supplement and oil orders are due Monday. B complex, D3, Spice of Life, C? Stay healthy this year!

Sprouts deals for the week.....

Yipee! Sprouts has organic green grapes on sale for $1.49 per pound right now. Doesn't get better than that! Great time to stock up and freeze them. They taste like candy when frozen.


They also have Organic Pluots for $.99 per pound, also great to freeze and put in a smoothie. 


Their organic So Delicious Dairy free ice cream is 2/$7.


Neti pot, aka, the Nasal Cleansing Pot is $12.99. This is a great thing to have on hand for the upcoming flu and cold season to flush out the gunk.


Their whole , seedless watermelon's are $1.49! 


Sale prices are good until the 7th.

The Long Answer

I get lots and lots of emails from women with health issues either for themselves or their children. From my end of it, it seems like almost everyone is dealing with something ailing somewhere in the family. I am sure that history didn't have what we have now. I know there were terrible plagues and diseases but not the type of self-inflicted problems that we have now through our diet and medicine. When I get these emails or phone calls, I run into to two different sort of people; those wanting the short answer and those wanting the long answer.


The short answer is the answer many are looking for. It is the pop the pill, take a nap and all your troubles are over type of answer. I can promise you will never get the short answer from me. Short answers yield short lived results. That is our world. We want it all now without the work. 


The long answer is hard. I can usually tell when I start the long answer if I have the short answer mom or the long answer mom on the phone. The long answer causes anxiety. The long answer usually brings tears and lots and lots of questions. The long answer is just that....long and involved. I know lots of people who asked me years ago about their child or themselves and didn't want to hear the long answer. They tried the short answer; the multi level type miracle supplements or medicine and most of them are worse off for the wear at this point. I do not know ONE SINGLE CHILD on the autism spectrum who was every recovered with a short answer. I do not know ANY SINGLE WOMAN with endometriosis, MS, depression, IBS, chronic Fatigue Syndrome or any other auto immune disease that was ever healed with the short answer. Barring a miracle, it won't happen.


So what is the long answer? It begins with understanding where the problem began. For kids, it will begin with the gestation and health of the mother. By getting this history, it is often quite easy to understand where the problem began. Lots and lots of times I hear about mothers with yeast infections during gestation. A child born who would vomit everything they ate as an infant. Bowel issues. Chronic ear infections and antibiotics. Allergies and eczema. Sleeplessness. The list goes on. Their is always a trail but usually we wait until the trail is long before it is addressed. Boy how I wish I knew all this 6 years ago. I see children on this trail and I want so badly to tell this mother what needs to be done to stop the train wreck. But, so , so many only want the short answer.


For moms, the trail to demise has been going on for years. We are good to neglect ourselves and not listen to what we need. We can add so many things to the mix to really mess up our systems. After thousands of dollars spent at Naturopaths and Dr.s and thousands of hours spent on research, there are always basics that almost everyone of these health issues we are plagued with can be linked to: yeast, bowel issues, allergies and protein issues and diet. The problem is that these situation don't heal themselves. The problem starts small and builds until we now have no energy, depression, stomach issues, etc. The problem is that when we get to this point, the energy to fix it seems to be a problem.


What do we do? Take heed of the small signs. If you think there is something wrong with a child or yourself, take action. Don't just wait and see. Stay off the antibiotic train. Change your diet. Get sleep. Address allergies.


Don't take the short answer. I believe there is a natural way to heal about anything, especially if addressed early. You don't have to live with ailments; unless you want to. If you don't want to take the hard road to fix the problem, you will stay on the hard road of living with the problem. I promise it is much easier in the end to do the hard work now. 


If you want the long answer, I would be happy to talk with you. I will never profess to know all the answers but I will be happy to tell you all I know and point you in the right direction. Everything in babysteps. You can do it! Let's end the trail of destruction in our society. Start by cleaning up your diet. It is the single best thing you can do for yourself and your family. If you aren't willing to do that very first step, you will always, always pay the price. Everytime.


My speech for the day.

Vaccination Information

If I say the word "vaccination", the flood gates open of comments. I am not reopening the conversation, I am merely passing on a great website to help educate you a little so you may make your own decisions. My friend, Linda, passed this on to me and I thank her for it. I reiterate to you all, I am not against vaccines. I am, however, for responsible vaccination which is something that is not practiced in this country. We have to take this into our own hands. I am very thankful that I don't have little ones to worry about these vaccines anymore. It is absolutely ridiculous the amount of injections they want to toxify their systems with. Please think about it. I urge you especially to not vaccinate your newborn in the hospital. Please. At least wait. They don't have the immune system to fight off what you are putting into them. I am always in favor of waiting several months at least. 


Here is the link: http://www.nvic.org/Downloads/49-Doses-PosterB.aspx


Take the time to really explore the site if you have little ones. Be educated. 


Please, no nasty comments. I know this is a heated topic but I am really tired of the same comments. I am posting someone elses site so you can leave nasty comments for them on their site. Thanks.

New B complex from New Beginnings

I was pretty excited to see that New Beginnings is now carrying a B-complex vitamin as I went to place my order today. I think every woman should be taking a little extra B vitamins as we deplete ours so easily. I wrote a little bit about it a while back. Here is a little taste of what I wrote:


The B vitamins are a group of 8 vitamins that aid the body in cell metabolism. Of course we all know that cell's are what make up our body so it is probably a good thing to keep them in shape and metabolising properly. The B's also keep our skin and muscle tone healthy, our immune and nervous system in check and helps us combat the stress and anxiety in our lives. When you are really stressed out, your body actually depletes itself of B vitamins so you should make sure you take extra at this time. For children with disorders such as Autism and ADHD, many times a huge culprit is the way their body handles their B vitamins. Almost all of the time, they need major B supplements. For my son, I inject him with B12 vitamins to help his body work properly. Without these vitamins, the system can't work right and the brain will then suffer. Anxiety levels and depression levels are greatly affected when we don't get the vitamins we need. Another great benefit of B's are that they help the metabolism to speed up to aid in a healthy and lean body. Who doesn't want all this? It is like a little miracle pill. Yes, you still need to eat foods rich in B's like lentils, bananas, tuna and potatoes, but we all need a little help. Grab a bottle. Pass it a round. Take care of yourselves ladies! 


The great thing about this B-Complex is that is so cheap! You get a bottle of 90 capsules for $19 bucks! Woo Hoo! I ordered a few extras for any of you wanting to amp up your energy. 


It is always important to get our vitamins naturally so eating a rich, colorful diet is important but you can never get too many B vitamins. It's good to have a little extra help sometimes!

Last claim on order....

I have placed the orders for the bulk items and due to ordering requirements, I will have an extra 4 gallons of coconut oil left, 7 tubes of toothpaste and 1 gallon of shredded coconut. First come, first serve or I guess I have restocked some of my year supply items!  

Prevention....a refresher course

It is that time of year again...back to school which means the proliferation of germs. 3 days into school I already had the note home that there is strep in the classroom. School = Germs. But, it doesn't have to be. Really. We didn't have any sick days last year from school. That is really important since I teach preschool and can't have sick kids home. Kids can be surrounded with germs and can actually ward them off. It isn't to say they aren't going to feel a little "yucky" for a day , but the full fledged , in bed type sick really can be avoided. The body needs to build up an immune system by being exposed and fighting it off but you don't have to let the germs win the fight. Let's refresh ourselves on the basics of a healthy immune system:


First off, SUGAR. Sugar lowers the immune system which invites the germs to hang out and multiply. That is why illnesses spike in the fall and winter right around the holidays. We eat lots of sugar at this time with Halloween being the kick off. I have just figured this out first hand. In my quest to really listen to my body and note how food makes me feel, I have made a crystal clear correlation with sugar and my tonsils. I am pretty good about not eating much sugar EXCEPT when my daughter makes my favorite cookies (here). 
I tend to eat a few too many bites of the dough and a few too many cookies. What happens EVERY SINGLE TIME is my throat will be very sore the next day. Without fail. I never put this together before. I take my special remedies (to be discussed) and it goes away but the sugar allows the germs to attack my throat. That is my weak point. I think I have learned my lesson in this area. Hopefully.


Second, you need to pump up the immune system. This is critical in children who seem to have a weak system to begin with. I am an absolute huge believer in vitamin D3 as a daily supplement except when you are out all summer getting it the natural way. When school starts, I start the D3. I use the ionic liquid D3 and put it right in their drinks in the morning, at least a few times per week if not daily. You can search D3 on my site and gets lots of info on that, including recommended dosages. You can give it to all ages. I also pump the vitamin C, especially when they feel something coming on. If their is an allergy issue, it is important to address that as an allergic, inflamed body loves to invite the germs. It is a moist, mucousy environment that is a petri dish for germs. I love the New Beginnings A & I to help with this along with Cod Liver oil to help get the histamines out. Also important is clearing yeast from the body which also attracts the bugs, especially congestion.


Now, when things do go awry, as they will, and a child comes home saying they don't fell so great; nip it in the bud asap! There are so many natural things to do so it is important to keep some remedies on hand. I am a big fan of rotation so your body doesn't get used to one certain thing. I LOVE Spice of Life by BeYoung oils. I put it in a capsule for the older ones or put it on the feet of the little ones. I give extra C, use garlic, Elderberry, Golden Seal, Colloidal Silver, Oreganol, etc. Sometimes I use it all! There are so many things for so many different situations. Grape Fruit Seed Extract should be a staple for any home. I use it for everything from cleaning to sore throats. When there is a sore throat coming, we gargle 3 drops of GSE in 4 oz of water several times a day. Tastes absolutely horrible but it works. Big time. I just used some on my chickens infected foot. It is cheap and lasts forever. Of course, there is the ever popular Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar to help the body become less acidic which breads the germs as well. 1 tsp daily is always a good practice. For chest issues and snotty noses, I love the Breathe essential oil.


The last bit of advice, which I am finally doing better at, is sleep. If you don't get your Z's , your immune system will not be in top form. I have always been one to sacrifice in that department but after feeling so good on vacation this summer, I realized how bad I feel daily on 5 hours of sleep. I have , for once in my life, been really trying to get almost 7 hours of sleep and I feel like super woman. I am getting too old to live on 5 hours anymore. Plus, it keeps the eye bags away.


Keep those kiddos healthy. Sick days are no fun...for mom or kids! I promise, you can keep them at a minimum.


I am ordering today if anyone wants to stock up. I will order a few extra to have on hand. 


D3 $20
Spice $29
Vitamin C chewables $7
Carlson's Cod Liver Oil $32
A & I chewables $15
A & I capsules $34
GSE $12
Allimax (garlic) $32
Oreganol $29
Elderberry $28
Breathe $29