Hot Air Popped Popcorn

Welcome to another edition of the Chronicles of a Budding Health Nut. Nut meaning crazy person. Well, the other day I was in Target and happened to walk by this popcorn popper. It uses hot air rather than oil which makes for a much healthier version of a treat my daughter happens to love.

My mom would always buy the microwaveable bag popcorn and I would try my best to convince her to stop because of the chemicals used in the lining of the bag which are toxic. Not to mention the chemicals in the artificial butter flavor which can cause lung issues over long periods of time (you'd have to pop a lot of popcorn) but I believe most companies have stopped using the particular chemical diacetyl which causes this. But still the chemicals in the bag some of which are to keep the oil from burning through the paper...still aren't ideal to be ingesting.

The best way to pop popcorn is over the stove...or as I have newly found- with a hot air popper!  Naima had a ball watching it pop. Much safer than standing in front of the microwave like I used to do as a kid, and inhaling toxic fumes as well as being exposed to radiation emissions. ;-) So long to bagged popcorn!

Here are a few photos for you to enjoy of out process.

I'm not sure what is special about the Ruby Red. But it was pretty so I brought it. Marketing scam!

measure.

pour.

wait for popping to start. pose for the camera.

get excited when popping starts.

pose for the camera again. still waiting.

add melted butter and garlic.

season. blk pepper. fresh grated.

season. old bay ;-) it's a b-more luv thang.

Enjoy!

Homemade Deodorant

Yes, you read that right. I found a recipe for homemade deodorant and I just had to give it a try. So I just whipped up a batch and will begin the real journey tomorrow...which is testing it out to see how well it actually works! ;-)


So how did I do it you ask? Or better yet why?


Well I will start with the why first.


I did it because I am on a journey of reinventing my life to be as chemical free as I possibly can. I also want to learn how to do/make everything myself so that I can leave the store brought-chemically laden artificial scented/flavored things of life alone. I want to return to nature. To the way things were and should be before corporations took over and told us how we should live our lives. Don't wanna get on my soapbox...this a post about deodorant after-all. So here is the why in terms of why I decided to pursue such a journey:


Deodorants, and most all cosmetics from things such as lotions, shampoos, make-up etc. are full of chemicals which are harmful to the body. They are present in such small amounts-but over time they build up and many have been linked to cancer. Most people don't think of their cosmetics as cancer-causing. You may think of  the fact that you know X many people who have been using these things for X years and don't have cancer...but from an epidemiological standpoint-cancer rates are ever increasing as are the amount of chemicals being introduced to us through various means (the air we breathe, water we drink, food we eat and cosmetics that we use). 


(There is no need for me to sit here and re-type information which is greatly summed up elsewhere. For more information you can view these links:  Harmful chemicals in deodorants, Natural Cosmetic News, BBC News, Deodorant and breast cancer.)


Anyway, so onto the good stuff... how can you make your own deodorants? Well there are plenty recipes out there to try. I came across this one that I decided to try first. I read some reviews that some people have issues with the baking soda in the recipe causing irritation. There are various versions out there without it. I am going to try this one and if I should need to switch to another version I will. 


So here is the info: 

Ingredients:

6-8 Tbsp Coconut oil (solid state)
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder

(optional-essential oils) I used lavender. Just a few drops.

Directions:

1. Combine equal portions of baking soda & arrowroot powder. 
2. Slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a spoon or hand blender until it maintains a firm but pliable texture. It should be about the same texture as commercial deodorant, solid but able to be applied easily. If it is too wet, add further arrowroot powder/cornstarch to thicken.
3. You can either scoop this recipe into your old deodorant dispensers or place in a small container with lid and apply with fingers with each use. Makes about 1 cup. This recipe lasts about 3 months for two people with regular daily use.

Give it a try and let me know how you like it:

Water in Japan...send your prayers!

To All People Around the World     

Please send your prayers of love and gratitude to water at the nuclear plants in Fukushima, Japan!

By the massive earthquakes of Magnitude 9 and surreal massive tsunamis, more than 10,000 people are still missing…even now… It has been 16 days already since the disaster happened. What makes it worse is that water at the reactors of Fukushima Nuclear Plants started to leak, and it’s contaminating the ocean, air and water molecule of surrounding areas. 

Human wisdom has not been able to do much to solve the problem, but we are only trying to cool down the anger of radioactive materials in the reactors by discharging water to them.

Is there really nothing else to do?

I think there is.

During over twenty year research of hado measuring and water crystal photographic technology, I have been witnessing that water can turn positive when it receives pure vibration of human prayer no matter how far away it is.

Energy formula of Albert Einstein, E=MC2 really means that Energy = number of people and the square of people’s consciousness.

Now is the time to understand the true meaning. Let us all join the prayer ceremony as fellow citizens of the planet earth.   I would like to ask all people, not just in Japan, but all around the world to please help us to find a way out the crisis of this planet!!

The prayer procedure is as follows.

Name of ceremony:

“Let’s send our thoughts of love and gratitude to all water in the nuclear plants in Fukushima”

Day and Time:

March 31^st, 2011 (Thursday)

12:00 noon in each time zone

This will mean that love will be sent to the water for a full 24 hours as the different time zones kick in.

Please say the following phrase:

“The water of Fukushima Nuclear Plant, we are sorry to make you suffer.  Please forgive us.  We thank you, and we love you.”  Please say it aloud or in your mind. Repeat it three times as you put your hands together in a prayer position. Please offer your sincere prayer.  

Thank you very much from my heart.

With love and gratitude,

Masaru Emoto

Messenger of Water

Herb Show Recap

So the Herbal Medicine Show was a huge success...

I was so nervous in the beginning as I was watching other people set up their tables and I was thinking "oh, maybe I should have done more, I should have done this, I could have done that"...but by the time I finished my table set up I realized that what I had was sufficient. It wasn't as glamourous as some of the tables (my classmates did an awesome job!), but I put a lot of time and love into my creations, and they came out well-and they were all well received by the public. 
What I loved was talking with the individuals. There were a lot of people who did not know exactly what it was we were there for (to introduce them to the student clinic and get clients) as well as introduce them to the world of herbal medicine and the variety of possibilities therein. I had some real heart to heart conversations with people, and got a decent sized list of people interested in coming into the student clinic as well as people  who signed the email list. 

The oatmeal bars and the Hibiscus Hi-C Tea was a big hit. Sooo many people were asking me for the recipe...so I promised to send it out in my 1st newsletter that will go out shortly (I'm still working on it!). If you would like to be added to the mailing list--to request an add you may email me at swinston@tai.edu. Leave your first and last name and email address in your request.

Here is what some of the faculty and staff at Tai had to say:

The Herbal Medicine Show yesterday was truly remarkable. I wandered from table to table in awe of your creativity, brilliance, and beauty. Each of you brought your best to the show and gave the community a view of the true potential and wonder of herbal medicines. I loved seeing your themes and the thought and heart which went into them, and the innovation you showed in what you made and how you presented it. Last night was a proud moment for Tai Sophia, and you were the shining jewels. Thank you each so much for the enormous time, energy, love, and skill you demonstrated.

 

In Awe and Gratitude,

Bevin

Bevin Clare MS, RH
Clinical Division Chair
Herbal Medicine Department
Tai Sophia Institute

I was so impressed with the knowledge of each of the students, their ability to explain their products as well as the beautiful displays that you created.  Despite the weather, we had an overwhelming crowd.  This certainly has become a signature community event for Tai Sophia and an opportunity for us to show off and beam about the quality of our students.  Thank you all for the hard work you put into this.  It definitely showed.

 

Judith K. Broida Ph.D

Provost/ Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Tai Sophia Institute

I would like to further heap praise on you all, and  also to pass on Bob Duggan’s comment he asked me to convey – that this year’s show was a definite ‘step up’ for Tai Sophia.

Well done you!

 

Andrew Pengelly PhD, AHG, FNHAA
Director Herbal Dispensary
Lecturer in Herbal Pharmacology and Botany
Tai Sophia Institute

This program is gaining in quality and community response, which says that students are learning and faculty must be doing a fantastic job. To see what has been learned translated through creativity was absolutely amazing.

 

The entire event was nothing less than extraordinary. Congratulations to all.

 

Kind regards,

  

Frank Vitale

President and CEO

Tai Sophia Institute

PS. Major shout out to Stanley Jaworski, a fellow photographer for coming out and taking photos of the event for me!

Preparing for the Herbal Medicine Show...

This is so much work. Much more than I anticipated.


A lot of what I was making I wanted to wait until as close as possible to make so that it would be fresh. I have (had) some elderberries around here, and two days before the show can't seem to find them. Now I can't make my elderberry syrup which is kind of disheartening, because its the one I use the most and can probably speak the most freely about. 


Instead, I am forced to find something else to do...which is ok, because I tend to work well under pressure, though not without the cortisol surge however.


I keep having to change my game plans and in this moment it still isnt finalized, but I know that whatever I do its going to be great. 


Anyway...for anyone interested in coming out, here is the info for the show. 

Join Tai Sophia’s Herbal Medicine faculty and master’s degree students for Tai Sophia’s annual Herbal Medicine Show. 

Treat your senses to the tastes, scents, and textures of a wide array of herbal cordials, elixirs, tinctures, salves, and foods. 

The Herbal Medicine Show will feature: 

•Free samples and helpful information on how herbs can support your wellness

•Over a dozen themed, interactive displays, including:

◦Self Care and the Seasons

◦Seasonal Immunity

◦Digestive Health and the Mind

◦Circadian Rhythms and Sleep

◦Elements in Nature

◦Seasonal Nutrition

◦Pain Management

◦Sexual Health and Vitality

◦The Wellness Imaginarium

Come experience the amazing world of herbs and meet student herbalists entering the clinical portion of their training and ready for new clients. 

If you are not able to make it out to this event, and even if you are--here are the details for what I really want to get across:

So we will have clinic on Wednesday mornings and Friday nights. Just as med student needs to work in a hospital to get real world expeience, I need clients who are interested in seeing an herbalist for health or wellness. Some things you may come on for is:

Skin conditions
G.I. Conditions 
Nutritional coaching
Chronic health conditions
Immune conditions
Or even if you don't have a "condition" you can come in to find out how you can maintain wellness and things you can do for optimal energy. 
To graduate I need to conduct 50 different consultations with a handful of those being multiple visits (at least 3 per person preferably). 
In the student clinic, there is a reduced fee that we are required to charge for using the space. The money is paid directly to the school none of it goes to us btw. For the initial consult the fee is $45 and all follow ups are $30.

I hope this information helps. Any questions, message or call me if you have my number. I hope to be able to be of service to someone as I want this to be something we can mutually benefit from. 

PS. If it's not you, we all know someone suffering from something. Please feel free to pass the word on to a friend or family member if you don't feel as though these services would be of any service to you. 

Oh-and this show is just like a coming out party for the public that we will be starting clinic and an opportunity to let the community at large know we are beginning clinic and to give us an opportunity to find clients. Basically it's gonna be lots of free products and food-all herb based. If you can come that's great but that's secondary to my needing of clients. 

Peace & Wellness
Shannon.

Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree

So you know that stuff you buy in the can...thats been sitting in there since last years harvest? Well yeah, you can do the same exact thing with your fresh pumpkins that you have had sitting around since Halloween. Its really simple, and the pies, breads, or whatever you make from it will taste so much fresher and better than anything you can get out of a box or can.

Here are the simple steps:

Slice the pumpkin into quarters.

Pull out the seeds and the inside flesh. 

Using a spoon, scrape the stringy insides from the meat of the pumpkin. Leave the outside rind on.

You can either bake the whole slices, or a faster way is to use a double steamer and steam them until the inside is soft and you can stick a fork through it.

Let cool and then scoop the meat off of the rind. It should be fairly easy, the meat will almost slide off.

Puree in a blender, food processor, or using a hand mixer. Do not add water!

And then you are done! Same stuff from the can, minus the seasoning and preservatives.

PS. Keep the seeds! They are super nutritious. You can save and plant for next year OR you can season and roast them, or eat raw. If you're ambitious, you can even make Pumpkin Seed Butter!