Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Review!!!!!

When I first found Tropical Traditions, I knew it was a company that I would love!
The Coconut oil was the first thing I feel in love with, since I have heard and read so much about how good coconut oil is for you!
I guess when you learn how good coconut oil is, you also learn how refined, vegetable oils are Not good for you! Just the fact that they have so much done to them before they are put on the shelves to sell should be enough to turn you around from buying them again! But if that don't, what they are made from should!
Thankfully there is an alternative and yes, it is coconut oil!
Don't let the price of coconut oil frighten you! We are talking about cooking oil, something everyone uses and some people use on a daily basis. So why not use something that you know is good for you and your family?
Tropical Traditions has specials all the time for their products, so sign up for their newsletter so you can keep up with all of them! They often have sells and deals on the coconut oil! =)
I was able to try the Coconut oil, thanks to the great folks at Tropical Traditions! I was completely delighted when it finally arrived! I love using it in my homemade granola! It is also fantastic for healthy cookies! Yum! I used it to make my dandelion cookies back in the early springtime!
Do you have a picky eater who does not like the coconut flakes, but you still want some coconut flavor in your cooking? Coconut oil is the answer!
There are TONS of Recipes to try out and add to your favorites over at Tropical Traditions! Be sure to check them out after you order some things from Tropical Traditions, so you can come up with some neat menus to surprise your family!
I want to try some for making shrimp and other fish dishes this summer! With my coconut oil, of course!
You really should try Tropical traditions Coconut Oil! I think you will love it too!

Below is a great video about Tropical Traditions Coconut oil and below that I have posted about the Tropical Traditions referral plan! I hope you will use it to help me out some too, when you make your orders from Tropical Traditions!

And don't forget to facebook fan Tropical Traditions!
And Follow them on twitter!
Thanks so much!
~Hannah



“How We Discovered Virgin Coconut Oil - An Interview with Brian Shilhavy, CEO Tropical Traditions”

Tropical Traditions also has a Referral Program, so if you place an order with them as a first-time customer, please select “Referred by a friend” and in the box that says “How did you hear of us?” enter my sponsor ID number… 5502585. By telling Tropical Traditions that I referred you, you will receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Shilhavy with your first order! This book is filled with testimonies and research showing how healthy coconut oil is, and it also includes over 85 recipes showing how one can incorporate coconut into their diet.

Here are some easy to use directions for your referrals:

1. Add the items you would like to purchase from the order form linked to Tropical Traditions. Visit www.healthybuyersclub.com/orderform.cfm

2. You'll be directed to the Order Form at the Tropical Traditions/Healthy Buyers Club website. You do not have to be a member or purchase a membership to buy from Tropical Traditions. Membership in the Healthy Buyers Club allows you to purchase in bulk amount at club member discounts if you choose to join. If you choose not to purchase a membership to the Healthy Buyers Club please order under the heading “Retail Sale Items”. This will enable you to purchase less than case amounts of any of the individual items without a membership.

3. Select the items you would like to purchase.

4. When you are ready to check out please click on the "Continue'' link which will take you to your shopping cart.

5. Review your order and then click on the "Check Out" button from your shopping cart.

6. Fill in your account information as directed. In the box: "How did you hear of us?'' you must select: "Referred by a friend'' on the drop down arrow. When you make this selection, a box for your sponsor's User ID number should appear if you are a first time customer.

7. Enter your sponsor's User ID number 5502585.

8. To complete your order click on "Save and Proceed to Checkout" at the bottom of this page and follow the instructions through the checkout process. You will receive an order number when you have successfully placed your order.

By following these steps, you will receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Shilhavy. Your sponsor will receive a coupon for a complimentary gift to redeem on their next order. You may view the current complimentary gift being offered here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com//referral_program.htm

Those with additional questions about taking advantage of the referral program when creating their new account may email us using this link: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/customerservice.cfm



Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

Capricorn Soap Company Review & Giveaway!

I am so excited to have the opportunity to share the Capricorn Soap Company with you on my blog! I have had such a great experience working with this company and getting to know them! The owners work really hard and make some of the prettiest luxury products for your body and home! They have great customer service and their products make wonderful gifts for any occasion!

If you are still doing your last minute Mother's Day shopping, this is the place you will find something for all those special women! Whether it is your mom, grandma, aunt, wife, sister or friend, they are sure to enjoy some homemade bath soaps, lip balm, bath salts, aromatherapy mist or candles, etc!

You know June is the month for Weddings and Anniversaries, so you had better be stocking up on some gifts for all of those special occasions! Thankfully Capricorn Soap Company is your one stop shop for Wedding and Anniversary gifts! If you are having a Wedding or Anniversary party, or helping put one on, you should visit to see about putting in special orders for soaps for party favors, candles, etc!

The Capricorn Soap Company sells shave creams, shaving kits and after shave! I would Love to try some of the Virginia Rose shaving cream!

The after shave and shaving kits would make wonderful Father's day gifts!

Along with aromatherapy mist, some of the other products for around your home are furniture polish and ironing water! Great ways to freshen your home and clothing for the summer!


I love Oatmeal and Honey baths, so I was absolutely delighted to see that the Capricorn Soap Company sells the oatmeal & honey bath bars and body lotion! Here is a way to relieve stress and feel relaxed! How heavenly! My husband would love this, and I think I would try to sneak a bath more often! =) Just think, a relaxing bath with oatmeal & honey soap, then after the bath using the body lotion!


I had the opportunity to review the Herbes de Provence Luxury Bath Salts and Herbes de Provence Aromatherapy Mist from the Capricorn Soap Company! The essential oils used in these products have such an amazing smell! I Love herbs and the smell of herbs and essential oils! With the bath salts, it really is like having your own spa at home! I would recommend buying some of the candles from the Capricorn Soap Company to put around your bath to complete your spa! And some of the shaving cream and body lotion!
The aromatherapy mist makes the home smell so fresh and relaxed!

Meet Our Featured Etsy store and Owner!
Here is what the owner of Capricorn Soap Company shared with us about her and her store:

What inspired the name of your Etsy store?
My Etsy shop is the same name of our company, which is Capricorn Soap Company - even though we don't just make soap. :-)

What insipred you to open your Etsy store? We have sold wholesale and private label for a long time, but wanted to get some exposure for our own brand, as well. So we (hubby and I) decided to try Etsy to test the response. It has been great so far!

Would you like to share a little bit about yourself? A little about me - hmm...well, we're really a team. I (Christina) create the products, and my husband Tim is the concept brain behind it all. We both do sales and marketing. We're both visual artists in our free time, and Tim is also a self-employed architect and furniture designer. I've personally tried my hand at a lot of different professions (studied foreign languages in college) but never found anything that I wanted to do until I started making personal care products and home luxuries. Now I'm hooked. :-)

Anything else you would like to share with us? For those artisans looking to become financially independent and who are trying to build their business: don't give up. Keep going forward. Be professional. Eventually, it pays off. :-)

Now for the Giveaway!
One winner will receive one 8oz. glass jar of Herbes de Provence Luxury Bath Salts and one 8oz. bottle of Herbes de Provence Aromatherapy Mist with Aloe and Essential Oils from Capricorn Soap Company!



"Herbes de Provence Luxury Bath Salts - with Pure Dead Sea Salt, Botanicals and Essential Oils"
Product Description from Capricorn Soap Company:
"Enjoy a relaxing bath in luxury with our Herbes de Provence dead sea salt bath soak. Made from pure dead sea salts, this decadent bath treatment is sure to ease tired muscles and provide a rejuvenating, refreshing spa experience right in your own bathtub!
A little of these salts added to your bath water will provide a clean, fresh fragrance, and you'll soak your cares away while these dead sea salts draw out impurities and leave you feeling clean and energized."



"Herbes de Provence Aromatherapy Mist with Aloe and Essential Oils"
Product Description from Capricorn Soap Company:
"Relax and rejuvenate with the soothing fragrance of lavender with our aromatherapy mist in our Herbes de Provence essential oil blend.
Mist a little of this into the center of the room and experience the calming and uplifting scent of lavender, basil and chamomile.
You can also use this as a body spray. Take care, however, not to spray this mist directly onto clothes or linens as essential oils have a tendency to cause spotting."

Mandatory Entry:
Visit Capricorn Soap Company shop and tell me a product you would love to try or give as a gift!
Mandatory entry must be done to enter giveaway!
Please leave your email address in your comment or have it visible on your profile.

Extra Entries After completing mandatory Entry:
-Follow Capricorn Soap Company on twitter (1 entry)
-Follow Capricorn Soap Company on Facebook (1 entry)
-Follow Capricorn Soap Company's Blog (1 entry)
-Add the Capricorn Soap Company's Button to your sidebar (3 entries) -Purchase a product from Capricorn Soap Company during the time of this giveaway (10 entries per purchase)
-Follow my blog (1 entry)
-Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry)
-Follow me on twitter (1 entry)
-Tweet this giveaway (1 entry per day)
-Add my blog button to your sidebar and leave a link of where I can find it(2 entries)
-Add my "Spring Into Health" blog button to your sidebar and leave a link of where I can find it (3 entries)
-Write a blog post about this giveaway and leave the link to your post below (5 entries)
-Enter one of my other blog giveaways (1 entry per giveaway you enter)

That gives you 32+ chances to win! Have fun!
Please leave a comment per entry that you qualify for, for each entry to count!

This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and Ends on May 31st at 12 am central. The winner will be chosen at random using random.org.
The prize will be sent directly from Capricorn Soap Company to the winner.


Disclaimer:
For purposes of this review, I received products from Capricorn Soap Company.

"The Complete Idiots Guide to Eating Raw" Review & Giveaway!

*Giveaway Closed*
I love fresh food!
I love eating it fresh from the garden, right off the plant, vine, tree or shrub! And my favorite section in the grocery store is the produce section!
I did not really think about what cooking does to your food until I started studying about whole foods and herbs. Wow. No wonder so many people are sick, groggy and have to take (or need to take) so many vitamins and supplements!
Since I have learned how important it is to eat food as fresh or "raw" as you can, I have been wanting to learn how to prepare meals that have more raw foods for my family.
"The Complete Idiots Guide to Eating Raw" is just the book I needed!
"The Complete Idiots Guide to Eating Raw" covers everything you need to know if you are wanting to start a raw foods diet/lifestyle, or if you are like me and just want to add more raw foods to your menu, and want to learn how to be a more creative cook!
"The Complete Idiots Guide to Eating Raw" covers:
the benefits of eating raw, myths, going green by eating raw, superfoods & the future of food, shopping & raw food storage, tools to help you succeed, raw techniques and raw transitions (learning how to integrate raw food into your everyday life, fasting & cleansing, and a great 4 week raw success program)!
There are over 150 recipes for:
"Appetizers & Spreads",
"Salads and Dressings",
"Sublime Sauces and Toppings",
"Sumptuous Soups",
"Nutmilks and Cheeses",
"Bountiful Beverages",
Unbeatable Breakfasts",
"Filling Wraps and Sandwiches",
"Pizzas, Crackers and Breads",
"Delicious Main Dishes",
"Puddings, Pies and Parfaits",
"Cakes, Cookies and Energy Bars".

Beside each recipe, there is a box to tell you the calories, total fat, protein, etc. that is in a serving size.
There are also "Extra" boxes throughout the book, with interesting information such as "Tasteful Tips", Healing Foods", Raw Deal", and "de-f-i-ni-tion".
I was very excited about the technique section in "The Complete Idiots Guide to Eating Raw", which covers preparation basics, how to soak and sprout seeds, juicing, pickling, and the advance techniques on dehydrating and culturing!

Are you looking for a healthier diet? Want to learn more about eating raw and how to get more vitamins and superfoods in what you eat? Or maybe want to lose weight or even open up a wholefoods restaurant/diner? I highly recommend "The Complete Idiots Guide to Eating Raw"!

Now for the Giveaway!
Thanks to the great people at Idiots guides, one of my readers will win a copy of "The Complete Idiots Guide To Eating Raw"!!


Mandatory Entry:
Visit Idiots Guides.com and tell me another Idiots Guide that you would like to have.
Please leave your email address in your comment or have it visible on your profile.

Extra Entries After completing mandatory Entry:
-Follow Idiots Guides on twitter (1 entry)
-Follow my blog (1 entry)
-Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry)
-Follow me on twitter (1 entry)
-Tweet this giveaway (1 entry per day)
-Add my blog button to your sidebar and leave a link of where I can find it(2 entries)
-Add my "Spring Into Health" blog button to your sidebar and leave a link where I can find it (3 entries)
-Write a blog post about this giveaway and leave the link to your post below (5 entries)
-Enter one of my other giveaways (1 entry per giveaway you enter)

That gives you 16+ chances to win! Have fun!
Please leave a comment per entry that you qualify for, for each entry to count!

This giveaway is open to US and Canada and Ends on May 26th. at 12 am central. The winner will be chosen at random using random.org. The prize will be sent directly from Idiots Guides.com to the winner.

Disclaimer:
For purposes of this review, I received a copy of this book.

Gillian's Foods Product Review!

While planning and doing research on healthy products for my "Spring Into Health" blog event, I found Gillian's Foods! I was really impressed by their great site and All the items that they sell.
Thanks to the great folks at Gillian's Foods, I was able to try several of their products and I have to say, I give them 5 stars for their products & their customer service and look forward to trying more of their products in the future!
I highly recommend that you go and check them out and try some of the products while you are their!
You can order their products online or check HERE to see if stores near you sell Gillian's Foods! I noticed that the Whole Foods market sells Gillian's Foods!

I love the idea and fact that they make so many of their products from rice flour! How neat is that?
This company was started when the owner's (an executive chef) daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease when she was six years old, and he started experiments for making bread and bread products that his daughter and others with Celiac Disease and food allergies could eat and enjoy!

Want to learn more about Gillian's Foods?
Read this From Gillian's Foods and visit the site:
"Our facility is dedicated to a gluten, wheat, tree nut & peanut nut free environment.
Our products include gluten free rolls, gluten free bread, gluten free pizza dough, gluten free pizzas, gluten free pie shells, gluten free pies, gluten free bread crumbs, rice flour, potato flour, tapioca flour, gluten and wheat free mixes. You can choose from our wheat free, gluten free and dairy free foods that will help you maintain a balanced, healthy diet -- without sacrificing the taste you deserve. We provide foods you love, without the harmful ingredients you must avoid."



The spaghetti noodles from Gillian's Foods were the best spaghetti noodles I have ever tried!
They do not have to cook as long as other spaghetti noodles and are very rich! I can hardly wait to try their other noodles!

I used the breadcrumbs for meatballs, and some to top my chicken casserole! Yum!

The garlic croutons are so crunchy and tasty! I look forward to using more of them on a big Caesar salad! =)

Gillian's Foods sells flours to make your own breads, and they sell mixes. The breads, pies, cookies, muffins and pizza crust look SOO great!

While you are visiting Gillian's Foods, you should check out Chef Bob's recipes and Chef Bob's cooking video on making pizza!

You can follow Gillian herself on twitter! And keep up with all the food shows, news, etc!

Hope you enjoy their great products and pass along the word to everyone you know!

Happy & healthy eating to you and yours!

~Hannah


Disclaimer:
For purposes of this review, I received samples from Gillian's Foods.

"Kay's Naturals" Protein Snacks Review & Giveaway!

*Giveaway Closed*

How would you like to have a snack that is packed with protein, rich in fiber, natural and with very little sweetener? Well, you can have all that and so much more with Kay's Naturals!

This company carries a huge line of great products that are good and good for you!

Gluten and wheat free, with low carb & calories, and "packed with health promoting benefits to sustian energy, manage weight loss, and stabilize blood sugar"!

I am so glad I got to try these products! I have been wondering what they would taste like and how my family would like them. Well, they are near perfect! My children love them, they make excellent snacks, and they have really great taste!

This time of year, we are outdoors a lot and staying busy and active, so we often need a snack to keep up on energy! Kay's Naturals are perfect for this! The sample bags I received are just the right sizes for snacks and for the children to hold and share!

Plus there are so many flavors and snacks to choose from! The whole family can have their favorite snack and flavor this way. Whether you are wanting a sweet cookie bite, a tasty lemon herb or crispy Parmesan chip, or a spicy jalapeno pretzel, you are sure to find something for mom, dad, and all the children!

The cereals make a wonderful breakfast choice! They come in three great flavors: French Vanilla, Apple Cinnamon and Honey Almond! Yum!

Kay's Naturals sells their products in sample sizes if you would like to give them all a try, or see which ones will be your favorites! They also come by the case! A great way to stock up and have all the snacks and cereals you need for the month, etc! I like stocking up on stuff, so this way appeals to me! =)

To learn more about Kay's Naturals, view all their products, and try them out for you and your family, visit Kay's Naturals.com.

Now for the Giveaway!

Thanks to the great people at Kay's Naturals, one of my blog readers will win a Sample Pack (like the one I received)!

Mandatory Entry:
Visit Kay's Naturals and tell me which product(s) you want to try.
Please leave your email address in your comment or have it visible on your profile.

Extra Entries After completing mandatory Entry:
-Subscribe to Kay's Naturals newsletter (1 entry)
-Follow my blog (1 entry)
-Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry)
-Follow me on twitter (1 entry)
-Tweet this giveaway (1 entry per day)
-Add my blog button to your sidebar and leave a link of where I can find it(2 entries)
-Add my "Spring Into Health" blog button to your sidebar and leave a link where I can find it (3 entries)
-Write a blog post about this giveaway and leave the link to your post below (5 entries)
-Enter one of my other giveaways (1 entry per giveaway you enter)

That gives you 17+ chances to win! Have fun!
Please leave a comment per entry that you qualify for, for each entry to count!

This giveaway is open to US and Canada and Ends on May 20 th. at 12 am central. The winner will be chosen at random using random.org. The prize will be sent directly from Kay's Naturals to the winner.

Disclaimer:
For purposes of this review, I received samples from Kay's Naturals.

"Frontier Coop" Review & Giveaway

*Giveaway Closed*

When I started my "Spring Into Health" blog event, I was really hoping for the opportunity to feature Frontier Coop great site and products! This is the ultimate "health" company and center piece for my "Spring Into Health" blog event, since they sell natural, organic products and share so much information! So you can only imagine my excitement when I was able to feature them and review some of their Wonderful products! Before I go any further, I have to say I give them 5 stars and you really have to try their products!!!!!!


It was not to hard for me to decide what products I wanted to try, since I have been eyeing them for a while and really thought they would be great for the review/giveaway, but I was very surprised when I opened my packages from Frontier Coop and found such great quality products, sealed very well for long storage, and they were all green products! Yes, literally green! How Cool is that! I had picked healthy and green products!

Wondering what I picked?
Stevia Powder,
Barley Grass,
and
Pumpkin Seeds!
Yay!!!


Here are the descriptions of them from Frontier Coop:

Stevia Description:
"Stevia, also known as sweetleaf or sugarleaf, is a member of the sunflower family and native to South and Central America. It is 300 times as sweet as sugar and widely utilized as a sugar substitute."


Pumpkin Seeds Description from Frontier Coop:
"One of the most nutritious and flavorful seeds around, pumpkin seeds are delicious right out of the bag-- or added to trail mix, sprinkled on cereal, and used in baked goods. Also excellent dry-roasted, with tamari, or salt and spices."

Barley Grass Description from Frontier Coop:
"Barley Grass is a whole food loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and many more nutrients your body needs every day. A wonderful way to ensure you're getting enough dark leafy greens in your diet."

I am really excited to have these products in my kitchen and look forward to all the ways I can use them! I posted a bunch of recipes and links for pumpkin seeds and stevia the other day, while going thru recipes to try out! You can find that post HERE! Today I put some pumpkin seeds in my homemade granola! Yum!


Growing up, my mom was introduced to barley grass from her nutritionist. My mom was in terrible health and she started drinking some barley grass powder with a protein powder in cranberry juice! I remember it well because it helped her So much and us children loved how it tasted and would always try to sneak a drink! =)
We also use to put barley grass powder on a wet toothbrush and brush our teeth with the barley grass.

Since I started learning about herbs and using herbs to make our own formulas, I have slowly been building up a supply of dried herbs. Frontier Coop sells a huge selection of herbs! From the popular herbs like calendula, to herbs like Partridge Berry!
Frontier Coop has a great selection of recipes! You really should bookmark the recipes and try them!
The customer service at Frontier Coop is really great! I was very impressed with that too!
As if Frontier Coop was not great enough by itself, their are actually three great companies!
Simply Organic Foods sells gluten free baking mixes, spices, gravies & sauces, salad dressings, etc. I would love to try their Chai Spice Scone Mix, Classic Caesar Dressing, and the Grinder Top Spices!
And Aura Cacia sells aromatherapy products!

To buy their products, visit Frontier Coop online.

Want to learn more about the company and their history, values etc? Click HERE to find out more about them & their story!

Now for the Giveaway!
I will send 2 winners 3 oz. each of the three products I was sent from Frontier Coop! That's right! Each winner will receive:
3 0z. of stevia herb powder,
3 oz. of barley grass,
3 oz. of pumpkin seeds!

Mandatory Entry:
Visit Frontier Coop and tell me which product(s) you want to try.
Please leave your email address in your comment or have it visible on your profile.

Extra Entries After completing mandatory Entry:
-Become a Facebook fan of "Frontier Coop" (1 entry)
-Follow Frontier Coop on twitter (1 entry)
-Tell me something you learned about Frontier Coop or their products while visiting Frontier Coop (1 entry)
-Subscribe to Frontier Coop newsletter (1 entry)
-Follow my blog (1 entry)
-Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry)
-Follow me on twitter (1 entry)
-Tweet this giveaway (1 entry per day)
-Add my blog button to your sidebar and leave a link of where I can find it(2 entries)
-Add my "Spring Into Health" blog button to your sidebar and leave a link where I can find it (3 entries)
-Write a blog post about this giveaway and leave the link to your post below (5 entries)
-Enter one of my other giveaways (1 entry per giveaway you enter)

That gives you 20+ chances to win! Have fun!
Please leave a comment per entry that you qualify for, for each entry to count!

This giveaway is open to US only and Ends on May 20 th. at 12 am central. The winner will be chosen at random using random.org. The prize will be sent from me to the winner.

Disclaimer:
For purposes of this review, I received samples from Frontier Coop.

"Spring Into Health" Recipes Using Stevia and Pumpkin Seeds!

For my "Spring Into Health" blog event, the "Frontier Coop" sent some samples of their stevia powder, pumpkin seeds and barley grass to try out and use for a review and giveaway on my blog!
I thought it would be great to share some recipes for the stevia and pumpkin seeds, and hope you will enter the giveaway so you can try out these great products from "Frontier Coops"!
I highly recommend that you visit "Frontier Coop" and check out their great site and try out their products! They are Top quality and a great place to buy your healthy foods!



Now for some Recipes I found using Stevia:

Berry Jam (Wow! I need to copy this off for my summer canning!)!

•1 1/2 quarts fresh berries
•1 cup unsweetened fruit juice concentrate
•2 tsp. pectin powder
•3/4 tsp. powdered stevia extract

Wash, rinse, and sterilize jars.
Clean berries, remove hulls, and mash. One and one half quarts of fresh berries will be 3 cups mashed. Place in a sauce pan.
Add 4 tsp calcium water to the berries and stir well.
In another small sauce pan bring the juice concentrate to a boil.
Place in a blender. Add 2 tsp of pectin powder and blend 1 - 2 minutes until powder is dissolved.
Bring fruit to a boil. Add the dissolved pectin. Stir vigorously 1 minute.
Stir in the stevia extract. Bring back to a boil and remove from heat.
Fill jars to 1/2 inch from the top. Screw on 2 piece lids. Boil 5 minutes.
Remove from water and let jars cool. Lids should pop to be sealed."

"Coconut Fig Chews"
1/2 cup chopped figs
•1/2 cup unsweetened fruit juice or water
•1 cup unsweetened coconut
•1/2 cup unsweetened sesame seeds
•1/8 tsp salt
•1/2 tsp powdered stevia extract
•2 tablespoon cashew butter
•1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Oil a cookie sheet
Stew the chopped figs in the fruit juice or water for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the coconut to the pan, mix and set aside.
Grind the sesame seeds in a blender. In a mixing bowl, place the stewed figs and coconut, ground sesame seeds, salt, stevia extract, cashew butter, and flour. Mix well. Shape the cookies with your hands. Place on the cookie sheet and flatten slightly.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes
Note: You may add 1 tsp of powdered stevia herb


"Blueberry Muffins"
Yield: 12 muffins
•6 oz. pineapple juice
•1/4 cup oil
•1 egg
•1 1/2 tablespoons SteviaPlus®
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•1/2 cup plain yogurt
•2 oz. milk
•1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
•1/2 cup rolled oats
•1 3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
•1 teaspoon baking soda
•1/4 teaspoon salt
Pre heat the oven to 375°. Oil muffin pans. Soak the oats in the pineapple juice for 10-15 minutes in a small bowl. Beat together the oil, egg, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Thin the yogurt with the milk and add to the other liquid ingredients. Beat. Mix in the soaked oats. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring as little as possible. Fold in the blueberries just before the flour is completely blended. Spoon the batter into the muffin pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.

"Chocolate Zucchini Muffins"
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ginger powder
1 ripe banana, mashed
1.5 tsp stevia powder
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup plain cow or non-dairy milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup shredded zucchini
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or other nut (optional)

Preheat oven 350F. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices together. In another bowl, mix together mashed banana with applesauce and stevia. Add in milk, vanilla, zucchini and nuts to wet mixture and mix. Add flour mixture to the wet mix in 3-4 batches and stir until combined and mixture is moist. Spoon into a greased muffin pan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

There are a lot of great cookbooks on using stevia, like this one on Amazon!
For more recipes using stevia visit this link!

Now for some Pumpkin seed recipes!

The first is by Serene Allison, From her cookbook, "Rejuvenate Your Life! Recipes for Energy"! By the way, I love her cookbook, and Highly recommend it! =) This sounds like a great and healthy smoothie!
"Zinc Standard"
2 hearty handfuls of raw pumpkin seeds
2 cups purified water
1 TBSP. tahini (or any raw nut meat)
2 hefty TBSP. squished dates or a handful of regular dates
4 frozen bananas (chopped roughly before adding)
A dust of cinnamon
Whiz, whiz (in a blender) and guzzle."

Both recipes below are by Serene Allison, From her cookbook, "Rejuvenate Your Life! Recipes for Energy" She uses pumpkin seeds in a lot of her recipes, like the "Crunchy Surprise balls" (below) and her Rejuvenation granola!

"Crunchy Surprise Balls"
"Throw in some of the unblended "Energy Flat Bread" (recipe below)mixture in a bowel and start chucking in whatever you want-
A handful of raw pumpkin seeds,
A handful of sunflower seeds
A handful of sliced olives,
Maybe a smattering of sun-dried tomatoes

Roll into balls and dehydrate until crispy. Throw them in your salads, or munch as is for a savory treat!"


"Energy Flat Bread"
7 1/2 cups sprouted buckwheat
3 1/4 cups soaked golden flax seeds (measured after soaking)
3 1/4 cups carrot pulp (made from the process of making fresh carrot juice)
This adds bulk to the bread and gives it a beautiful color. You could mix beet in your juice for a rich salmon-colored bread.
4 TBS raw honey
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 to 1 1/2 TBS sea salt

This makes about a months supply or maybe a weeks worth for large families. (it usually lasts us a little over a week)

Mix it in batches in your food processor and transfer to one bowl. Lightly grease 5 teflex solid dehydrator sheets and cover with dough, a scant 1 cm thick. If making pizza crusts form into rounds. If making flat bread to tear off when desired make large squares. If you want to make sandwich slices, score beforehand into cracker shapes.

Dehydrate the flat bread at 105 degrees for a few hours until a crust is formed on one side and then flip them onto the mesh sheet below and dehydrate until thoroughly dry - about 12 to 16 hours.

When they are very well dried, they will keep well wrapped in loose linen and a plastic bag in a cool, dry place."


While looking for recipes I found this one on Soaked Granola!

» 8 c. rolled oats. (I buy my organic rolled oats through a food co-op. 25 lbs. for $17.00)
» 1/2 c melted butter
» 1/2 c. melted coconut oil. (Please don’t buy the nasty tasting stuff at Wal-Mart. Use that to lube your car engine.)
» 1 1/2 c. yogurt
» 2 cup water
» 1 cup raw honey.
» 1 tsp. sea salt
» 1 tsp ground cinnamon
» 2 cups of nuts

Visit the link above for how she made it. I think I will try it not soaked sometime!

Mercola Children's Chewable Multivitamins (Product Review)

As a mom, I often worry that my children are not getting all the vitamins and minerals that they need to grow healthy and strong. I worry that they do not get enough from just their diet, and so I have been doing some research over the past few years, learning about different foods, supplements and formulas to find things that will meet their needs.

When I stumbled upon Mercola.com, I was very impressed with their products and when I started to read about the children's chewable multivitamins, I was very surprised at how they are the kind of multivitamin that I would actually give my children!!!
I am Very picky and avoid a lot of things because of ingredients like aspartame and unnatural sugars, artificial ingredients, and to many ingredients that I do not know what they are, or what they are for! With Mercola's Children's Chewable Multivitamins, I can read about everything that is in them and what it is from and for and not have to worry about what I am putting into my child's body.
Also Mercola's Children's Chewable Multivitamins does not contain a lot of ingredients that I would worry about if my children had allergy concerns.
These vitamins have a delicious orange-mango flavor that my child loves! And it has been so fun to hear my child talk about and be excited about taking her vitamins! She has been telling everyone she sees that she takes vitamins and gives the vitamins credit for running fast, growing big and strong! It makes me happy to see her excited about her vitamins and I can know they are safe for her!


Some of the main things I like about these multivitamins:
*Created with a patented chelation formula to help maximize your children's mineral absorption.
*Instead of aspartame or high fructose corn syrup, Mercola's Children's Chewables have the natural sugar sucrose found in fruits and vegetables!
*"Avoids artificial colors, preservatives, flavorings, synthetic toxins, and allergens potentially risky to your kids."

This is an exclusive formula only available on Mercola.com.

Here is an excerpt from Dr. Mercola:
"Please take the time to implement my 7-step guide designed to help you improve your family's nutrition and overall health. Remember, there's no better time to start than right NOW!
Lead by example by taking the time to plan family meals using wholesome, unprocessed foods

Replace soda and sugary juices with clean, fresh water

Limit your time in front of the TV and get out and exercise more

Make sure you receive daily amounts of omega-3s

Get plenty of sunshine

Put in place a comprehensive vaccine plan for your kids

Complement your family's diet with a high-quality multivitamin with essential minerals
Remember, your kids will follow your lead and need your help in getting the proper nutrition."

Very great advice, and for me, very important to remember!



I highly recommend these vitamins and give them 5 stars!
A big thanks to Mercola for letting me review their Children's Chewable Multivitamins!
~Hannah

Disclaimer:
For purposes of this review, Mercola sent me a sample of this product.

[me]andGoji Custom Artisanal Cereal (Product Review)

Growing up, my family bought most of our foods from organic co-ops.
After we moved out of state, that quit though. One of the things I missed the most was the organic cereals! I have yet to find anything in the cereal isles in the grocery stores that even comes close to those great cereals, so I have resorted to making my own granola.
Then, recently while visiting Leslie Loves Veggies blogspot, I stumbled upon [me]andGoji. I decided to check out their site and products, and was very surprised and happy to have found them!

Here is a little about [me]andGoji from their site:

"Our supereal vision:

We think differently about cereal: we think your cereal should be as uniquely composed as you are; we think ingredients should naturally change with seasons or even moods; we think nature's healthiest foods make for some of nature's tastiest combinations without processing or additives; we think 'custom' should not be followed with "please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery;" we think eating healthy not only promotes wellness of the body and mind, but gives you confidence; we think taking care of our planet is about doing the right thing, not about scientific data or celebrity pleas."

For more info on the company, and how they got started, visit this link!

You Really have to visit their amazing site to see for yourself, and I highly recommend you try their products!
After you visit [me]andGoji, come back here and tell me what cereal you would make and what you would name your cereal!
It is just so neat that you can create a healthy cereal with all the ingredients that you want to prefer, and then you get to name it!
I had a great time creating my cereal and reading the info on the different ingredients to see the health benefits and what was really going into my cereal!
Also if you love chocolate, there are a lot of chocolate ingredients you can put in your cereal creation! Yum!

Here are the ingredients I used to create my cereal:
Golden Granola,
Multigran O's,
Cocoa Almonds,
Wheat germ,
Blueberries,
Raspberries,
and
Strawberries!

And I named it:
"Hannah's Berry Healthy Mix"!

Hey, you should go to [me]andGoji, put it together and buy it for yourself! I give it 5 stars!

I hope you will tell others about [me]andGoji and,
Subscribe to the [me]andGoji newsletter
Become a Facebook fan of [me]andGoji
Follow [me]andGoji on Twitter !

Have fun creating your own healthy, organic cereal!

~Hannah

Disclaimer:

For purposes of this review, [me]andgoji sent me a sample of their products.

~Stonyfield Oikos Organic Yogurt~ Review & Giveaway!

*Giveaway Closed*

When I started planning this "Spring Into Health" blog event, I wanted to share some great products that are healthy and promote good health. So when I was introduced to Stonyfield and their great products, I was very excited to try them!
I Love yogurt and I love it for a snack for my children! But before now I hardly ever bought it, since my local grocer only carries non-organic brands. As you can imagine, I was delighted to find Stonyfield's Oikos at our Wal-Mart!

I like Stonyfields products because they have the great live active cultures that make yogurt so beneficial to your diet.

From the Stonyfield site:

"The unique blend of six live active cultures in our Stonyfield yogurt gives your body natural balance. Our cultures include the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which has been clinically shown to:

help increase probiotic culture levels in the gut;
help strengthen the immune system;
help support the body’s natural resistance to harmful bacteria;
enhance the activity of natural killer cells—key components of the immune system that are known to decrease as we grow older.

Our six live active cultures

All yogurts contain the starter cultures Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. While some major-brand yogurts contain only one or two additional cultures, we add four more natural probiotics to our Stonyfield yogurts, for a total of six:

Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Streptococcus thermophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Bifidus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Our Oikos Organic Greek yogurt contains five live active cultures."

Want to see how they make their yogurt? Visit this link for a great video!

We have tried the Oikos in plain, chocolate, and blueberry and I can hardly wait to try the caramel, and vanilla! The yogurt is so luscious and tasty and it has a what I think is a "wholesome" taste to it! =)

The Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt has many great flavors:

Plain
Vanilla
Blueberry
Honey
Strawberry
Chocolate
Caramel

Stonyfield has a great line of YoBaby yogurt, meals, drinkables, and Yokids yogurt and squeezers!

Plus a line of fat free yogurt, frozen yogurt, ice cream, smoothies, o'soy, etc!!!!
Check out their great line of products HERE!

To buy their products, visit Stonyfield to find the closet store near you that carries Stonyfield products, or check at your local supermarket, Wal-Mart or Natural Foods store.

Now for the Giveaway!
The great people at Stonyfield are giving one of my readers an Oikos tote bag, 4 free 5.3 oz coupons and 1 free 16 oz coupon!

Mandatory Entry:
Visit Stonyfield and tell me which products you want to try.
Please leave your email address in your comment or have it visible on your profile.

Extra Entries After completing mandatory Entry:
-Become a Facebook fan of Stonyfield (1 entry)
-Follow Stonyfield on twitter (1 entry)

-Tell me something you learned while visiting Stonyfield.com (1 entry)
-Follow my blog (1 entry)
-Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry)

-Follow me on twitter (1 entry)

-Tweet this giveaway (1 entry per day)
-Add my blog button to your sidebar and leave a link of where I can find it(2 entries)

-Add my "Spring Into Health" blog button to your sidebar and leave a link where I can find it (3 entries)
-Write a blog post about this giveaway and leave the link to your post below (5 entries)
-Enter one of my other giveaways (1 entry per giveaway you enter)

That gives you 19+ chances to win! Have fun!
Please leave a comment per entry that you qualify for, for each entry to count!

This giveaway is open to US ONLY and Ends on April 30th at 12 am central. The winner will be chosen at random using random.org.
The prize will be sent from Stonyfield, directly to the winner.


Disclaimer:
For purposes of this review, I received some free coupons from Stonyfield.

"Spring Into Health" Blog Event!! Info and List of Sponsers!!

I am so excited about the "Spring Into Health" blog event!

I have been blessed with a lot of great sponsors and the reviews and giveaways are just looking wonderful (and healthy!)! I think everyone is going to enjoy the products and hope you all have a great time!

Please get the blog event button and share it on your blog, etc!

The event will be starting right after Easter, so keep checking back so you can be in on all the action!

Here is the button (and the link to it is on the sidebar)




And now......The list of sponsors so far!!!

The Straight Stitch

KellysJewelry

me & gogi

Stonyfield




Frontier Coop




Morning Glories Handpainted Glassware


Green Mountain Coffee



Tropical Traditions

Keep checking back as I add more sponsors!

Thanks!

~Hannah

~Health Tip Tuesday~ Dandelions!

Dandelions!
The past few days, our front yard has had a huge spread of dandelions blooming in it! I just love dandelions! Funny, most folks do not like them and many think they are a weed, but you can use the whole dandelion plant for many different remedies and recipes!

Dandelion recipes from Learning herbs!

And many more recipes:
How to Make Roasted Dandelion Root Coffee,
Dandelion salad, wine, etc.,
Dandelion Potato Salad Recipe
Cream of Dandelion Soup Recipe

Dandelion-Pineapple Juice
"Cool off with a refreshing glass of dandelion-pineapple juice. It's easy to make, and loaded with the vitamins and anti-oxidants that your body needs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
•1 large handful fresh dandelion greens, washed
•10-12 ounces pineapple juice
•5-6 ice cubes
Preparation:
1. Place the dandelion greens and pineapple juice in a blender and puree.
2. Add ice to the blender and pulse or serve in a tall glass over ice."

Dandelion Soup
(From Herbalpedia)
2 Tbsp butter
1/8 tsp thyme
2 Tbsp flour
1 bay leaf
2 cups milk
1 hard-boiled egg, peeled and sliced (garnish)
2 cups dandelion flowers
1/8 tsp celery seed
Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan
over low heat. Mix in the flour to form a paste.
Stir in the milk a little a time until smooth.
Mix in the dandelions, celery seed, thyme and
bay leaf. Simmer until the flowers are tender,
15-20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before
serving. Garnish with slices of hard-boiled
egg.

Also from Herbalpedia
"How to Roast Dandelion Roots
Cut off the leaves and scrub the roots. Lay the
roots on a baking sheet with the oven turned to
its lowest setting and the door ajar. It may take
3-4 hours until the roots are shriveled and snap
easily. They are done when the insides of the
roots are dark brown."
You can read about dandelion Here and Here on Herbal Legacy!
And Here at Botanical.

Debi Pearl sums up the dandelion very well in her article Here.
"The flowers have traditionally been made into a wine or tonic and used as a liver cleanser. Its effectiveness has been scientifically validated. The leaves can be eaten as a salad, cooked green, or made into a green drink. The root of the dandelion can be roasted for a coffee like drink. Dandelions are high in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamins A and C. They are high in protein, iron, manganese, potassium, and sodium—all nutritive salts for the blood. It is often used to treat anemia. As a food source, the dandelion could be invaluable. Most physical problems could be helped if not completely cured by a balance of nutrients.
As a medicinal herb the dandelion is a remarkable friend. It is a potent diuretic, which means it helps flush excess water from the body. As a diuretic, it can be used to reduce bloating before your cycle, or anytime you have swelling around your ankles or hands, which might indicate you are retaining water. As a diuretic, it can help keep the urinary passages flushed in case of irritation or infection. It could even bring some relief in congestive heart problems, which is water collecting around the heart.
Dandelion also stimulates the flow of bile, which makes it a good tonic for the liver and gallbladder. Most herb books recommend it for a wide variety of liver disorders.
Dandelion neutralizes acids in the body, thus it is often used by people as they lose weight to help keep the acid levels down, which rise as a person loses weight. Dandelion has antioxidants that help cleanse the body, which is why it is mentioned in many herbals as a help for people suffering with cancer. Because of its anti-toxin activities, many herbalists suggest dandelion to treat various skin problems."

I will be posting our dandelion cookie making sometime soon (hopefully in the next few days!), so keep an eye out for that!
Happy dandelion picking and cooking!
God bless your health!
~Hannah

~Health Tip~ Chickweed!

Here in the south, I have noticed that chickweed grows from fall thru spring! But it does not grow really thick in most places that I have seen it, compared to pictures of it growing up in northern states!
So I have not been able to make anything with chickweed, Yet! Just wait though, (beware chickweed!) I want to make some chickweed ointment, chickweed eye rinse, chickweed pesto, chickweed steamed, chickweed in salad, chickweed on sandwiches, etc!

Here are some chickweed recipes:
Prodigal Gardens,
Learning Herbs,
Herbal Cuisine,
Medicinal Herbs


From Edible Chesapeake:
"Chickweed (Stellaria media)
One of the first weeds to greet us in the spring, chickweed is chock full of beneficial nutrients. It contains vitamins B6 and B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, biotin, choline, inositol and rutin. Chickweed also provides us with a variety of minerals including calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and silicon. It contains saponin, which dissolves thickened cell walls and membranes, giving chickweed a reputation as a weight-loss aid. Beneman likes to use chickweed as a self-sown cover crop for some of her larger, taller vegetables, like tomatoes. She cautions against using it with crops such as lettuce, since chickweed will take up too much space and compete for nutrients. Chickweed has a pleasant, mild flavor and can be used instead of sprouts in a salad or on a sandwich or even wilted like spinach."

Learn more and see more pictures about chickweed at Wildman Steve Brill's!

From More Than Alive:

"Chickweed is high or very high in:
•Aluminum
•Calcium
•Cobalt
•Iron
•Magnesium
•Manganese
•Phosphorus
•Potassium
•Protein
•Silicon
•Vitamin A
•Zinc

Has been used in the following:

•Acne
•Allergies
•Appetite Depressant
•Blood Poisoning
•Blood Purifier
•Boils
•Bowels
•Burns
•Cancer
•Fatty Tumors
•Hayfever
•Hemorrhoids-bleeding
•Obesity
•Plague, blood vessels
•Psoriasis
•Skin
•Sores
•Weight Loss
•Wounds "

From Herbal Legacy:
"For others who suffered from asthma, as well as any respiratory condition. Dr. Christopher developed Lung & Bronchial, a formula of chick-weed, marshmallow root, mullein leaves, comfrey leaves, and lobelia. He chose all of the herbs in the formula for their ability to rebuild the lungs and expel the thick mucus secretions that accompany so many respiratory conditions. Some also soothe inflamed tissue, relieve pain, and heal hemorrhaging tissues in the lungs. In addition to Lung & Bronchial, Dr. Christopher recommended a sound diet, plenty of steam-distilled water, oil massage, and external application of Complete Tissue & Bone ointment.
One of the most valuable herbs in the formula is chickweed. It soothes, softens, and reduces irritation of the mucous membranes while relieving the cough of colds, influenza, and bronchitis. It activates the liver to eliminate the toxins related to these conditions. A powerful expectorant, it increases the secretions of the broncho-pulmonary membrane, facilitating the discharge of mucus."

God bless your health!
~Hannah

DISCLAIMER
This information is not intended for the use of diagnosing any disease, condition or prescribing any treatment whatsoever. It is offered for informational and educational use only, and for use in maintaining and promoting good health in cooperation with a licensed medical practitioner.
In the event the reader of this post uses the information without the approval of a health care provider, he/she is prescribing for himself/herself and assuming full responsibility for it. This is his/her right to do so, but Preparing For Our Children's Future assumes no responsibility for his/her actions.

My Easter "Splurge"!

I hardly ever buy stuff for just me. Yeah, I know, I am not a "normal' female! But I knew that! When I buy things, I make sure that my whole family can benefit from them! I prefer to go without and spend for my family and when they are happy and have what they need, I find joy in that!
Last month, I had the opportunity to spend some money though (yay, naughty me!) and of course I went for mostly books! I purchased books that I knew my whole family (and even others) could benefit from though.
I wanted to get the children a treat for Easter and since the oldest is reading I got the Billy & Blaze book for her and a Dora reading set for her and the youngest (who Loves Dora!).

Plus I bought them a dvd! I never do that! I think this was the second dvd we have bought! Lol! But they love "Ice Age" and had not seen "Dawn of the Dinosaurs". Sure enough, the whole family loves it!

I also bought a bunch of seeds, but hope to post about that later!

The top herb book on my list has been:

Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

So I knew I wanted to get that one! Now if I could just discipline myself to read more, so I can soak in all this great herbal information!!!!!
Rosemary's book is full of recipes, pictures and info on herbs and health.



I would love to grow most of my herbs and have started growing some, but I would like to know more about how to do it right when I do more! I have been gathering up a lot of herb seeds, so I finally got
Growing 101 Herbs that Heal by Tammi Hartung!

This book is packed with info! I was surprised! I assumed it was all about growing herbs, but has So Much more! How to store herbs, making herbal preparations, recipes, garden plans, and about marketing your herbs, etc!!

Another book I have had on my wish list for a Long time is:
"Rejuvenate Your Life, Recipes for Energy" by Serene Allison

I was very excited to finally get it and read over some of the pages! She gives tons of info and advice on how to make and cook healthy for your family and switching to healthy foods. Also love that she tells where they get their foods! I look forward to being able to eat more like her family, but know that I will probably end up just using a lot of her recipes and ideas, since we do canning and cook on a woodstove!

My other purchase was also from Above Rubies!

"Who Am I?" Two-Disk DVD Set by Nancy Campbell

I have been wanting a dvd set from Nancy Campbell for a long time now, and when I saw the new set, and it was cheaper then her other set ("Reclaiming God's Plan For Women") I decided to get it. Nancy is so inspiring and I love her speeches. My husband was disappointed in her misspeaking some (like when she says that male and female are two separate species) but I hope people know that she must have misspoke there! Maybe I should have bought the other dvd set.....Oh well, I want to share your messages with other women, and thought her dvds would be good. Has anyone else had women over to their house to hear her dvds? Would love to hear how that went for you!

~Health Tip Tuesdays~ Pumpkin Seeds

~Health Tip Tuesdays~

Pumpkin Seeds!

I have not had pumpkin seeds in such a long time! But I have been reading about them lately, and I have already decided to grow some pumpkins this year, mainly for the seeds! (I will also save some of the seeds for planting next year if they grow well).

So how good are pumpkin seeds for you?

Well here is some of the info I have found and combined just for you!

From Rebecca Wood:

"The seeds from pumpkins, or any other variety of winter squash, make a healthy and tasty snack. They're protein rich and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, phosphorus and vitamin A.

Commercially available green pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, have had their fibrous white hull removed. To hull your home-prepared seeds, crack each seed individually between your teeth, discard the hull and savor the tender kernel.

It's faster to crunch and swallow the seeds and hulls together. This, incidentally, is a home remedy for expelling pinworms or other intestinal parasites. As the seed and hull pass through your digestive tract, the seed is assimilated and the fibrous, indigestible hull gently scours out unwelcome guests.

To roast pumpkin seeds place them on a lightly buttered cookie sheet and add a pat of butter and a dash of cinnamon or curry powder and salt. Bake for about 15 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven, stirring once, until the seeds are aromatic and lightly browned."

For Parasites and Worms Herbal Legacy says:

"A simple herbal aid for a mild case of worms is to use pumpkin seeds (Cucurbitaceae). It is best when fresh seeds are used. To make the infusion, steep one ounce of crushed seeds for fifteen to twenty minutes in a pint of boiling hot water. Dosage: One teacupful or more (up to one pint daily), six days a week for one to three weeks. Also eat one to two ounces of the pumpkin seeds each day. [HHH p.124]

Another "Seed" Aid is to Combine the Following:

1 part pumpkin seeds, crushed (Cucurbitaceae)
1 part watermelon seeds, crushed (Citrullus vulgaris)
1 part cucumber seeds, crushed (Cucumis sativus)

Dosage: Take one pint of emulsion (two ounces of seeds triturated in honey and distilled water) in doses at two hour intervals; or take one to two tablespoons of the crushed seeds in honey, syrup, etc., in three doses at two hour intervals.

The patient should fast during this treatment, then take an appropriate cathartic several hours after the last dosage such as senna tea or preferably the lower bowel formula [Fen LB]. Use this procedure at least three days in a row. [HHH p.124]".

By the way, is case you are wondering "[HHH p.124]" means that the quote is from Dr. Christopers book, "Herbal Home Health Care". I Highly recommend this book to everyone!

From: REJUVENATE YOUR LIFE: Recipes for Energy by Serene Allison

"ZINC BUILDER MILK

3/4 - 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
3 cups distilled water
1 scant TBS. of honey or pure maple syrup
Optional-1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Blend until creamy and frothy."

And here is a trea from the Bulk Herb Store:

"Smoothies/Blended Drinks
Basic recipe:
1/2 - 1 c. liquid of choice (apple juice, orange juice, coffee, yogurt, milk, water, etc.)
1 banana, fresh or frozen in 1" pieces
1/4 c. fresh or frozen fruit of choice (strawberries, cherries, blueberries, etc.)
1 Tbls. Chia seeds
1 Tbls. seeds or nuts (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, flax seeds, soaked almonds or brazil nuts)
Directions:
Blend and serve.The more fruit you add the thicker the drink. With a 1/4 cup of liquid you can create a pudding-like dessert from any fresh fruit and liquid of your choice."


You can buy pumpkin seeds from:

Tropical Traditions,
Natural Zing

And you can buy pumpkin seed oil from
Mountian Rose Herbs!

So pumpkin seeds have essential, unsaturated fatty acids, are loaded with zinc, and are a super food! Wow! Sooo much packed into a seed!
I am really looking forward to using them more and introducing them to my children! =)

God bless your health!
~Hannah

~Health Tip Tuesdays~ Drink Your Food & Chew Your Liquids!

~Health Tip Tuesdays~

We live in a day and age where fast food is great and eating on the run is the norm! What a life! No time to sit and enjoy a meal and when we do, we are still in a rush to do something or go on to something or somewhere else!

Growing up I can remember my grandma always telling us to chew our food really good and I thought it was crazy that she made my dad chew like 40 times per bite when he was growing up!

But I have learned the importance of taking your time to eat and drink and as Dr. Christopher says you need to "drink your food and chew your liquids"!

We may eat healthy foods and cleanse our colon ever so often, but as long as we are not chewing our food well enough and getting saliva mixed thoroughly with our food and liquids, our digestion system is going to work poorly to say the lest!

Heartburn, flatulence, constipation, and many other discomforts and health problems are caused by poor eating habits. Once you think about it, doesn't it make more since that we just take our time eating and drinking, instead of hurrying along and suffering thru the aches and pains of poor digestion?

Relax and be happy when you eat! make dinner time a good time and have everyone lay their complaints and stressful discussions aside while ya'll are eating. Discuss pleasant things and laugh a little! =)

Chew, chew, chew! Chew everything very well! your solid foods and your liquids. Swish them around in your mouth and make sure that they get covered and mixed with saliva. Your mouth is the first part of the digestion process and it is important that the saliva is on the foods so that the stomach can break it all up for your body to be able to use it.

Teach your children while they are young, to take their time eating and make eating time a pleasant time, so that their bodies digestion will be much more pleasant!

God bless your health!

~Hannah

For disclaimer and more health tips visit my previous post Here!

New! ~Health Tip Tuesdays~ Health Sites/Blogs

"Health Tip Tuesdays"

I love learning about herbs, eating healthier and finding new ways to apply healthy, whole foods to my family diet! Sadly I am not near the point I would like to be, but I am learning patients and know that if I am supposed to get to where I dream of being, God will open some doors and windows to help me get there!

I also have a deep yearning to help people who are hurting, in pain and poor health, but right now I just take care of my family's health as best I can. I hope to someday complete the School of Natural Healing Herbal home courses and become a Master Herbalist! So far I have only completed the Family herbalist level, but I learned sooo much and know that so much can be treated by simple everyday "weeds", foods and just change in diet!

I have really been wanting to share more about my neat findings and what I learn, here on my blog, and now I am finally going to start doing that, by sharing a little every Tuesday (or every Tuesday I can!)! I am going to call it "Health Tip Tuesday" and want to stress that this is just things I have learned and found in my readings/studies. Everyone should do their own reading/studies and talk with your licensed health care provider to find what best works for them.

Having said all that (and put the disclaimer below) I hope that everyone who reads or joins "Health Tip Tuesdays" will keep an open mind and pray about every health decision that they make.

If you would like to start joining or you already post health tips on your blog, let me know and I will add a linky for you to link up!


Since this is my first "Health Tip Tuesday" post and I want to stress the importance of everyone doing their own research, I am going to share some of my favorite health sites and blogs! If you have some you would like to share, please leave the links in a comment for us! Thanks!



My first and favorite place is "Herbal Legacy".
Chances are most of my quotes and writings will be from and inspired by them!


And "Melaleuca" is, of course, my place for household and bath and body products, some vitamins, etc!


Tracy's Transformational Kitchen is another very great site with tons of info and recipes!


"Health Begins With Mom" is an amazing and very informative blog!
Rebecca Wood has some great information, but I do not agree with her on everything!


Learning Herbs is a favorite of mine! I have learned a lot from them and their HerbMentor is great, but being a Christian you have to be careful on herbal forums, so I just learned what I could for the time I was a member! Would like to get back on and see what I have missed the past few months!


Bulk Herb Store has great info and you can buy supplies from them to make your own herbal formulas too!


The Herbwife's kitchen is another great blog!


There are many more, but I will just have to post them over the weeks to come!

Hope you enjoy these links and learn a lot!

God bless your health!

~Hannah

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This information is not intended for the use of diagnosing any disease, condition or prescribing any treatment whatsoever. It is offered for informational and educational use only, and for use in maintaining and promoting good health in cooperation with a licensed medical practitioner.

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