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Bentonite clay

The Power of Bentonite Clay… Unleashed on our Family Land

Imagine stumbling upon a hidden gem on your own land. That’s exactly what happened to us on land that’s been in our family for more than 100 years…. in Texas.

As we were digging a pond, we stumbled upon an ample supply of bentonite clay.  We always knew it was present throughout the land.  But seeing it in abundance firsthand was truly eye-opening… especially considering the red clay has been cherished for centuries.

The history of bentonite clay stretches back through the ages, with various civilizations recognizing its remarkable properties. Ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Native Americans harnessed its power for healing and purification purposes. This clay was considered a prized possession, revered for its ability to draw out impurities and promote overall well-being. Today, we feel incredibly fortunate to have this treasure right beneath our feet. It’s like a magic potion for our skin, hair, and overall well-being. So let’s dive deeper into its benefits, uses and I even include a unique recipe to revitalize your skin using bentonite clay.

 

Detoxification and Purification:

Let’s start with its detoxifying powers. Bentonite clay has an incredible ability to absorb toxins and impurities from our skin. When applied, it acts like a magnet, drawing out excess oil, dirt, and grime, leaving our skin feeling refreshed and revitalized. It’s like a mini spa treatment in the comfort of your own home!

 

Nourishing Skin Care:

Not only does bentonite clay detoxify, but it also nourishes our skin with essential minerals. Silica, calcium, magnesium, and potassium work together to give our skin a healthy and radiant glow. Think of it as nature’s own multivitamin for your skin!

Hair Rejuvenation:

But wait, there’s more! Bentonite clay isn’t just for our skin—it’s a hair superhero too. If you’ve been dealing with product buildup or an oily scalp, this clay can come to your rescue. It gently removes impurities, excess oil, and residue, bringing balance back to your scalp.

 

Enhance Your Garden:

Bentonite clay not only benefits us personally but also plays a role in helping the environment thrive. It promotes agriculture and minimizes the need for harmful chemicals. The clay’s water-retention properties help conserve water by soaking up excess moisture and preventing soil erosion. This means less water is wasted, and it helps conserve one of our most precious resources.

Additionally, it improves soil quality by enriching it with essential minerals and nutrients. Bentonite clay even detoxifies the soil, removing harmful substances, purifying it and creating a healthier ecosystem.

 

Here are some practical ways to incorporate bentonite clay into your routine:

Face Mask: ( I have a full recipe at the bottom of this blog)

Create a rejuvenating face mask by mixing bentonite clay with water or other natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, rosewater, or aloe vera gel. Apply the mask to your face, leave it on for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. This helps to detoxify the skin, unclog pores, and absorb excess oil.

Hair Mask:

Revitalize your hair by making a nourishing hair mask with bentonite clay. Mix the clay with water, aloe vera gel, or your favorite hair conditioner to form a paste. Apply it to your hair, focusing on the roots and scalp, and let it sit for around 20-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly to remove the mask and enjoy the benefits of increased volume, reduced oiliness, and improved scalp health.

Body Detox Bath:

Add bentonite clay to your bathwater to create a detoxifying bath. Mix a quarter to half a cup of clay into warm bathwater and soak for 20-30 minutes. The clay helps draw out toxins from your body, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Spot Treatment:

For pesky blemishes or insect bites, make a paste using bentonite clay and water. Apply it directly to the affected area, let it dry, then rinse off. The clay’s absorbent properties can help soothe irritation and reduce redness.

Oral Rinse:

Bentonite clay can also be used for oral care. Mix a small amount of clay with water to create a liquid paste, then swish it around in your mouth for a couple of minutes before spitting it out. This can help freshen your breath and promote oral health.

** Remember, it’s essential to use high-quality, pure bentonite clay and follow the instructions provided. If you have sensitive skin or any underlying skin conditions, perform a patch test before applying bentonite clay to larger areas. As always, consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or specific medical conditions.

 

DIY Bentonite Clay Face Mask:

To revitalize your skin, try this simple and effective face mask recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon raw honey
  • 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

  • In a small bowl, combine bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, and raw honey.
  • Mix well until you have a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Add a few drops of essential oil for a delightful aroma and added benefits.
  • Apply the mask to clean skin, avoiding the eye area.
  • Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes, or until it dries.
  • Gently rinse off with warm water, followed by a moisturizer.

 

We have an entire page of even more natural remedies. If you have natural remedies you use, please share them — it takes a community!

DIY Health Household

Oats

Anxiety is something most of us experience at some point in our lives. While prescription medications are available, it’s important to explore natural remedies that can provide effective relief. Oats are one of those remedies that can support your emotional well-being while adding some deliciousness to your life!

Understanding Anxiety Disorders:

Before we delve into the remarkable benefits of oats, it’s important to understand the various types of anxiety disorders. These include anxiety disorder due to a medical condition, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, selective mutism, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, substance-induced anxiety disorder, and other specified/unspecified anxiety disorders. These conditions can significantly impact our daily lives, making even simple tasks seem overwhelming.  So if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you’re not alone, and there are solutions.

The Power of Nutritious Foods:

While anxiety can be challenging, making positive changes to our diet can help manage its symptoms. By selecting foods that promote emotional balance and support our overall well-being, we take a step towards a happier and calmer existence. Eating healthy is not just about nourishing our bodies; it’s about feeding our minds and souls too.

One incredible food that fits the bill perfectly is oats. Not only are oats affordable and easy to cook, but they also offer numerous benefits for anxiety relief. Let’s take a closer look at how oats can positively impact your emotional well-being:

  • Boosts Serotonin Levels: According to the Mayo Clinic, the carbohydrates found in oats help increase serotonin levels in our brains. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation, making it a powerful ally in the battle against anxiety.
  • Superfood Goodness: Oats are a true superfood! Packed with essential nutrients, they provide a wide range of health benefits beyond anxiety relief. Oats are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting a healthy digestive system.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Oats:

Now that we understand the remarkable benefits of oats for anxiety, let’s explore some delightful recipes that incorporate this fantastic grain into your diet. The nice thing is that oats can be eaten raw or cooked.  Below are some recipes to consider that contain oats. I do my best to avoid adding sugar to my recipes.  If you need to sweeten things up, consider alternatives like fresh or dried fruit (watch your portions with dried fruit because they are concentrated in natural sugars).  Honey or agave nectar will also do the trick, but again use it in moderation since they still contain sugars. Stevia and Monk Fruit can also be great options, as well as unsweetened nut butter.

Some recipes to consider:

  • Oatmeal Cookies – Indulge your sweet tooth while enjoying the anxiety-reducing properties of oats. Remember, avoid as many processed ingredients as feasible.
  • Oatmeal Fruit Bowls – Start your mornings off right with a nutritious and refreshing bowl of oatmeal combined with your favorite fruits.
  • Traditional Cooked Oatmeal – Experiment with different toppings like berries, nuts, or a drizzle of honey to add a touch of excitement to your breakfast routine.
  • Home-made granola – Create your own homemade granola using oats as a base. Combine them with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and a touch of sweetness, then bake to golden perfection. Enjoy it as a snack or sprinkle it over yogurt for a delightful crunch.
  • Oats in Cereal: Elevate your cereal game by using oats as a base or mixing them with your favorite low-sugar cereals. Look for whole grain, low-sugar options such as bran flakes or unsweetened puffed cereals. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of nuts or seeds, and fresh fruits to enhance the flavor and nutritional value without relying on added sugars.

Here is my dairy-free recipe for overnight oats:

Ingredients:

1 cup oats- old fashioned oats work best

I cup milk- any milk works for this recipe (I like coconut milk)

I tbsp chia seeds- Optional 

2 tbsp yogurt of your choice (I enjoy almond milk yogurt)

1 tbsp honey or sweetener if desired

1 tbsp nuts of choice- (I enjoy almonds and pecans)-Optional

1/2 tbsp coconut flakes- Optional

1/3 cup fresh fruit

Instructions:

Combine all dry ingredients 

Add milk and yogurt then stir to mix

Add sweetener 

Add fruit on top (do not mix in until ready to eat)

Cover and refrigerate overnight. 

We have an entire page of even more natural remedies. If you have natural remedies you use, please share them — it takes a community!

DIY Health Household

Turmeric Milk

Sip, Sleep, Soothe: The Magical Powers of Turmeric Milk

 **********************************

I want to share an incredible discovery I made recently when battling a stubborn head cold. It involved a simple, yet mighty potion called turmeric milk. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Picture this: I’m feeling under the weather, my head feels like it’s about to explode, my nose is constantly running and my throat is on fire. Desperate for relief, a friend suggests trying turmeric milk. I’m intrigued, so I dive into some online research, gather a few ingredients, and put my own spin on a recipe. 

Before I give you the recipe, let’s talk about the superpowers of turmeric. This golden spice has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s like a superhero for your immune system! But here’s the catch: turmeric is not easily absorbed by our bodies. That’s where the pepper and coconut oil come in. They team up to make sure those beneficial compounds make their way into your bloodstream.

So, I whipped up a steaming mug of turmeric milk using almond milk, a pinch of pepper, a drizzle of coconut oil, a dash of cinnamon, a spoonful of honey, and a generous sprinkle of turmeric. Let me tell you, it was a delightful surprise for both my taste buds and my health!

Not only was it yummy and soothing, but it worked wonders overnight. I slept soundly, my throat felt instantly relieved, and when I woke up in the morning, I was already feeling at least 60% better. Coincidence? I think not! Sure, my immune system was doing its thing, but I firmly believe that turmeric milk gave it a powerful boost.

Now, I can’t promise that turmeric milk will cure all your ailments, but I can vouch for its potent healing properties. It’s like a warm, comforting hug for your body and soul. Plus, with its anti-inflammatory benefits, it’s a fantastic addition to any wellness routine.

Ready to give it a try? Here’s my simple and delicious recipe:

Ingredients: (1 serving)

• 1 cup of almond milk (or any plant-based milk you prefer)

• 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric

• A tiny pinch of black pepper (to unlock turmeric’s superpowers)

• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil

• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon of honey (adjust to your taste buds’ liking)

Instructions:

·         In a small saucepan, gently heat the almond milk over low to medium heat.

·          Add turmeric, black pepper, coconut oil, and cinnamon to the warm milk.

·         Whisk everything together until well combined and heated through, about 10 minutes.

·         Pour into your favorite mug, and sweeten with honey to taste.

·         Sip slowly, and let the soothing magic unfold!

Feel free to experiment and adjust the ingredients according to your preferences.

So, the next time you’re feeling a bit under the weather or simply want a comforting and nourishing beverage, give turmeric milk a try. It’s like a little cup of sunshine that may just brighten your day and boost your well-being.

Remember, our journey to a healthier, happier life is all about discovering natural remedies and sharing them with our loved ones. So go ahead, brew up a batch of turmeric milk, and let me know how it works its magic for you!

Don’t forget to share this blog with your friends and loved ones who could use a little natural healing too. 

 

We have an entire page of natural remedies. If you have natural remedies you choose, please share them — it takes a community!

DIY Health Household

Egg salad

This egg salad recipe is super easy to make and I may be a little biased, but I think it’s the best one you’ll find.  It’s creamy, crunchy and delish.

INGREDIENTS

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons mayo
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dill weed
  • 2 tablespoons relish (link to recipe below)
  • Chopped garlic chives
  • Chopped parsley
  • Finely diced celery (optional, adds good flavor and nice crunch)
  • Finely chopped spinach (optional)
  • Scallions (optional)

Boil your eggs, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water.  Let them cool for about 10 minutes.  The cold water makes it easier to peel them.

Peel the eggs then cut them in half and separate the yolk from all 6 eggs.

Put the yolks in a bowl and add all of your ingredients, mashing the yolks and mixing until creamy.

Chop the egg whites into small pieces and mix with your other ingredients and your egg salad is done.  You can eat it on crackers, in wraps and of course on sandwiches.  I like to slightly toast my bread, then spread guacamole on both sides.  Next I add lettuce and tomatoes from the garden, a little balsamic and top it off with the egg salad. DELISH!

The recipe is simple to customize.  I use a vegan, probiotic cream cheese and homemade relish from our Armenian cucumbers; I’ve made it with onion powder, chopped spinach and scallions, even added diced pickles, dill weed and celery.  So play with it until it’s perfect for your palate… then write it down.

Be sure to check out our page on natural remedies  and add some of those natural ingredients to your recipe.

DIY Garden Health Household sustainability Sustainable

Start a garden

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN STARTING AN URBAN GARDEN

 

It’s planting season in Phoenix!  Do you know what to plant?  Where to plant?  How to plant?

There are so many questions when it comes to starting your urban garden – or as I like to call it – your medicine cabinet and grocery store.  And you will read all sorts of articles telling you dozens of things you need to do to be successful.  But it really doesn’t have to be that hard or expensive… especially if you know the basics.

So we came up with our top things you need to know when starting your urban garden:

  1. RESEARCH – This includes looking at a planting calendar to know what to plant in your area. And once you figure out what grows when, choose things you really will use.  Research images of what the plant will look like in your garden, how much space the plant needs, best temperatures for germination, etc.  Seed packets will give you the basics.  Don’t limit your research only to online searches.  Social media gardening groups are awesome and local nurseries can be extremely helpful.
  2. START SMALL – Doing too much gets discouraging and causes many of us to quit. Gardening doesn’t have to be hard.  4×4 is a perfect starting point for a garden and so easy to build a garden bed yourself.  Home improvement stores will cut your wood to your specified size and you can use blocks to simply place the wood slabs inside.  It’s a simple process, especially if you want to avoid cutting and drilling, etc.
  3. PREPARE YOUR BED – Grass and weeds can be one of your biggest enemies. We put cardboard at the bottom of our beds to help stop the grass.  We also have a lot of gophers in the area so we also put chicken wire at the bottom.  Fill your bed with soil… add compost…. Soil and water are the basics that will help your garden thrive or die.
  4. SAVE MONEY ON SEEDS—1st garden will be most expensive but should be the only time you have to spend money buying all of your seeds because you can save them each season.

There are lots of seed banks at libraries and other local places that may offer free seeds. 

All seeds are NOT created equal, so look for GMO Free, heirloom, open-pollinated seeds so that you can continue to save the seeds each season. 

  1. GROW WHAT YOU’LL USE – Whether it’s food or medicine, if you’re watering it, you want to use it. If you won’t eat brussel sprouts, don’t plant brussel sprouts.  Can’t sleep?  Plant chamomile for tea.  Got a cut?  Plant aloe. You’d be surprised at how many natural remedies you’ll find in your garden (ADD NATURAL REMEDIES  LINK)
  2. CREATE MICROCLIMATES AND KEEP IT ORGANIC – Planting all of the same families in the same bed means they’re all competing for the same nutrients and attracting all of the same bugs. So mix things up.  That will also create a cooler environment and help keep your garden naturally organic , especially if you consider companion planting.  
  3. PUT WATER ON A TIMER—one of biggest things to kill gardens is water so you don’t want to have to constantly think about if you’re over or under watering. Set a timer for your water —- regardless of the type of sprinkling system you choose.

OLLAS are another option for watering… my favorite because it takes guesswork out of watering. 

  1. FEED YOUR GARDEN—we fertilize about every 2 weeks with homemade worm tea, compost mix, etc. Again, don’t freak out if you’re not composting, you can buy fertilizers when you’re first starting – ONE THING AT A TIME.  Again garden groups are great for where to buy what, where to find sales, tricks of the trade, etc.
  2. BE PATIENT, STAY POSTIVE AND ENJOY THE RIDE—Everything will NOT grow and some things will look great one day and be falling over the next. It’s about trial and error, learning your soil, your garden.  Trust me, the rewards make it all worth it.  The flavor of the food is richer, you know exactly what you’re getting, you’re saving money, lowering your carbon footprint, growing your own meds… the benefits just keep coming.
  3. TREAT YOUR GARDEN LIKE YOUR FAMILY – If you’re thirsty, you need water. So do your plants.

If you’re cold, you may need a blanket.  If you’re hot, you may want shade. Same with your plants. I talk to my plants, sing to them… not sure if that makes them happy.  The peace of being in the garden in priceless, so spend time in nature, learn your garden (family) and mother nature will do the rest.

 

We have all sorts of DIY videos helping you throughout your journey.   Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions because we are all in this together.  It’s a lifestyle that keeps on giving.

DIY Garden Health

Zucchini boats

How to make zucchini boats using ingredients you already have!

Got zucchini? We’re making stuffed zucchini boats and if you have the zucchini, you really shouldn’t have to leave home for ingredients!  You can really use your leftovers to stuff them — hence cleaning out the fridge and bringing you closer to zero waste.  It’s a win-win!

So we will make the recipe according to what I had in the garden and in my fridge….

One ingredient that isn’t flexible is your zucchini… you’ll need large ones to use as your shell.

Trim the ends of the zucchini, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out your seeds and pulp.  Don’t toss it… you can use the pulp and seeds as one of the ingredients.  I save my seeds for planting and I share them on our Etsy site. 

Back to the ingredients… again use what you have.  I grabbed onions, bell peppers and more zucchini from the garden and chopped it all up before adding it to a skillet.  This is where you would add your zucchini seeds and pulp.  Cook the ingredients for about five minutes.

Next you’ll spoon everything into your zucchini boat.

I started with tomato sauce, then black rice, cooked veggies and topped it all off with vegan cheese.

Let it cook at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Garnish it with fresh veggies and you’re done… Looks and tastes so yummy and you can make it as healthy or decadent as you want.

Let us know if you make it and if so, what ingredients you use! 

RECIPE DETAILS

Ingredients (Flexible)

  • 2 large zucchini
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
  • ½ cups shredded cheese
  • Other ideas – mushroom, rice, beans, spinach

Directions

  • Trim the ends off zucchini. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds and pulp.  Save the pulp/seeds for the meal, or save the seeds for planting.
  • Add ingredients to a skillet…  I used onions, bell peppers, and sliced zucchini.  Cook for about five minutes
  • Spoon everything into your boat, I started with tomato or spaghetti sauce, then added some leftover black rice, then my stir-fried ingredients and topped off with vegan cheese. 
  • Place in a greased 13×9-in. baking dish and bake, uncovered, at 350° until zucchini is tender, about 30 minutes.
  • When finished, add fresh garnish.  I used onion and society garlic chives from the garden.  DELISH!

 

DIY

DIY: Get Rid of Carpet Odors

If you’re going to be home all day… you want to make sure the house smells amazing!

Think about it… if you have carpet all sorts of odors are lingering… even when you vacuum.

So here’s a simple recipe with just two ingredients to leave your carpets so fresh and so clean.

All you need is baking soda and your favorite essential oil and you have a toxic-free carpet freshener.

The great thing about baking soda is that instead of masking odors… it interacts with odor particles and neutralizes them.

As for the essential oil, choose what smells best to you.

I like peppermint oil because it smells fresh and naturally wards off certain pests… including ants.

So here’s the breakdown…

I use about a half teaspoon of essential oil and 2 cups of baking soda.

I save my seasoning containers because the holes in the top are perfect.

I give the mix a good shake, let it sit for 24 hours to settle and you’re ready to clean.

I usually sprinkle the mix on the carpet, and then I dust so the mix has a chance to simmer. Next vacuum it up.  That’s it!

And just like that… no more stinky odors lingering around in your carpet.

I also use baking soda to keep the kitchen sink clean and fresh. I run hot water down the drain, then pour about a half cup of baking soda, let it sit for about 10 minutes and rinse it down.

To scrub the bathtubs, I sprinkle baking soda on a damp scrubbing sponge and just scrub.

And I sprinkle it into my boys’ stinky shoes and at the bottom of the trash bin.

Plus, it’s great for baking and occasionally I sprinkle it on my toothbrush to keep my teeth white.

These are just some ways I use baking soda but there are hundreds of other benefits.

How do you use it? Share your ideas and recipes!

DIY

How to make DIY tomato Sauce

One of the things that make gardening so fulfilling is seeing things grow from seed to amazing meals.  The more I grow and see others grow, the more inspired I am to try new things.  And now I have the time to find more ways to leave less of a carbon footprint.

But don’t be fooled… having more time doesn’t mean I want to take more time on individual projects.  I like things simple… which is why it had taken me so long to make my own tomatoes. I had to figure out if it was worth the work and once I did it… the answer was simple

We had an awesome tomato harvest this year, I was picking baskets full daily.  So I thought it was time to take on the experience of making my own tomato sauce and I’ll be honest, I really don’t want to buy pasta sauce from the store anymore because this was too yummy and too simple.

So if you don’t have tomatoes in the garden… no worries, you can still buy tomatoes and make your sauce.  Trust me, you won’t regret it… especially since I have a recipe that uses ingredients most of have at home and it omits the work of taking the skin off of your tomatoes.  The ingredients and steps are below.  I also have a video showing the step-by-step process.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic diced or crushed
  • 12-14 tomatoes halved
  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup basil leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup lemon juice for flavor and canning (optional)

How to Make It:

  • Add the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar to a pot and bring it to a boil
  • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 min – 1 hour  (Slowly simmering the sauce brings out the deep flavors, so you’ll need less seasonings)
  • Add basil when it’s almost done
  • Optional – Add lemon juice for flavoring and canning

Don’t be afraid to play with the recipe to fit your meal.  Adding celery and carrots to the sauté mix is yummy.

I’ll admit, I like it best fresh from the pot to the plate.  I honestly could have eaten it alone… actually I did have a few spoonfuls because it was so delicious.

I also tried it over noodles with other vegetables and absolutely loved it.

I tried it in spinach lasagna and thought the vinegar was a little strong for it.

Please let me know if you try the recipe.  Take pictures and let me know if you made alterations that made it even more amazing!

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