Herb' N Wisdom and Natural Living podcast

In this article we are going to talk about Mirror Neurons, what they are and how they work. Wikipedia describes Mirror Neurons as this: A mirror neuron is a neuron that fires both when an animal acts and when the animal observes the same action performed by another.  Thus, the neuron "mirrors" the behavior of the other, as though the observer were itself acting. Such neurons have been directly observed in primate species.  Birds have been shown to have imitative resonance behaviors and neurological evidence suggests the presence of some form of mirroring system.  In humans, brain activity consistent with that of mirror neurons has been found in the premotor cortex, the supplementary motor area, the primary somatosensory cortex, and the inferior parietal cortex. The function of the mirror system in humans is a subject of much speculation. Some researchers in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive psychology consider that this system provides the physiological mechanism for the perception/action coupling (see the common coding theory). They argue that mirror neurons may be important for understanding the actions of other people, and for learning new skills by imitation. Some researchers speculate that mirror systems may simulate observed actions, and thus contribute to theory of mind skills, while others relate mirror neurons to language abilities. Neuroscientists such as Marco Iacoboni (UCLA) have argued that mirror neuron systems in the human brain help us understand the actions and intentions of other people. In a study published in March 2005, Iacoboni and his colleagues reported that mirror neurons could discern whether another person who was picking up a cup of tea planned to drink from it or clear it from the table. In addition, Iacoboni has argued that mirror neurons are the neural basis of the human capacity for emotions such as empathy. So, that was the basis for what mirror neurons are, what they are capable of and what scientist think about them.  I know there are different opinions regarding mirror neurons, but that's a good thing.  It's good to ask question, discuss different ideas until we find out what is factual and what is merely a theory. I find the whole thing fascinating and have used different ways and forms of tapping into this amazing tool we all have inside of us. For instance, if you can think of being empathetic while communicating with another person or group of people.  That is, if we are truly trying to understand their thoughts and feelings and allow ourselves to be influenced by their point of view we are much more likely to trigger mirror neurons and get the same kind of response in return from them.  Why?  Because they're going to be more empathetic to our response which means they will be more influenced by the way we're thinking.  The opposite is if I'm really trying to persuade someone to my point of view, they're more likely to put up a wall and defend their stand.  Or they might say it's pointless arguing with this person I'm just going to give in. I have personally witnessed this while serving on jury duty.  A juror didn't agree with the argument of the juror in charge, but he was tired of being beaten down.  So, although he didn't agree with the perspective, he still gave in to stop arguing and end the trial. His decision had nothing to do with evidence or the trial itself and thus it was a hung jury. It's much more powerful when we can mutually arrive at a destination.  And that happens as a result of empathetic thinking.  Understand I don't mean we should use this to influence people's core beliefs just so they agree with us.  In the case of the juror however, if the one in charge would have been more empathetic one or the other might have seen a different side or point of view.  That would have been beneficial not only to them but to the rest of us serving as jurors and the trial overall.  You see, because of shoving a point down someone's throat,

Hey Everyone! Well, it has been an up and down week between weather, getting the garden cleaned out, and driving kids to practice/work. But finally, today I got to stay home ALL day, and it was fantastic. Running around is more unusual for me as the farm needs attention, but sometimes life throws you curve balls that you have to roll with. That being said, when you get out of a routine, you also appreciate the little things more, like waking up to a rooster crowing and enjoying him instead of wanting to shoot him, or your daughter saying pillow fight and then giggling as she waylays you. Walking down the stairs, the house is freezing because the fire went out during the night. Normally this might bring a grumpy response, but once you light the fire and feel the soft fingertips of the flame reaching, your body awakes, and you don't mind the task so much. When you run around, you are overloaded or pressured with time and people. It may not seem to affect you or your health at first, but the longer you do it, the more you miss the quiet or special little things. Even if you love the hustle of the city, you still have a routine or things you love about simple pleasures. Trust me, I believe in getting out, being refreshed, and taking a vacation. It is the mindless running around that I'm talking about and can affect people. So what's my point? Well, people are always saying they need to get away or want to go somewhere. But I don't believe it's necessarily the getting away or mindless running that needs to happen. It is simply making the life where you are at where you want to be. There will always be a bigger and better place in your mind or scenario. And there will always be the possibility that your child will turn out to be an Olympic star. But don't give up living and enjoying the simple pleasures because you always want to be somewhere else. Or feel you will ruin your child's life if they are not in every school event. Harrison Ford said it best in, Six Days and Seven Nights, "It's an island, babe. If you don't bring it here, you won't find it here." Contentment comes in finding out who you are, not in how many places you can go or how often you run around. As I write about health, I'm reminded that contentment is probably the biggest key to every person's health. Because if you are content, you are not stressed. As we all know, stress kills, so every person should avoid it or the environment where you feel it. Now sometimes you can't control the environment, like for me this week. So to keep the stress low, I needed to find joy in running instead of stressing myself out because things were piling up at home. And by doing that, I learned to enjoy the tiny little things at the same time. Kind of a domino effect; once the dominos fall, you can see over the top and have a new perspective. You may be thinking, "well, duh," but even when something seems like common sense, we still overlook it. So I'm challenging you for your health and contentment to stop running in circles and learn to be who you are where you are while appreciating life's small everyday pleasures. Well, that's my health tip and thought of the week. Go, take a walk, make a meal for the family, stop at a coffee shop and people watch. Or, sit by the fire, work in your yard, talk to a friend, and remember it's the simple and little things that keep a smile on your face. And if you're put in an environment where you can't help it, smile and find a blessing anyway. Love you, and as always, remember to stay healthy and free! Heather EarlesIs the owner of H&E Literary Works LLC, writes for a local newspaper, has written several books to include  A Busy Morning On The Farm and an upcoming thriller/drama series called “Prisoner Within.” She is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint, writes a blog on healthy living to aid and inspire. She has a podcast called Herb ‘N Wisdom™, enjoys country living, God,

Dancing to me is such a part of everything I think about, do and who I am.  I dance in the kitchen, at home with the kids, the car, airport, and even while I write my manuscripts;  which character will end up on the dance floor, moving to the music?:) Dancing brings out emotions that could never be expressed or explained with words.  You feel, therefore you dance.  To me it's that simple. I can escape in a Bourrée or pretend I'm on top of a mountain in a field of flowers, leaping and chaînéing.  Dancing to me is like opening the first pages of a new book.  The anticipation and excitement of finding out who the characters are and what will unfold are the same as when a person first starts moving to the music. Our bodies feel every beat, every movement, either alone or while dancing with a partner.  Every sensation is alive and burning through our veins. I don't think there is a feeling more beautiful than when our minds and bodies come together creating movement in the form of a dance.  We release, we let go, we become free and no one holds us back as it's impossible to cage a soul on fire. So many people are afraid of what they look like on a dance floor or beyond.  But there is no wrong way to feel unless the outcome is driven by fear.  So, put your fears aside and step into the beauty of a moment to share love, joy even suffering. Opportunities pass swiftly when you overthink or take for granted time. Dance can heal the soul faster than the majority of things on earth because you can release your grief, not only through tears but through every part of yourself.  Our bodies and minds are connected through the spirit, so stop trying to separate what is intended to be together.  You can no more separate soul mates with distant, a wave from the ocean than you can a body from its form of dance. Some say, "I can't dance."  I wholeheartedly disagree.  You are human and therefore created to move.  The way we were designed with joints, tendons, and muscles allows for movement of every kind.  Perhaps you don't because you don't know-how.  You think you need to be shown.  Perhaps your "Don't" or "Can't" is only fear because you think you need to have so many steps down first.  The steps to dance don't determine whether you can dance, your soul dances without a lesson.  You just need to let it out and not be afraid. We have all looked or done silly things in our lives, but instead of hiding in a corner blushing you just have to laugh and enjoy the learning process.  Watching people enjoy the art of dancing or life brings so much pleasure.  You see the radiant light come to life in their eyes and almost feel as if you are right there with them on the floor.  And friends, that's what it means to dance! I have been thinking a lot about this topic not only because it's a part of who I am but because of what's happening in our country. My advice, if you are struggling or need a reset is attend a children's ballet or recital. Students study all year, putting their heart and soul into a performance to bring their talent, and joy to those who come and watch.  This is the chance for them to express to an audience what they feel and let go of stress, showing family and friends it's okay to be nervous and afraid but to dance anyway. What they will show you in performance is the expression. An expression of a soul on fire ready to live.   Perhaps you will finally understand what it means to dance. "If you want to dance, dance like nobody's watching and become free.  Mind, body, soul, free." Heather EarlesIs the owner of H&E Literary Works LLC, writes for a local newspaper, has written several books to include  A Busy Morning On The Farm and an upcoming thriller/drama series called “Prisoner Within.” She is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint, writes a blog on healthy living to aid and inspire. She has a podcast called Herb ‘N Wisdom™, enjoys country living, God, and her family.

The windows are open, and a cool fall breeze is blowing the curtains back and forth. The chickens are clucking, and the cow is starting to bellar as it is close to milking time. On our farm we have several fruit trees, apples being one of them. It's kind of funny because every time I mow with my daughter she points to the trees and depending on the season we eat cherries, crandall currents, apricots, plums, or apples. What a treat and blessing it is to pick fresh fruit right off the trees and bushes. Although you should wait to pick apples until after the first frost as they become sweeter, ours don't last that long with little fingers. For this reason, it may seem a little early, but I want to give you a quick tutorial on how to dehydrate apples. How to Dehydrate Apples Food and Items needed: ApplesDehydratorLarge bowlLemon juice (optional).Small paring knife. Directions: Step one is to pick apples from your tree, purchase at a farmers market, or buy them from the store.  Then wash your apples to make sure they are clean from spray, dirt, etc.  My children eat the peelings, so I want to make sure they are clean. Next, set up your apple peeler and place an apple on the tongs. Turn the apple peeler until you remove the core and peelings from the apple. As you peel the apples, discard the core into a bowl and feed them to your chickens or pigs, put them in the compost, or throw them in the trash.  The peelings you can munch on or discard the same way. The next step is to cut the ends of your apple ring with your knife and down one side. Or you can snap them off with your fingers. Depending on your apple peeler, some skin might be left on the apple coils. No worries, if you don't want to dehydrate that part, merely cut it off. Place the now peeled and cut apple slices in a bowl, and as an option, you can sprinkle lemon juice over the top to keep them from turning brown. I don't do this part because the apples taste the same either way when dehydrated.  Once you have enough apples, start placing them on the trays until the trays are full. Once the trays are filled, place the lid on, plug in your dehydrator, and set the temperature to 130 degrees.  Depending on the thickness of the apple slices it should take 4 to 5 hours until the batch is done, and your apples have a rubbery consistency. Then place the apple slices in bags and or jars and store until you are ready to munch and Enjoy! The dehydrated apples don't last long in our house, and sometimes I wonder why I went through all that trouble! But they seem to taste better. You can also take them as snacks in the car and don't have as great of a mess to clean up. Or bring them out for movie night along with popcorn for a nice snack. Either way, enjoy and remember to stay healthy and free! Heather EarlesIs the owner of H&E Literary Works LLC, writes for a local newspaper, has written several books to include  A Busy Morning On The Farm and an upcoming thriller/drama series called “Prisoner Within.” She is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint, writes a blog on healthy living to aid and inspire. She has a podcast called Herb ‘N Wisdom™, enjoys country living, God, and her family. “I love helping people feel better about life.” Learn more about the author

Top of the morning to you! Well, it has been about three weeks since we've pulled the onions from the garden and laid them on our wagon to dry. Now comes the fun part. However, dehydrating onions is not a job for the weak. Even after I give you a few tips to reduce the smell, in the end, it still stinks. Some batches are better than others but if you make it out without crying, you are a stronger person than me. With that being said, if you have your tissue box, we are ready to begin. Tips for reducing the potency while dehydrating onions: Tip one is to use yellow onions over white.Tip two, don't cut a large number at one time.And tip three, prepare the onions in a garage or a place that is well ventilated. List of items needed: DehydratorSharp knifeChopping boardOnionsQuart jar or another storage containerFunnel Now that you have all of your items and onions it's time to begin.  First dig your onions out of the garden or buy some from the store. Peel, slice, and chop onions one at a time using a slap chopper or knife. Once you have the desired amount of chopped onions you would like to dehydrate, place them on the layers of your dehydrator until the trays are all filled or you run out of onions. Set temperature to 135 degrees. You can lower the temperature if you'd like, but your onions will be done in about 4 hours at this temperature. Place the dehydrator in a garage or porch to reduce the smell in the house. When your timer goes off just check to see if the batch is finished. You will know when they feel rubbery but also dry. If they turn to dust you have obviously left them in for too long. Or if they have not finished leave them in for a little while longer.  Once they have fished, set up your jar with a funnel or another container of your choice. I can fill a one-quart jar with a medium-sized dehydrator with 4 layers.  Once your machine is turned off, remove the lid and take out the onions using your hands or another kitchen tool and fill your jar or jars. After the jar is filled and sealed, store your now dehydrated onions in a cupboard or a cool, dry place. Now that you have finished dehydrating, you are ready for winter.  You can also use the onions as a gift to family or when you are short on time. On a side note.  If you want to make onion powder, you would merely dehydrate longer until the onions are dried and crunchy.  Place them in a gallon bag at that point and use a rolling pin to roll over them until you have powder. That's it, friends. For more tips and recipes on natural and healthy living, stay tuned each week. Until then, stay free! Heather EarlesIs the owner of H&E Literary Works LLC, writes for a local and state newspaper, has written several books to include  A Busy Morning On The Farm and an upcoming thriller/drama series called “Prisoner Within.” She is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint, writes a blog on healthy living to aid and inspire. She has a podcast called Herb ‘N Wisdom™, enjoys country living, God, and her family. “I love helping people feel better about life.” Learn more about the author How to make Butter

The weather has been so incredible lately. It's still warm but with a little breeze. I checked the garden yesterday, and the little sugar pumpkins are a beautiful orange, so I picked one. Since I had my little daughter with me, we also picked some large zucchini and fed them to the milk cows, calves, and our little pony, Sylvia. It was just like a sweet story playing out. After a while, however, the sun was going down, which meant it was getting chilly, and Chai was on my mind. So, we walked back to the house with our little pumpkin and washed it up. I had to convince my daughter I was not baking it down to make pumpkin pie yet, but instead, we were going to make some delicious chai hot chocolate. I, like a lot of people, although we love coming up with our own brew or creation, we also appreciate a good recipe when we find one. This Chai hot chocolate is a simple version, and when I don't have a lot of time, I like to use it and modify it a touch. Since I am a huge advocate for healthy living, I always add a dash of turmeric and pepper, which will aid in your health yet bring out the flavor in your drink. So here it is… Chai Hot Chocolate This recipe is for 2 serving and created by Christina Lane and modified by Heather Earles PREP TIME 5 minutesCOOK TIME 5 minutesTOTAL TIME 10 minutes Ingredients 1 1/2 cups chai concentrate1/2 cup whole milk of your choice2 tablespoons organic cocoa powderwhipped cream, for servingcinnamon sticks, for serving¼ tsp turmeric with a dash of cayenne or black pepper (optional) Instructions In a small pan, combine the chai concentrate and your milk of choice over medium heat. Heat until steaming, about 5 minutes. (Alternatively, heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until steaming).Add one tablespoon of cocoa powder to the bottom of two mugs along with the turmeric and pepper. Slowly whisk half of the hot chai mixture into the cocoa powder into each cup.Top with whipped cream, an extra dusting of cinnamon, and serve. Chai hot chocolate is a simple drink, yet very warming, and a perfect way to end your day alone with a book or with the family.Enjoy your day, friends, and remember to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Heather EarlesIs the owner of H&E Literary Works LLC, writes for a local and state newspaper, has written several books to include  A Busy Morning On The Farm and an upcoming thriller/drama series called “Prisoner Within.” She is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint, writes a blog on healthy living to aid and inspire. She has a podcast called Herb ‘N Wisdom™, enjoys country living, God, and her family. “I love helping people feel better about life.” Learn more about the author

Hey book lovers, I'm back again. You've made it through the first round and to give you a little refresher, this is what we discussed in Part 1 of how to Prepare your Book/Files/Manuscript: Traditional publishingSelf-PublishingIndie PublishingAnd a mixture of Indie and Self-Publishing We also went through how to: Prepare your book/files/manuscriptWhat to do after you've finished your manuscript like,Making a checklist,Writing a query letter,Researching, companies and literary agents,And the last, turning in your project. Now you are at the point where you've turned in your manuscript to several agents. Please note we are talking about traditional publishing at this point. I will cover self-publishing, Indie, and a mixture later. Turning in your book/manuscript/files to one or ten literary agents doesn't cut it. Unless you have an inside connection, you need to turn your manuscript into at least a hundred literary agents or more if you hope to hear something back. I'm not trying to discourage you. But this is the reality since so many people are writing and wanting to be published. Hearing Back from A Literary Agent If or when you hear from an agent, it will likely be a request to see your entire manuscript. Remember, they often do not read your book/files/manuscripts, only your query letter, unless it is the first three chapters.  But now they are interested, so they will request your entire book. Once the agent has read through it, they will either love it or leave it. If they love it, you may start to talk about signing on with them, or they will ask general questions to see if you are willing to change the title name, etc.  In short, they want to know if you are willing to work with them, at which point you can either decline or accept their offer. What to Do When You Get a Call Would you please not act like a moron when you get a call? At least not on the phone. Stay professional and giggle or pop a bottle of champagne AFTER you hang up. There is NOTHING wrong with being excited. For heaven's sake, you have been through the wringer and spent hours upon hours of your time seeing this project through. No, go ahead and celebrate once your meeting or phone call is over with the agent. What Comes Next? Do I accept the offer or not? When you have an offer to sign with a literary agent, take a day and consider if this is the person that you want to work with. No one can make this decision for you. However, it is worth noting that not everyone will even get one response, and by not everyone, I mean, according to Mark Malatesta, "your odds of getting a literary agent are 1 in 6,000. That does NOT mean 1 out of every 6,000 authors who try to get an agent will make it, and the other 5,999 will fail. It means the best book agents can get as many as 1,500 queries per month, and they sometimes only offer to represent approximately 6 new clients per year. Some writer representatives take on more. But, for this example, let's use that math. If a literary agent only offers to represent 6 new writers per year, that's one every two months. Or the odds of getting a literary agent in that scenario are 1 in 3,000. But let's assume, in this example, the chances of getting a literary agent are less. Because we're talking about one of the most powerful or famous literary agents here. In other words, 3 of the 6 authors that the most successful literary agents offer to represent each year are already published with traditional publishers. Those authors might even already have a bestseller or two—or they might have a very strong author platform. That's why your chances of getting a literary agent are 1 in 6,000." Those numbers do not favor the author, so consider the literary agent who has chosen you, but do not get too picky as that could be your only offer. Take a day, decide, celebrate, or keep looking.  I've Accepted. Now What? Now it's time to let the literary agent find yo...

Hello, gardeners, and Herb 'N Wisdom™fans. Well, it's another gorgeous day on the farm. It's also that time of the year where the garden is producing all kinds of golden delicious splendor. Speaking of golden, today we are learning how to make and freeze sweet corn. As with canning and freezing most produce, it's not difficult it just takes a little time. Although freezing sweet corn goes pretty quickly the batch size will determine how long it takes. Here is a list of items you will need to make and freeze sweet corn: Corn:)SugarSaltButterWaterTwo bowls or one bowl and a cake panKnife of choiceGarbage can or animals who like scrapsQuart Freezer bagsLadleFunnel (optional)PotLarge Spoon Now that you have what you need the first step is to shuck the corn. After you have shucked all of the corn and have taken the silks off, put the ears of corn in your sink and wash them off. Once they are washed and all remaining silks removed, bring them to your work area to begin cutting the corn off the cob.  Use your large bowl or cake pan for this and your knife of choice.  Start cutting from the top and work your way down. While cutting, place the empty cobs in another bowl to take out to the animals or throw them away in the garbage can. Once all of the corn is off the cob, it is now time to start measuring the loose corn then dump it into your large pot on the stove. Recipe for a single batch of sweet corn: 8 cups of corn2 cups water2 Tbls sugar1 tsp salt1/4 pound or 1 stick of butter Measure your corn first to determine if you will have a single, double or triple batch.  Once that is determined you can now measure the other ingredients accordingly. After all of the items are measured and in your large pot, stir often with your large spoon. Heat the mixture on medium-high heat until you bring the corn mixture to a boil.  Boil it for 5 minutes then remove it from the heat. Your next step is to cool the corn.  This can be done a couple different ways. Fill a large bowl with ice and set the pot in it. Stir frequently to release steam, allowing it to cool faster.Scoop corn into cake pans and place it in the fridge to cool. After your sweet corn has cooled, it is time to scoop the mixture into your freezer bags.  I would suggest using a funnel for this part to keep the stickiness of the corn away from where it seals on the bag.  Fill each bag 3/4 full or less with a ladle or large spoon, seal the bag, and lay it flat on a cookie sheet. You can mark your bags with the proper date before or after your corn is in them. Please put all of your corn in your freezer when bagged and on the cookie sheet or sheets.  After the corn is frozen you can take them off the cookie sheet.  Notice how nicely they stack in the freezer because you froze evenly and flat. Last but not least.  Pull corn out of the freezer and use as desired:). You are now an expert on how to make and freeze sweet corn! For another great tutorial visit How to make Sauerkraut Cheers! Heather EarlesIs the owner of H&E Literary Works LLC, writes for her local newspaper, has written several books to include a children's book and an upcoming thriller/drama series called “Prisoner Within.” She is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint, writes a blog on healthy living to aid and inspire. She has a podcast called Herb ‘N Wisdom™, enjoys country living, God, and her family. “I love helping people feel better about life.” Learn more about the author

Hello Book Lovers, Authors, dreamers, and those of you interested in taking the next step to learn about getting a book published. I live on a sustainable farm with my husband and four children for those of you who don't know me. I'm an established author of inspiration, fiction, children's books, a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. I publish a weekly blog and podcast (Herb' N Wisdom™) and am a Print Specialist for Pufferprint.  If you're like me and want to know everything I can about someone and their upcoming projects, here is an interview I did with the Veteran Crowd Spotlight.  Since you now know who I am, we can dive right into our topic: Heather's book writing tips and how you can use these tips to make your dreams and book writing goals come to life. In short, Preparing Your Book/Files/Manuscript Part One. It doesn't matter if we are talking about a children's book, the book printing process to include how to print your own book, or novel writing. Or simple things like what information you need before heading to a publisher to include ISBNs and author bios. We are going to cover it all and, in the end, ease your mind and frustration so you can take that next step or create a more fluid process of getting your book published the next time around. Ready to start? Let's do it! To begin, I want to clarify a few things. I will be talking about different types of publishing. For instance, traditional publishing is where the author turns in their work to a literary agent who finds them a traditional publisher. That publisher then uses their resources to edit, advertise, etc. Self-publishing is another platform where you go through a company such as WestBow Press, turn in your manuscript or files, and then they charge you a certain amount to edit, create the cover, advertise, and take you from the beginning of the process to the printing of your book. Indie publishing is where you do all of the work, cover, layout, bio, acquire your own ISBN, and then take it to a printing company to have it printed or use an online platform like Smashwords, Amazon, or Barns&Noble. And lastly, we have a mixture where you are like an Indie publisher but companies like Pufferprint offer ISBN's, barcodes, and formatting help. These have an additional cost but are calculated for each project, so you are aware upfront of what those will be before you begin.  So to recap, we will discuss: Traditional publishingSelf-PublishingIndie PublishingAnd a mixture of Indie and Self-Publishing With those in mind, let's start with preparing your files. Preparing your book/files/Manuscript Part One Since we are talking about different books, like children's books versus fiction or biographies, there are different processes. Not only in what you need to complete before submitting your work but because some of you are going straight to a literary agent and some of you are going through a print company, like Pufferprint or the self-publishing route. For traditional publishing, where you are trying to catch the eye of a literary agent, it is best and most of the time required to have your manuscript finished/fully completed. In cases where you already have a literary agent, you may have a partial idea or manuscript for your next book since you have an established relationship. Now, if you have multiple books, say a series, it is wise to have your first book completed and then a snippet or one-page synopsis of EACH additional book in the series. This way, a literary agent/publisher is not only aware that your book is a series but that you as the author know the storyline and direction of your project. For self-publishing, you can sign on with a company before completing your manuscript, but nothing happens until you turn your finished project in, so I would recommend, no matter what, complete your manuscript. Your Manuscript is Finished. Now what?

By Rachel Castro Delicious and bursting with flavor, Asian lettuce wraps are a great idea for entertaining or a family-style meal. Each person can build their own fresh, delicious wrap. Just be sure to have plates or napkins available since the mixture can sometimes drip a little. To serve the Asian Lettuce Wrap, allow each person to spoon a portion of the meat into a lettuce leaf. Wrap the lettuce around the meat like a burrito and enjoy! This recipe first appeared on RED Cipes. Ingredients 16 Boston Bibb or butter lettuce leaves 1 pound lean ground beef 1 tablespoon cooking oil ¼ cup hoisin sauce 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fermented real soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 2 teaspoons minced pickled ginger 1 dash Asian chile pepper sauce, or to taste (Optional)1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped  2 teaspoons Asian (dark) sesame oil1 bunch green onions, chopped Directions Step 1Rinse whole lettuce leaves and pat dry, being careful not to tear them. Set aside.Step 2Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef and cooking oil in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease; transfer beef to a bowl. Now cook and stir onion in the same skillet used for the beef until it's slightly tender about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir hoisin sauce, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and chile pepper sauce into onions. Add water chestnuts, green onions, sesame oil, and cooked beef; cook and stir until the onions just begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.Step 3Arrange lettuce leaves around the outer edge of a large serving platter and pile meat mixture in the center.Serve and enjoy. For those of you who like cheese with everything, you can sprinkle a little on like a garnish or place some in the center before you roll the lettuce around the meat. That's it. Until next time remember to stay healthy and free! Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, children's books, a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™), is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint and has her own company H&E Literary Works. Learn more about the author

One of the favorite things for my family this time of year, is when our baby chicks arrive in the mail. It's like Easter and Christmas, all tied into one. Previously we spent time picking out different breeds to add color and class to our coop, and now they are here. This year we have beautiful reds, speckled, and black chicks. And, of course, they were all given names. As with each year, we choose themes for our animals that are born. This year the theme is rock bands. So two of the baby chicks are named Guns and Roses. It is fun for the kids, and with themes, I remember their names a whole lot easier. Because baby chicks bring so much joy to our family, I want to give you that same experience. Even if this is your first year buying chicks, there is no need to be stressed. As far as animals go, chicks/chickens are the easiest, in my opinion, to take care of. With that being said, this post, along with my YouTube video, should set your mind at ease on what to do when your chicks arrive in the mail or if you get them from a store. Buying Your Chicks You can order your chicks online or from a local store. For years now we have ordered ours from Murray McMurray.  When Should You Order Your Baby Chicks? We order ours in February, March, or April so that they will arrive by June or July. Since we live in the North, this allows them to come when our temperatures are a little warmer. But if you have a nice place with a heat lamp, you can order when it is best for you. If you buy them from a local store, I would ask when they expect their chicks in prior, so you are ready for them when they come. If ordering online, they will show you when to expect your shipment if you order on a certain date, so no guessing is necessary. Getting Your Pen Ready After you have ordered your baby chicks or found out from your local store when they will arrive, it is time to get your pen all set up.  Here is a list of what you need: Chick feed. There is medicated and non-medicated feed, which you can find at a Fleet Farm or local feed store.  You can also make your own mixture. I would recommend buying two 25lb bags to start.Feed holder.Water Holder. You can also buy these at the same place as the feed or online.Heat Lamp. Depending on the number of chicks and temperature, you might need two.Some type of chick pen, or galvanized tank, homemade box, etc.Sawdust or straw. We use both. Once you have all the items, set up your pen so that all you have left to do is add the water and feed when the chicks arrive.  We put a layer of sawdust down first and then a layer of straw.  Trust me, this makes pen cleanup a lot simpler and also keeps the smell down. See the picture below. The straw bales we use as a border to keep our large pen a tad smaller. This helps with heat and containment. The Chicks Have Arrived! It's time, your chicks have just arrived in the mail, or you have brought them home from the store. The first thing you want to do is bring the box with the chicks into the pen. Be sure other animals like cats do not have access to this pen. Now, open the lid carefully, and one by one, take the chicks out, dip their beaks in the water, and then set them by the feed. Do this until you have gone through all of the chicks, and then remove the box from the pen.  Turn on your heat lamp if the temp is below 65° and leave it on until the chicks are a couple of months old or the temperature has increased. Sometimes it can be a daily temperature check where your mornings are cool, so you turn it on, and then by afternoon, you turn it off. A good way to tell if they still need the heat lamp is if they are huddled under it. If they start sleeping away from it, they are warm, and you can unplug the heat lamp. Watching Your Chicks Grown Once your chicks are running all over the pen, you now need to maintain and watch them grow. Keep their feed and water-filled,

You can't always get what you want, but you don't have to accept defeat. Whether the store doesn't carry it, they're out, or you are in a time crunch and need a particular item, there are ways to substitute. Here are some cleaning hacks and tips to keep things moving along. Get Rid Of Soap Scrum Spritz that gunk with cooking spray and let it sit for a couple of minutes. The scum will come off with just a swipe of a towel. Then wash the surface with soap and water. Eliminate Grease Stains Rub some chalk on greasy spots on clothes or table linens and let it absorb the oil before you brush it off. If the stain lingers, rub more chalk into it before laundering.  To get rid of ring-around-the-collar stains, mark them heavily with chalk before laundering to absorb the oils that hold in the dirt. Repel Dust From Your Screens Because televisions and computers are electrically charged, they attract dust. Fabric softener sheets will get them clean and keep them that way. Rescue A Rug If you've spilled coffee or tea on the carpet, there's another tasty beverage that can clean the mess: beer. Rub a few teaspoons (or more, if you made a really big mess) lightly into the fabric.  Flat beer will also polish up your wood furniture. Dissolve Tarnish On Silverware Grab some potatoes and boil them up. Remove them from the water and save them to eat later. Then place your silverware in the potato water and let it sit for an hour. Remove and wash it. The tarnish should have disappeared. Unstick Gum Tip Got chewing gum smooshed into the carpet or on the wall? WD-40 will loosen it. This works on wax drippings too. Remove Water Stains From Furniture Did your guests somehow miss the coasters? To get rid of those annoying white rings left by moist glasses, gently rub some non-gel toothpaste on the wood with a soft cloth. Wipe it off with a damp cloth and let the area dry. Lemon Juice Besides brightening the flavor of recipes, lemon juice can clean and freshen your microwave and your laundry. It's also a potent exfoliant, dandruff fighter, wart remover, and disinfectant. Lift a Scorch Mark If you singe your favorite shirt with a hot iron, wet the area and cover it with cornstarch. Allow the cornstarch to dry, then brush it away. I'm sure there are many, many more cleaning hacks and tips we could add to this list, but for now, I hope the ones listed are helpful. Until next time, always remember to stay healthy and free! Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, children's books, a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint. Learn more about the author

Have you ever run out of something or thrown away a food item because it didn't get used? Well, hopefully, with these food and cooking tips, you can save a little time and money by substituting or preserving.  Ready to start? Me too! Here we go... Substitute For Yeast:  Are you looking to make a loaf of bread? Mix one teaspoon each of powdered vitamin C (or citric acid) and baking soda. What's more, the dough you add it to won't have to rise before baking. Replace Baking Powder: Substitute two parts cream of tartar mixed with one part each baking soda and cornstarch. The cornstarch slows the reaction between the acidic cream of tartar and the alkaline baking soda, which helps the compound maintain its leavening power longer. Protect Veggies In The Fridge: Line your refrigerator's crisper drawer with paper towels. They will absorb the moisture that causes your fruits and vegetables to rot. When the lining gets dirty, throw it out and replace it with fresh paper towels. Keep Fruit Fresh:  Do your berries, and grapes get moldy before you've had a chance to enjoy them? Store them in a colander--not a closed plastic container--in the refrigerator. The cold air will circulate through the holes and around the fruit, keeping it fresher for days. Revive Soggy Lettuce: Don't toss those sorry leaves in the garbage. Add the juice of half a lemon to a bowl of cold water, put the soggy lettuce in it, and refrigerate for about an hour. Make sure the leaves are completely dry before using them in salads or sandwiches. Tenderize Meat: Soaking inexpensive cuts of meat in vinegar for up to four hours doesn't just break down tough fibers; it also reduces carcinogenic compounds that form during grilling. Experiment with different vinegar varieties for added flavor, or simply use apple cider vinegar or distilled vinegar. Just be sure to rinse the meat off before cooking. Save A Bottle Of Wine: If the cork breaks apart when you open a bottle, no problem. Pour the wine through a coffee filter. It will catch everything but the liquid. Baking Soda: In addition to being a stand-in for baking powder and other cooking staples, baking soda can clean and deodorize your vegetables, your pots and get hard stains like cool-aid, turmeric, pen, or grime off of your countertops. These are just a few Food and Cooking tips to make your life easier. If you have any more, I would love to hear about them. Otherwise, stay tuned next week for some additional Life Hacks and Tips. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, children's books, a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint. Learn more about the author

I love when something makes my life easier or more efficient. With these life hacks, I can do just that even if I don't have what I would call the right product for the job. Substituting isn't a bad thing as long as the job gets done in the proper way. So read on for these simple health and beauty hacks. Disinfect A Cut No rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide? An alcohol-based mouthwash can clean a shallow cut and disinfect your skin. Alternatively, you can dab a few drops of lemon juice directly on the cut. Treat Minor Burns If you sustain a minor skin burn, quickly pour some baking soda into a container of ice water, soak a cloth or quake pad in it, and apply it to the burn. Keep applying the solution until the burn no longer feels hot. This treatment will also prevent many burns from blistering. Another option: Apply vanilla extract. The evaporation of the alcohol into vanilla extract cools the burn. Ease Achy Spots For pain in your knee or other joints or muscles, rub in some warming liniment and wrap the area with plastic wrap. The wrap will increase the heating effect of the liniment. Test on a small area first to make sure your skin does not burn. Relax Stiff Muscles If you prefer to soak your sore spots, take a bath in Epsom salts and throw in a few tablespoons of prepared yellow mustard. The mustard will enhance the soothing effects of the salts. Remove A Splinter You can avoid the agony of digging a splinter out with a needle by covering it with adhesive tape instead. After about three days, pull the tape off slowly, and the splinter should come out with it. Save Your Shave If you run out of shaving cream, try slathering some soft butter on your wet skin for a smooth, close shave. Make a Dehumidifier A humid closet, attic, or cellar can wreak havoc on your health as well as on your clothes. Get rid of all that humidity with homemade dehumidifiers. To make one, just put some charcoal briquettes in a large, clean, lidded can and punch a few holes in the lid. Place one or more in humid areas. Replace the charcoal every few months. Repel Ticks And Other Insects Going for a walk in the woods? Smear some mentholated chest rub on your ankles, wrists, and neck before you leave the house. It might not be your favorite scent, but gnats, mosquitos, and disease-carrying ticks hate it, and they'll go in search of a sweeter-smelling victim. That's it friends. Check-in next week to get some more life hacks. But in the meantime remember to stay healthy and free! Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, children's books, a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint. Learn more about the author

Taking time to enjoy the things around you is good for the soul. Everyone has work to do and only so much time to do it, but that doesn't mean we can't take time to enjoy those around us or events that are happening in our hometowns. A community takes people coming together. Local business owners need support from their patrons to keep their doors open. This allows everyone to enjoy their services, including visitors. Whether you're single or have a family enjoying the town and people near you is positive. When events such as parades, crazy days, or other exciting things are held, it gives everyone a chance to participate and celebrate living in the town where they're at. I love heading to town when there is something going on. The kids get to see their friends and I get to walk around different shops looking at what's new. The sun is shining, so we are soaking in some vitamin D and for a few hours, we leave the work behind. Now I love my farm, the great outdoors, and plants, so a stop at the local nursery to pick up some beautiful flowers for my pots or herbs for the garden is usually on the bucket list :). To me, that's 100% pure joy, plus I am supporting my community. For you, it might be getting out of the house and talking to someone at the parade. Or shopping at your favorite store which is now running sales because it's crazy days. Whatever the case is, enjoying the community is for everyone. Libraries usually have an event for adults and children, which is a perfect way to get out no matter which season it is. Our local library is great for this! They have author readings, a summer reading program that encourages an active reading schedule for the kiddos, and coding and building classes. The library stays open, giving the community access to wonderful books, movies, and computers. Everyone wins from this. Lumber stores, groceries, hairdressers are all in need of your support, especially after being shut down or partially last year like our local L&H shoe repair shop. It's a family-owned business that has been around for a long time providing a great service to our community. Also, the Ace Hardware and Bong's Bootery right on Central. These stores have serviced the community for decades and are irreplaceable. Another stop you should make is to your second-hand store. You never know what treasure you're going to find, plus you can get an entire wardrobe for a wonderfully cheap price :). I love shopping there and having the kids pick out clothes for the season. They grow so fast; who wants to spend a fortune every time they have a growth spurt? Garage sales, rummage sales, those are a couple more ideas to get you out and enjoy a summer day. Some of these places are also great for picking up discounted items. Having a new baby? You can find so many clothes for only $0.25 to $0.30 each. Talk about a bargain! If you're not into shopping check out your local town's baseball schedule. Whether it's the little guys or a minor league team you can enjoy an All-American event with an enthusiastic crowd around you. Don't forget the pool. When it's hot and you want to cool off, pack up the sunscreen and towels and enjoy some pool time or head to the lake. In our small town, they have a little stage in the park. The setting is perfect. You sit in the grass or bring a chair and listen to the rhythm of local musicians once a week—everything from jazz, contemporary, country, and classic. Are you a quilter? When crazy days come around, so do the amazing sales at our quilting and sewing store. I admit this is one of my favorite places to browse :). Farmers' markets are also great. Fresh food, healthy meals, you support your local gardeners and they support your health. Getting out and socializing or walking your local town is extremely healthy for the mind. We all need pick-me-ups, and showing up for an event, enjoying the entertainment,

As I was looking for something to add a little oomph to my skin, I ran across this recipe by Kendle Moon of Mountain Rose Herbs that I think you will enjoy. Green-tea skin-care formulations can offer gentle yet stimulating hydration support for skin that requires a little extra nourishment and moisture.  This hydrating green tea face/skin-serum recipe infuses the benefits of green tea leaves into organic olive oil and brings in the goodness of select essential oils for a pampering and beautifully scented blend.  This particular recipe is suitable for a wide range of folks, and many find it light enough to use on the face before bed, in the morning, or both. It is also generally friendly for mature or sensitive skin, as the essential oil ratio is quite low. You'll notice that this recipe makes approximately 1 cup of serum, which is quite a bit. You can divide the batch up among friends if you plan to primarily use it on your face, or you can use it as a whole-body oil during seasons or occasions when you're bothered by overall skin dryness. The recipe is also easy to reduce if you'd like to make a smaller amount. But, the first step is to create an infused oil. Green Tea Infused Oil Makes: About 1 1/2 cups infused oil Ingredients: 1 cup organic green tea1 2/3 cups organic olive oil Directions: Pour loose green tea into a pint-sized canning or glass pantry jar with a lid.Top tea with olive oil until completely covered.Allow the mixture to infuse for 4-6 weeks, shake regularly, and make sure tea stays completely covered with oil.Push tea down with a clean spoon or add more oil if needed.Strain oil using a funnel strainer and or cheesecloth.Discard tea into compost. Green Tea Face Serum Makes: About 1 Cup Ingredients: 1/2 cup organic green-tea-infused olive oil (recipe above)1/4 cup organic avocado oil1/4 cup jojoba oil2 T organic sunflower oil12 drops organic rosemary essential oil12 drops organic lavender essential oil8 drops organic geranium essential oil4 drops organic myrtle essential oil Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a glass jar with the lid and shake well to combine.Transfer serum into a dark amber or cobalt blue bottle to protect from light and store in a cool, dark place.This serum does not need to be refrigerated and should keep for several months if properly stored.Use accordingly. Pro Tips: A little skin serum goes a long way! Use an oil dropper or a low-volume pump to add a small amount of liquid, then gently spread serum over your face.Any kind of high-quality green tea will work well in this serum. I used sencha in this particular recipe, but I've also infused spring green tea or gunpowder green tea with great success. Use this green tea face serum accordingly and enjoy the hydrating effects it has on your skin. That's it until next time. Remember to stay healthy and free. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.” Learn more about the author

picture from mitzyathome.com I am a true believer that homemade gifts are the best kind. I also believe that gifts for self are a must. Everyone needs spoiled, even if it's in the smallest of ways. Just imagine closing your eyes and rubbing on this aromatic cinnamon and orange body scrub. The coconut oil moisturizes, creating a spa-type experience. The ingredients are few, but the feeling is powerful. Cinnamon and Orange Body Scrub by Alice Krek Ingredients and Items needed: 2 cups granulated sugar1/2 cup + 2 Tbls. coconut oil6 drops orange essential oilZest of 1 orange1/2-2 tsp. ground cinnamon2 small glass jars (9.8 fl. oz. each)White feltRibbonGift labels/White paper Directions: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and coconut oil. Mix with a spatula until well combined, and the mixture resembles a paste.Add essential oil, orange zest, and as much ground cinnamon as you wish (more cinnamon means the scrub will be a darker color).Split into two jars (or use just one big jar if you wish) and cover with lids.Cut two felt circles, each twice as big as the side of the lid. Place them on top of each jar, and then tie a ribbon and a tag around the jar.Keep in a cool, dark place until you are ready to give this as a gift. If you're making this for yourself, you can easily keep the scrub at room temperature in the bathroom. It'll keep for about two months. How to Use: Use lukewarm water; allow it to run for 5-10 minutes to soften the skin.Pause running water and apply the scrub in circular motions; start at your feet and move upwards towards your heart to enhance circulation.Maintain gentle pressure (don't scrub too hard!)Rinse thoroughly. That's it!!! Enjoy and be sure to make some for yourself! Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.” Learn more about the author

photos by: Kim Henry -Eric Pare  "Be proactive. Take a stand. Be a light. And in everything you do, spread Hope!" -Christopher Gambino. Why are we here? Are we here to fulfill the desires of the body? To look beautiful or handsome? Are we here to have the highest number of followers on social media? There is a common theme with the list above. All of them relate to the smallness of oneself, and therefore none of them are the valid reason. To give light is to be a light or a beacon of hope. Taking a stand requires a need to protect someone you love, something you believe in, or both. And to be proactive requires a drive to do something even when we don't like it to create an outcome that will benefit someone else. These require a person to be selfless and act. Sure, you could twist them all around and once again do it for the sole purpose of you being the outcome, the one who reaps the benefits and gains credit, but how much of life and the true purpose of it you will miss. The human body is one of the greatest and most magical mysteries in life. So why do we choose to use it and abuse it in ways that destroy its sole purpose? All that does is take away our ability to help others and lead a life of example. To be a light requires you to use all your, body, mind, heart, and soul. What if I told you your sole purpose in life was to be a passionate tool that had nothing to do with you. We are so self-absorbed as humans that we rarely see a gift we have in this life.  We work hard, make money, have a mind to be the best in the game, get the girl or guy, the perfect house, and then what? Can the soul really be satisfied with these things? To pursue strictly one's own happiness is to have nothing in life to look forward to. To pursue life and be light because we have been called to a bigger purpose is everything in life. I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. - John 8:12. Getting the girl, the house, etc. aren't bad things, but if all your hope and happiness depend on you having them, it is meaningless. I have found through my own experience that when I put my hope in an object or person, I always come crashing down hard and that sharing my light with the world couldn't be dependent on a noun. We are held in esteem by a higher commander, who calls all the shots, and if we would just follow Him, our light would shine brighter and brighter. That doesn't mean we tell people off, quit our jobs, and self-mediate in hopes a beam of glory will come. God has plenty to say about laziness and people who talk without thinking. No. The point is to let your light shine wherever you're at or in whatever you are doing. To be a beacon of hope by example in your home, with your friends, or at your workplace. That includes jumping out of airplane soldiers. Get past what someone might think or say about you. "Be proactive, Take a stand. Be a light. And in everything, you do spread Hope!" Someone wise once said, "I will pay the price to be the light." Because there is no worse death than the end of hope. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.” Learn more about the author

The birds are singing, the ground is thawed, which means it's time to prepare your soil for planting. In different areas of the country, you can start preparing your soil earlier. For instance, down south, the weather becomes warmer earlier, but up here in the north, a person needs to wait a while longer as our weather is bipolar at times (especially this year). Nevertheless, when the ground is thawed and the freezing temperature is behind you, it's time to prepare the soil for planting. Now there are different beliefs on preparing the soil. Some believe in no-tilling through the entire planting process and harvesting. "No-till farming (also known as zero tillage or direct drilling) is an agricultural technique for growing crops or pasture without disturbing the soil through tillage. No-till farming decreases the amount of soil erosion tillage causes in certain soils, especially in sandy and dry soils on sloping terrain. Other possible benefits include an increase in the amount of water that infiltrates into the soil, soil retention of organic matter, and nutrient cycling. These methods may increase the amount and variety of life in and on the soil. While conventional no-tillage systems use herbicides to control weeds, organic systems use a combination of strategies, such as planting cover crops as mulch to suppress weeds." -Wikipedia No-tilling is one method and then there are others, like us, who till first thing in the spring. I love it when the ground gets turned up, and you see the dark layers of soil. Note, you shouldn't till when the wind is blowing extremely hard as you do not want your top soil blowing away. Also, through out the winter and even early spring add compost, ashes, and other natural supplements to keep replenishing your soil so it does not become depleted. If you are unsure what your soil needs, you can get information or bring in a sample to your county extension office. How Much Soil is Enough? You do not need a large plot of dirt to have a garden. There are lots of methods where vertical planting can save on space. Also, using five-gallon buckets for tomatoes adds additional planting space. If using a bucket, however, you still need to make sure you have quality soil. Where Should you Plant a Garden? When you have tilled or are ready to plant using the no-till method, make sure your garden area is not a bog. Yes, you want water, but you don't need to drown your seeds or plants. This means do not plant where gutters will drain into your garden or where there is a low area that holds water when it rains. Natural drainage is the best kind, so choose areas where the garden will sit a little higher or where there is a natural small slope. The soil will not be so hard when you choose these types of areas, which means your seedlings will have an easier time germinating and growing. Keeping your soil happy is the best way to keep your veggies or plants growing healthy and nutritious. Just think of it as your body. What you put in your body, fill up with, or ingest, creates your entire body's strength and overall health. Your movement, energy, etc., comes from the food and minerals you feed it just like a plant. In other words what we feed the soil produces the quality of the entire plant and thus your produce. Now there are elements that come along depleting the nutrition and minerals which is why it's a good idea to get the soil checked every few years. Or simply keep an eye on your plants each year to see if they are still healthy and thriving. Remember keeping your soil healthy is like your body; it's the base and foundation. Once that is taken care of the plants will thrive. Continuing the Care of the Soil After your seeds have been planted and all through harvest time, keep the soil free of weeds which will rob your plants of the nutrients they need. This can be done by spacing out your rows so you can till in-between or pull out the weeds usi...

A hot topic of conversation at the school board meeting this last week was the rise in popularity of Juul smoking cartridges.  Juul smoking is a growing problem among young people nationwide to include the small schools and communities such as Wishek and Ashley. Juul smoking is when a cartridge (or pod) is filled with liquid. “The liquid typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. When you puff on the mouthpiece of the device, it activates a heating element. This heats up the liquid in the pod and turns it into vapor.” -familydoctor.org One Juul pod (cartridge) can last for 200 puffs and contains about 0.7ml of liquid. This liquid or nicotine in an entire pod is equal to a pack of 20 cigarettes, and 10 puffs equal 1 cigarette. As the number of puffs depends on the person, so does the level of nicotine. However, a large minority of individuals take more than 140 puffs per day. For teachers and teens, this poses a problem. When talking with Principal Christopher Doane of the Ashley School, his main concern was the teens’ health. “Whether those health issues come now or down the road, I honestly don’t think the kids realize the risks.” Doane compared it to “20 years ago when cigarettes were a trend and cool to do. Kid’s think Juul smoking is mostly vaping water, and it isn’t, which they will find out later on when certain health conditions arise as they did from cigarettes. At present, however, there aren’t enough studies done to make those conditions well known.”  However, some studies and health concerns that have been done include the following: You have a chronic cough. Chemicals in vapes could irritate your throat. ... You have chest pain or shortness of breath. Fluid could collect in your lungs and make breathing difficult or even impossible. ... You vomit, feel nauseous, or have diarrhea. ... You’re running a fever. ... You feel tired. A person is considered to be vaping too much if they show any of these signs. -insider.com Is vaping less harmful than smoking? Although Juul smoking or vaping is less harmful than smoking, it is still not considered safe. Michael Blaha, M.D., M.P.H., director of clinical research at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, explains, “E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.  While we don’t know exactly what chemicals are in e-cigarettes, Blaha says, “there’s almost no doubt that they expose you to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes.” However, there has also been an outbreak of lung injuries and deaths associated with vaping. As of Jan. 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 60 deaths in patients with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI).” Other health concerns in students and vaping include decreased oxygen supply to the brain each time a student vapes, which can negatively affect brain development, decrease concentration levels, and clear learning.  As vaping contains nicotine, it can also be detected in a student’s urine, blood, saliva, hair, and nails, showing how absorbent a person’s body reacts and the proven harmful effects on the lungs and cardiovascular health.  These are major health concerns in which students seem to be unaware. According to certain teachers’ reports and the Truth Initiative research, and local Principals and teachers to include Principal Doane from Ashley and Superintendent Shawn Kuntz from Wishek, some of their students had no idea what they were vaping was nicotine or contained harmful chemicals. In fact, “nearly two-thirds of JUUL users aged 15-21 were not aware the product always contains nicotine.” As health is the main concern, it is not the only concern. How the youth vaping epidemic is impacting teachers and...

In Butte, Montana, which was once a mining hub, several restaurants boast of their dedication to pasty and pesties on their menus. According to Wikipedia, "a pasty (pass-tee) is a British baked pastry, a traditional variety of which is particularly associated with Cornwall, United Kingdom. It is made by placing an uncooked filling on one half of a flat shortcrust pastry circle, folding the pastry in half to wrap the filling in a semicircle, and crimping the curved edge to form a seal before baking." "During the mining boom, which began in the late 1800s and lasted well into the 20th-century, Cornish immigrants flooded into the Montana area. These minors referred to their pasties as 'a letter from' "ome." Pasty or pasties like Pork and Cabbage Pasties are often filled with meat, potatoes, rutabagas, onions, and carrots and served hot but are also delicious cold. You can add a sauce like ketchup or gravy. However, some now fill them with a variety of sweet and savory fillings. For the purpose of keeping tradition, Here is a hearty recipe for... Pork and Cabbage Pasties Prep time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Cook time: 45-50 minutes Makes: 6 Pasties Please use organic ingredients if possible. Ingredients: 3/4 lb pork loin, cut into 1/4" cubes1/2 small head cabbage, cored and shredded (about 4 cups)1 large, sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4" cubes (about 2 1/2 cups)1 medium turnip, peeled, and cut into 1/4" cubes (about 1 1/2 cups)2 T cornstarch1 1/4 t salt1 t ground dry mustard1/2 t caraway seed, pulverized1 recipe Classic Flour Pastry Dough or Gluten-free Pasty Dough (see below)1/2 t pepper1 egg, beaten1 t water Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.In a medium bowl, combine pork, cabbage, sweet potato, turnip, cornstarch, salt, mustard, caraway seed, and pepper.Divide pasty dough into 6 equal portions. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour (if using Gluten-free Pastry Dough, dust with oat flour). Roll dough portion out 1/16" thick (this will make roughly a 9" circle with flour dough and a 10" circle with gluten-free dough).Add a generous 1 cup filling to the center of the dough. If using Classic Flour Pasty Dough, fold two opposite ends toward the center and gently press dough into filling. Fold two remaining ends toward the center and roll up to form a clean line across the top of the pastry. Place pasty on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough and filling. If using Gluten-free Pasty Dough, carefully fold the dough in half over filling and roll up edges to form a half-moon shape.In a small bowl, mix egg and water together until frothy. Brush over Pastries and cut an "x" on the top of each to vent.Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden. Serve with Apple-Ginger Chutney. Classic Flour Pasty Dough Prep time: 10 minutes Makes: 6 pasties 1 3/4 cups flour, plus more for dusting 1/4 t salt1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces6 T cold water1/4 cup coconut oil, cut into pieces Directions: In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or food processor, cut in butter and coconut oil until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.Add water and mix until dough forms. Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate while preparing pasty filling. Gluten-Free Pasty Dough Prep time: 15 minutes Makes: 6 pasties Ingredients: 1/2 cup oat flour, plus more for dusting1/2 cup brown rice flour1/4 cup potato starch1/4 cup tapioca starch2 T nonfat dry milk1/2 t salt1/2 t xanthan gum4 oz’s (1/2 cup) cream cheese, cut into pieces6 T butter, cut into pieces 1/2 cup water Directions: In a medium bowl, combine oat flour, rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, dry milk, salt, and xanthan gum. Using a pastry blender or food processor, cut in cream cheese and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.Add water and mix until dough forms.

There is nothing wrong with light-colored or milky-toned skin. In fact, you are saving your skin and youth when you keep harmful rays and tanning beds away. The sun is not a bad element, as we get natural vitamin D from the sun, but overexposure is. However, people become tempted as a tan is considered beautiful or sexy. Well, what if you could have both worlds; a natural glow using a natural bronzing lotion? This product is for Men, Woman, and is also safe for children. Carlynn Woolsey is the author of this recipe and has created a way for fair-type skin to be sun-kissed in a beautiful glow. Coconut oil is a natural skin protector, but if you plan to be in the sun for a long time, I recommend placing sunscreen on before or even mixing it with your natural bronzer so your skin stays protected. Ready to be sun-kissed? Me too, so let's start! Natural Bronzing Lotion Ingredients: 1/4 cup beeswax pellets1/4 cup carrier oil: (almond/grapeseed/jojoba)1 cup coconut oil1/2 cup coffee grounds1 tsp. ground cinnamon Directions for Coconut oil infusion: In a small saucepan, combine the coconut oil, coffee grounds, and cinnamon. Simmer over low heat for approximately two hours. Then allow the mixture to cool. After it cools, strain the coconut oil. Discard the grounds, or use them to make a body scrub. Directions to make the cream: In a small saucepan set over low heat, combine the coconut oil infusion, a carrier oil of your choice, and the beeswax pellets. Whisk the mixture to ensure the oils are fully incorporated and heat just until the beeswax is melted.Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the essential oils, if desired. Place the pan in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes and whisk once while freezing. If you can't place it in the freezer, allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for at least an hour. Essentially, you are melting everything down to combine the ingredients and then letting it harden back up again. Once hardened, give the mixture another good stir with the whisk; it should have a slightly whipped consistency. Store the cream in an airtight jar, in a cool place, for up to three weeks.Apply when you want that sun-kissed natural bronzing glow. Not only will this give you a glow, but the cream will nourish your skin, leaving it soft and brilliant. This recipe is also perfect if you are planning a trip to a sunny location and don’t want to feel out of place or blind someone with your brilliant fair-type skin ;). Apply as often as you need and as always, remember to stay healthy and free! Heather EarlesHeather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.” Learn more about the author

It's that time of year, syrup-making season, and so a curious group of us headed on over to the Legge farmstead, where not only grinding heritage corn happens, but also the tapping of Boxelders trees. Legge has been tapping boxelder trees since 2016 and has kept very detailed records each year to perfect the process and taste. Legge first started when a friend of his from Mandan, "who has just as many bad habits as I do, got curious about collecting and started. I said, 'this is going to happen here.'" Legge considers bad habits to be, tapping trees, making rhubarb wine, building a root cellar, and of course, working on his sawmill, among other things. What is a Boxelder Tree?  boxelder tree "It's an easy-to-grow, very adaptable tree that is in the Acer family of trees which includes the maple. The wood of boxelder trees is soft and has no commercial value. Boxelder tree facts tell us that it usually grows on riverbanks or near water in the wild. These trees help to shelter wildlife and stabilize stream banks. However, in urban areas, they are considered a type of weed. Some boxelder maple trees are male, and some are female. The females bear blossoms that turn bright green when they pollinate." -Teo Spengler Most people do not care for a boxelder as the tree's wood is weak which does not hold up to the wind or ice storms. The seeds also germinate very easily and can become a nuisance to keep out of your flower beds or gardens.  However, they are GREAT for making syrup! What you need to know to tap a boxelder tree, including supplies Tapping a tree is not difficult, but the entire process does take time and attention. Researching what type of product, for instance, plastic versus metal, also takes time. Speaking of plastic versus metal when tapping trees, in the northern country, plastic is preferred as it is cheaper and will not freeze, Legge explained. "You can order your supplies online or look for used. People often try to tap and find out the work involved so you can find taps for very cheap, and most times, they are brand new." Normal prices range from $.60-$2.00 per tap, depending on what type you get. The ones for $.60 work as well as any. Legge purchased some of his lines, which connect to the taps, from https://www.usplastic.com. Please make sure they are food-grade. The lines go into an ice-cream bucket with a lid and hole in the center. The bucket sits on the ground.  When do you start tapping your boxelder trees? Legge starts tapping his boxelder trees about the second week in March as freezing temperatures are needed at night and warm temperatures are needed during the day to help the flowing or pumping process of the sap. Then once the buds start to come out, it's time to leave the tree be. When drilling into a boxelder tree, use a 5/16 bit and drill 1 1/2 inches deep and about 2 1/2 to 3 feet from the base's bottom. If you drill into the same tree the previous year, move your tap over 6 inches and continue the same method each year following. Tap into the tree until it bounces. This means you have a good seal. The tap stays in day and night. Once your tap is in, you need some kind of line where your syrup can go. If you plan on tapping over 50 trees, you may want to set up a system where the taps are connected and flow into one large tank or container. However, if you are tapping less than 50, Legge's method works well.  Collecting the Sap and What it Looks Like boxelder tree sap Your sap will look clear when it comes out. If using buckets versus having your lines go into a tank or large container, you need to check them often to prevent overflowing. "If the tree is really running, I get about an ice cream bucket full each day," Legge stated. "Once you're in the throes of collecting sap, it's pretty hard to boil," so Legge created a clean place to store the sap using 55-gallon drums with a lid. You can use a screen to get large pieces of debris,

Most women don't give a second thought to what's in their cosmetics. They are used to one brand or one product and often don't deviate from that because they are either used to it, the product provides coverage, or meets their skin needs. This is good and bad. Good in the sense women are aware of what works well on their skin tone but bad because they don't care what ingredients fill the back label. What does it really matter? Well, harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, and soy dirty the ingredients label and store in your body's system. So, how can you clean up your cosmetics? Good question and here are a few ideas:  Make your own beauty products and soaps. I didn't say this was the easiest, but it is the absolute only way to know what you are putting on your skin. You can find an audio-video and a step-by-step tutorial here https://heatherearles.com/lye-soap/. I use this bar soap for everything—hands, body, face, and hair. My entire family, male or female, also has used it for years.Next, research your ingredients, so you know what each ingredient is and what health impacts it can have.If you don't have time for research, you can find information on more than 68,000 personal care products at the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, EWG.org/SkinDeep. If you have a smartphone, make it work for you. Lily Tse has created an app called “Dirty Meter,” which will scan a barcode and then give you a rating on that product. The rating is on a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the cleanest and 10 the dirtiest. “Beauty products are not as strictly regulated as food and drugs, so the labeling is not very standardized.” Which makes it hard for the everyday shopper to understand what the chemicals are.” Tse stated. For example, “fragrance” on a label disguises up to 3,163 ingredients including several known hormone disruptors.  Your skin is one of your largest and most vulnerable organs and you do not want chemicals and hormone disruptors soaking into your skin. Certain companies know this and have seen the need for clean products like bareminerals. They offer a full line of products for every skin tone and type of coverage a woman is looking to achieve. BUT, you still need to research each product you use within the bareminerals or other companies as it is not an across-the-board rating. Each product is rated and even on bareminerals, some products are not considered clean. Some ILIA Beauty products are also rated clean and are considered safe to use if you have Hashimoto's and any other thyroid or autoimmune disorder. Changing brands or lines to clean up your cosmetics My suggestion if you are trying a new line is to find a store and have them match your skin, so you are getting the proper coverage immediately. If you don't have a store near you, take advantage of the store's online matching program. Companies want your business so make them earn it by answering all of your questions and concerns about each product you are interested in buying. Also make it fun. Changing lines or products can be exciting if you view it in a positive way. Other than that, you have the information to get you started on your way to clean up your cosmetics but I still want to leave you with a DIY tutorial to get your health and skin back on track. Besides making your own soap, the next recipe/tutorial is from Erin McIntosh, Mountain Rose Herbs. Erin keeps it simple but gives your skin a lift with her... Rejuvenating Skin Serum "We all know that protecting our very delicate skin is important especially after sunny summer months spent outdoors. Or, winter months with the wind. Keeping the skin hydrated protected and nourished naturally can be easy and economical when you feed your skin some lusciously organic botanicals rather than those expensive chemical-filled formulas you find at the store. This serum will penetrate your skin cells to help repair mature dry or d...

Turmeric is one of my favorite spices and holds so many incredible benefits. It's also cheaper than many medicines that mask symptoms and don't really offer a cure. As a person who has experience using different homeopathic medicines for different reasons, taking a turmeric supplement is my first suggestion if you are busy. However, if you have time or want a nice calming and relaxing way to start or end your day, then a warm/hot mug of turmeric milk is a perfect way to start. Turmeric milk has two ingredients and takes about 4 minutes to pour and heat. If you're not a fan of warm milk then you can always add 1 teaspoon of turmeric to your choice smoothie.  If you want to learn more about turmeric, click on the link Turmeric for your Health and I will go into further detail about its benefits and why you should start taking turmeric every day. For now, however, let me give you a short tutorial on how to make Warm Milk with Turmeric. Ingredients and items needed: 1 cup fresh cow's milk or your milk of choice.1 tsp ground Turmeric.  I ordered from Azure Standard or buy it from my local health food store.1 MugBlack pepper Stove and or Microwave Step One: Take out all of your ingredients and your mug. Step Two: Pour the fresh milk into your mug, then place it in the microwave for 2 minutes or longer, depending on how hot you like it. Suppose you want to heat it on the stove, that's fine too; be sure to heat your milk on medium and stir continuously, so it doesn't scorch. Step Three: Once your milk has heated through, measure 1 tsp of ground turmeric into your mug and stir with a spoon.  Add a dash of pepper to help your body absorb the turmeric faster into your capillaries and entire body. Once you stir in the black pepper, all that's left is for you to relax and enjoy your warm cup of golden goodness. This cup not only looks like gold but gives your body golden benefits. I told you it was simple! Now the trick is to incorporate turmeric into your daily habits to give your body the jolt it needs to meet each day. Take care for now, friend and remember, stay healthy and free. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.” Learn more about the author

Have you ever wondered how to make rice cakes? Well, I have. There are so many simple foods we buy from the store that cost way more than they should. Rice cakes are no exception. This recipe is so simple and literally takes 10 minutes in total. You can't even run into the store and come back out in that short amount of time. So why not make them yourself? Ready set, let's start! Homemade Rice Cakes Recipe By Lauren Prep time 5 minutes, Cook time 5 minutes This recipe will make two rice cakes. Ingredients: ½ cup cooked white rice. You can also use brown rice.1 egg 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 ½ teaspoons butter1 teaspoon milk  Directions: Mix rice, egg, basil, milk, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.Pour rice mixture into the skillet in 2 equal portions. Cook until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until the second side is browned, about 2 minutes more. Once you have your rice cakes made you can try different recipes like: Nutty Rice Cake 2 teaspoons almond butter1 rice cake (brown)1/8 apple (thinly sliced) Directions: Spread your almond butter on your rice cake, and then lay your apple slices on top. Peanut Butter Banana Delight 2 teaspoons peanut butter1 rice cake1/2 a banana slicedA dash of cinnamon. Directions: Spread your peanut butter on your rice cake, and then place your banana slices over the peanut butter.Top off your masterpiece by sprinkling it with cinnamon. Caprese Rice Cakes 4 rice cakes 3 ounces pesto (jarred or homemade)1/2 cherry tomatoes (halved)2 ounces fresh mozzarella (sliced)1 tablespoon basil (chopped)1 tablespoon pine nuts Directions: Spread pesto onto the rice cakes, and then add your other ingredients on top. Serve. Eggs Benedict, Lox with Curried Scallion and Rice Cakes 2 cups cooked ricejasmine2 egg (beaten)1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free crumbs, if needed)2 teaspoons curry powder1 teaspoon salt (to taste)2 scallion (sliced, depending on size) For the Hollandaise Sauce 1/2 cup unsalted butter3 eggs yolks (beaten)1 tablespoon water1 tablespoon lemon juice For the Eggs Benedict 2 rice cakes (per serving, recipe below.)1 dash white pepper8 eggs4 ounces lox (or smoked salmon)hollandaise sauce Directions for rice cakes: Mix all ingredients well in a medium bowl. Let rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to harden up a bit. If the mixture is too wet from the eggs after that time, add a little more breadcrumb.Form the 'dough' into eight patties. In a large frying pan, coat the bottom with olive or avocado oil. Fry the cakes over medium-high heat until golden on the first side. Add more oil, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed. Flip and fry the second side until golden.The cakes can be kept warm in a warmed oven until needed. Serve hot. for Hollandaise Sauce Cut butter into thirds and bring it to room temperature.Add water to the bottom of a double boiler. Bring to boil. In the top, combine egg yolks, water, lemon juice, and pepper with a dash of salt. Add one piece of butter. Place the top pot on top of the bottom pot with the boiling water. Don't let the boiling water in the bottom touch the top pot.  Cook, stirring rapidly, (I use a whisk) until butter melts and sauce begins to thicken.Add the remaining butter, one piece at a time, stirring constantly.  Cook and stir until thick, only one or two minutes!  Immediately remove from heat. If the sauce is too thick, or curdles, immediately add 1 to 2 tablespoons hot water. Let cool and continue stirring or whisking until the sauce comes back together.Recipe from Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook © Copyright 1989 For Eggs Benedict Cook eggs, over easy or poached, 2 per person. Place rice cake on a plate, then top with strips of lox.Place eggs on top of lox and cover with a few tablespoon...

For those of you who are looking for the perfect mayonnaise recipe, you have come to the right blog. If you are on a special diet, like gluten-free or no sugar, this is the perfect recipe. The flavor of this mayonnaise is mild and creamy but also has a touch of zing. The taste although different from store-bought is amazing, and once you try it, you will never go back. The color will also be different, showing a golden hue. This recipe is from MaryJanes and makes about 2 1/3 cups. Adjust the recipe accordingly if you want a little more or less. To get started, you need: Ingredients 3 farm-fresh eggs at room temperature. Store-bought will do if you don't have farm-fresh. 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Be sure to get the kind that has the mother in it.3 Tablespoons lemon juice1 teaspoon salt1/2 cup coconut oil 1/3 cup safflower oil or avocado oil Directions Using a food processor or blender, puree the eggs, vinegar, salt, and lemon juice until well blended.Now add warm coconut oil in a saucepan just until melted; add safflower oil or avocado oil.With the food processor or blender running, pour oils into the egg mixture in a slow, steady stream. Continue blending until the mixture emulsifiers (mixture will be thin but will set up when chilled.)Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. That's it! Give it away as a gift, or add it to your list of homemade foods. Special note: You can also experiment by adding garlic or herbs like parsley, thyme, and oregano to give your mayonnaise a gourmet touch. The key is to make it your own ;). Enjoy and remember to stay healthy and free. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.” Learn more about the author

They say faith can move mountains, but perhaps at times, mountains move faith. December 27, 2020, Hunter Pinke, age 22 at the time, collided with another skier as he came out of the trees on a blue diamond run down a mountain in Keystone C.O. "I like to ski in the trees, or the powder in the holes in and out of trees. And so, that first run of the day was relatively easy." Hunter, now age 23, said while telling his story. Except it wasn't. Coming out of the trees, another skier hit him on his blindside. "He tried to avoid me at the last second, but it was too late. We collided. And then I ended up going headfirst into a tree at high speed. And that's where my injury occurred." Hunter explained he was wearing a GoPro as he recorded many of his runs, so later, he was able to see exactly what happened.  "Wearing a helmet saved my life." Hunter did not suffer from any brain injury, including a concussion. He also did not have a neck injury, which he explains the doctors were surprised. "But what the accident did do is it shattered my spine from the T-4 through that T-9 region. That's pretty, much if you put a pointer right on your sternum and go right around to your mid-back that's kind of where I'm at, right beneath the pectoral muscle." Pinke’s spinal cord transected at the T-6 area of the spine and he currently has no feeling or function below his chest.  This, however, is not where Hunter's story begins. Growing up in Wishek, N.D., Hunter went to school and was involved with everything he could. “I tried to be well rounded in high school, and I think that continued into college now." Hunter was the first person from Wishek High School to earn a Division I athletic scholarship. He was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the University of North Dakota (UND), and they've honored that even after the injury. He, along with his dad, Nathan, mom, Katie, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Anika, are members of Faith Community Church of Wishek. Spiritual faith has always played a huge role in the Pinke family, Katie Pinke explained.  Fast-forwarding back to the accident and the middle of Hunter's story, he very methodically stated, "I want people to know that I feel really fortunate to have what I still have." Hunter is referring to the use of his upper body and mind. "From the beginning up on the mountain, I reached out, actually, with the guy that had cut me off. He was the one who called the ski patrol, and he stayed with me. The first thing I said to him was, 'Excuse me, are you Christian?' And he said, yes. I asked if he wanted to pray, and so we prayed up on the mountain. That was the first thing we did, and ever since that moment, I can honestly tell you, sitting here over a year later, I have not worried about my future.” Pinke continued, “From that time, I've just had this unbelievable peace. It might seem crazy to say now, with so many more challenges and complications, but I'm more at peace with my future now than I was before my injury. One might look at me and say, holy cow, look at this kid's life; it's been flipped upside down, but in my eyes, it's just become clear. Throughout the recovery process and now moving on towards the start of chasing my goals, I can do pretty much anything anyone else can do. I'm just going to do it a little bit differently. And so, my goals for life haven't changed; they've been modified. I've made new ones, to add but I still have a lengthy list of things that I want to get accomplished. I've never thought I can't complete them because I'm living in a wheelchair; it's more of how can I complete them in a wheelchair."  After the accident, in July 2020 Hunter spoke for the first time at his home church in Wishek. The church's Facebook page had 1,000 live views, and then over a period of a month, that viewing reached 20,000. His message was one "of doing God's will and not worrying about the consequences of what's going on in our own life,

For many who live clean, natural, and organic lives, plastic-free is something we aspire to. However, using plastic wrap to cover food is so handy and automatic that many don't give it a second thought. That is until now. Heather Dessinger has come up with a brilliant way to replace cling wrap, plastic wrap, or saran wrap using biodegradable materials. Not only is this a great way to get away from plastic but it saves costs and you learn a new skill. Ready to learn how to make DIY food wrap? Let's do it! DIY Food Wrap Items needed 100% cotton fabric. Organic muslin works best as it needs to be very thin, almost like a sheet.Scissors (pinking shears will prevent fraying.)BeeswaxCheese graterCookie sheetFoilPaintbrushA clothesline or a makeshift one. If you don't have clothespins, binders work great. Directions Cut your fabric into desired dimensions and grate the beeswax.Preheat oven to 185˚F. Line the cookie sheet with foil.Place the fabric on the cookie sheet and sprinkle your grated beeswax over the top. A little goes a long way. While you're getting a feel for how much to use, it's better to add too little than too much. Remember, you can always add more.Bake in your oven until the beeswax is completely melted, around 5-10 minutes.Using the paintbrush, spread the beeswax evenly over the fabric. Note: The paintbrush will harden when the wax dries to reuse for more food-wrap projects; you can warm the bristles by placing it in the oven for a few minutes.Hang your new food wrap sheet on your clothesline to cool. Once they have cooled, they're ready to be used. How to use your new DIY food wrap Place over a bowl or container, wrap around food like cheese or fold into a snack bag. The warmth from your hand will mold the wrap into the desired shape. Cleaning your food wrap Wash with cold water and mild soap. Since you cannot wash them with hot water, it is not recommended you use them for meat. How long will they last? Depending on how frequently they're used, they can last for up to a year. After that, all you need to do is re-wax them in order to keep using them. If nothing else this is a great gift idea for people who like unique but useful gifts. You can even have a little family party and make enough for several households at one time. Either way, enjoy and stay healthy and free! Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.” Learn more about the author

Sicilian bread is easy to make, but it does take a little time because it's a yeast rising bread. However, there is no need to worry as I give exquisite details. In the end, you will be a pro and will have a new recipe to include in your recipe box. Sicilian Bread is a go-to bread in our house. I make it quite often for the family and when we are expecting company. Pair it with a hearty supper such as pasta, stews, or soups for a complete meal. It also makes a nice breakfast bread that you can toast and then add some of your favorite toppings. Ready? Let's begin. Sicilian Bread Recipe By- Heather Earles This recipe makes two loaves. Prep Time: 4 hours Oven Temperature: 400 degrees Fahrenheit Cooking Time: 40 plus minutes depending on stove type Ingredients and measurements: Active Dry Yeast, 1 Tablespoon, or 1 packet.Warm water, 2 1/2 cups.Salt, 1 Tablespoon (I use a little less)Unbleached all-purpose flour, 5 + cups.Olive oil, 1-2 Tablespoons.Lard/shortening, enough to cover the bottom of the pan.Cornmeal, enough to sprinkle on the bottom of a pan. Items needed: loaf pan, 2 or cookie sheet, 1Large bowl, 1Measuring cupsMeasuring spoonsKitchen towelCooling Rack Directions: Take your large bowl and measure 4 1/2 cups of flour into it. Now make a well in the center. In your glass measuring container, add 2 1/2 cups of warm water. If you do not have a measuring container that can hold 2 1/2 cups, use a small glass bowl. Once the water is in the bowl, add your packet or 1 Tablespoon of yeast. Let sit for five minutes. Now add your 1 Tablespoon of salt. If you prefer less salt, use the desired amount. Stir into the yeast mixture until dissolved. When the salt is dissolved, pour the mixture into the center of your flour well. Cover and let sit for fifteen minutes. This is called sponging.When your twenty minutes is up, remove the towel. You should see little bubbles on the top. Start stirring with a fork from the center of the flour and work your way toward the outside until you have a sticky dough. From here, keep adding flour and knead your dough until you have a spongy, not sticky, consistency. In other words, when you press on the dough slightly after kneading it, the dough should spring slightly back.  Add your olive oil on top and roll dough around in it, so the olive oil covers all sides. Place a towel over the top and let rise until dough is double in size. Once it has risen, make a fist and press down in the middle of the dough to deflate it. Place the cover back over the top and let the dough rise again.While the dough is rising, you can prepare your pans or cookie sheet. With your fingers or a paper towel, rub lard or shortening on the bottom, and a little up the sides if using loaf pans. Now, sprinkle your cornmeal or flour on the bottom and tip over pans or cookie sheets to remove any excess. Next, split the dough in half and shape each piece into an oblong form to fit into two loaf pans or on your cookie sheet. Cover one more time and let rise.Once desired height is reached, place the pans into your already heated oven.Set a cup of water or bowl in the oven if you want a chewy crust.Cook for 40 minutes depending on your type of oven or until the bottom is golden and the bread sounds hollow when you flick the top of a loaf with your finger. In the picture, you will see two loaves of finished Sicilian Bread. The first one has nothing on it, while the second I have rubbed a little more olive oil on the top to give it a golden hue. Let finished bread cool on a wire rack and serve with a homemade soup or fresh with a little butter and honey. Enjoy your new recipe, and remember to share it with a friend! Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration,

This is a guest article by https://www.bellacupcakecouture.com You may have read and heard what Vitamin E can do to your skin countless times, as it is one of the most popular ingredients on skin-care products.  But Vitamin E isn't only found in skin support. It's naturally present in most foods.  You may have even taken it in a supplement form. Studies even show that it can help prevent certain diseases.  But what is Vitamin E, and what benefits can you get from it?  Read on to know more.  What Is Vitamin E?  Yes, Vitamin E is a vitamin. But if we go into a little technical, the term refers to a compound group. It's a family of oil-soluble antioxidants and has about eight various types or forms. And the most common of all is the tocopherol acetate and tocopherol that are usually found in your skin-care products.  But when you see "Vitamin E" in your skin-care packaging, it's almost always the "tocopherol" as this is the only form recognized to satisfy human essentials. So, whenever you see the term "tocopherol" on the skin-care ingredient list, it's vitamin E.  What Can Vitamin E Do for You?  Vitamin E is very helpful for skin repair and various skin disorders. It helps in cellular restoration from sun damage to healing for scars and burns.  It can also help protect against disease mainly because Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant whose key role is to protect against cell damage. Antioxidants are essential in our body, topically and internally, as they help prevent oxidative damage to our body cells by removing free radicals (the bad guys). It also helps maintain a good and healthy immune system that can help you fight off certain diseases like cancer and heart disease.   How Much Do You Need?  If you are 19 years old or older, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin E to take 15 mg per day. This is also the same with pregnant women. But if you are lactating or breastfeeding, it is recommended that you take 19 mg per day and not exceed 1000 mg of Vitamin E per day.  What Are the Sources of Vitamin E?  Vitamin E can usually be found in food sources that contain fat like avocados, nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens, and fish. To be precise, you can get your dose of Vitamin E from fortified breakfast cereals, almonds, safflower, sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, hazelnuts, and a lot more. You should remember that you have to control portion sizes if you watch your caloric intake. One serving of almonds is around 10 to 14 almonds, not half a cup.  Do You Need to Take Vitamin E Supplements?  The short answer is No. People usually get enough Vitamin E through food sources. Vitamin E is fat-soluble. This means that the body can store it in the liver to use for days when you might get less than usual. People who have health conditions like trouble getting enough Vitamin E or difficulty absorbing fat are usually recommended.  As long as you take food sources rich in Vitamin E, you should be able to get enough per day. Thus, it is important to incorporate in your diet food sources, fruits, and vegetables rich in antioxidants every day.  Conclusion   While it is important to have skin-care products with Vitamin E on it, it is also more important to take food sources rich in Vitamin E.  It isn't just for healthy skin and eyes, but Vitamin E is also essential for a healthy and strong immune system.  Thus, it is important to incorporate the recommended daily amount of Vitamin E in your everyday diet. -Bella Cupcake Couture Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.”

Flour and cornmeal are used almost every day in our household. Baking wheat bread, or cornbread, whipping up a batch of pancakes, muffins, wheat cereal, you name it, we use it. And since it is used so much, my husband and I decided to invest in a Golden Grain Grinder a long time ago. This grinder has different settings on the back, so you can make a coarse grind or very fine. One function that made us decide to get this particular grinder is it can run on electricity or manually. Our power goes out often due to snow, winds, etc. so this option was perfect. Different methods of grinding small grains and corn. However, different people prefer different methods, and Lewis Legge of Valley City ND uses a "Corona corn mill and then a common window screen to sift out large pieces and unbroken germ which is ground fine in our flour mill. When mixed back together, the texture gives us what we are used to." Legge has "been growing 3 varieties, Bloody Butcher, Painted Mountain, and Glass Gem, of which I like the BB best. It's very colorful cornmeal with red flakes. PM and GG have a slight blue hue, and all have their own flavor. All are organic, and yes, my hoe is shiny. I harvest as late as possible and finish drying inside as kernels must be dry for a good grind." Legge explains that "with most commercial meal the germ is sent off for oil processing. That is why commercial meal can be stored so long. No oil means it won't go rancid but the overall product is not as flavorful." Storing small grains and cornmeal There are different ways of storing ground wheat or cornmeal. We store it in glass gallon jars but Legge says his preferred method is "vacuum packing in 3/4 cup packets (most recipes) helps control oxidation and is premeasured." When asked which one he would suggest for others to use he said, "all varieties make tasty and colorful cornbread. I retrieved a cornmeal sugar cookie recipe off the internet which is very good but has enough butter in it to give newborn high cholesterol." That being said if you make your own butter, you can't go wrong ;). With that, let's get into grinding wheat and heritage corn. The pictures shown are from our last batch and the method we use; however, try whatever method works best for you. Items needed: Your choice grinder1 screen (optional depending on your method or grinder type)Glass gallon jars or vacuum packing supplies.FunnelA marker and tape to mark and date the jars or vacuum-packed bags. Ingredients: Your choice wheat or corn. Make sure it's clean and organic is preferred. Directions Step one you want to make sure you have your clean organic wheat, corn, or rye ready. This method is for any small grain. Once your corn or grain is ready, plugin or be ready to crank your grinder by hand.Now turn it on. Fill the hopper with your choice grain or corn, and make sure you have your setting right if using a grinder like the Golden Grain Grinder. We usually process one grain at a time and change the setting on the back of the grinder. This way, one jar gets filled with wheat cereal (a coarser grind) one with wheat flour, and one with cake flour, etc. If using the Golden Grain Grinder, it has a tray on the bottom. Take a peak in-between filling the hopper, so you don't overflow the tray. Once it is full, pull it out and dump your cornmeal or flour into a glass gallon jar or vacuuming pack it. Continue with the grinding process until all of your grains or corn are ground. Label your jars or vacuum-packed bags. That's it for grinding wheat and heritage corn or other small grains. The difference between homemade wheat and cornmeal versus store-bought is remarkable. Plus, when you make cornbread the color is fantastic. On Sunday we brought some cornbread into the church when they had a potluck; it was so colorful the ladies put it on the dessert table lol. Add a little butter, honey,

Wellness Mama said it best when she explained "In technical terms, ghee is a clarified, unsalted butter with the milk proteins removed. It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for cooking, and an incredible flavor. Many people who cannot tolerate dairy can handle ghee and it is a revered food in Indian cuisine." As a person who is on a restrictive diet, ghee is also something you can take if you have Hashimoto's thyroid problems or are on a no sugar, gluten-free, no soy, no dairy diet. Homemade ghee stores on the shelf without refrigeration for up to 6 months, possibly longer. If you store it in a cool dark area or the fridge, you can store it for longer periods, but refrigeration is unnecessary. The flavor of ghee is different than regular butter. It has a smoky type flavor perfect for spreading on potatoes, bread, or melting for cooking. Ready? Let's start. Ingredients: 2lbs butter. Homemade or store bought. I have used both unsalted and salted. Items needed: CheeseclothFunnelGlass jar. A pint-size will hold 2lbs of butter.Glass Pyrex baking dish. The size doesn't really matter.Ladle (optional) Directions for making homemade ghee: Turn your oven to 250°.Take your chose butter and place it in a baking dish; when the oven is ready, place the dish in the oven. Set your timer for one hour. At this point, I check the butter but usually need to leave it in for 15-20min longer. You will know the ghee is done when there is a brown but not burnt crust on the top. You will also notice the milk solids at the bottom of the dish. This is the reason it's a good idea to use a glass pan. Sometimes the crust on top is all connected and sometimes it breaks up. Either way at this point you can ladle the crust off or simply pick up the dish using hotbeds and pour it into a prepped glass jar which has the cheesecloth and funnel ready. You will notice the milk solids in the bottom of the cheesecloth after the ghee has been poured through. You can feed these to your animals or discard them. Here is what the ghee looks like when it is still hot in the jar. Once your ghee has cooled, store it in a cupboard but away from the stove. Also as it cools it will have a lighter texture. All that's left to do is to taste and use your ghee. Blessing to you and remember, stay healthy and free! Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.” Learn more about the author

It’s nice to apply something to your lips during the summer and winter months to soften them. However, if you’re like me and react to different ingredients that typical companies put in their lip balm, it gets hard to find a clean product. This is one reason I started this blog and will continue. I want to give people an outlet where they can make clean products that will add to a clean lifestyle. Many of the ingredients listed for this lip balm are ones you use for different products, like homemade sunscreen, homemade body butter, soap making, oil pulling, and oil diffusing. Since you can buy in bulk, clean living also keeps your costs down, which is essential to every person. Ingredients 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp pure beeswax2 Tbsp organic sunflower oil or grape seed oil1 Tbsp organic coconut oil1 Tbsp organic cocoa butter20-25 drops organic citrus essential oil. Choose 1 or create a medley: grapefruit, mandarin, orange, or tangerine.A few drops of vitamin E oil Directions Coarsely chop the beeswax or use beeswax pastilles. Place beeswax, cocoa butter, and oils in a small pot or glass Pyrex measuring cup and gently heat in the top of a double boiler until the beeswax and butters melt. Remove from the stovetop and add essential oils and vitamin E oil. Immediately pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or jars. Allow to cool completely before placing caps onto the containers. Remember, everything you apply to your body or eat has an impact on your overall health. I know it's easy to go to the store and buy what you're used to, but I want to challenge you to read the ingredients. If you can't pronounce them or don't know what they are, maybe think about an alternative, including making your own. You and your health is what I care about, so stay safe, and live healthy and free. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.” Learn more about the author

Making Colby Cheese is not hard; it just takes time.  Having a cow that produces an abundance of milk inspired my husband and me to make our own cheese. We have been doing it for a number of years now and still enjoy every delectable step and bite. One of our favorite cheeses to make is colby. Colby Cheese is an American cheese named after the township in southern Wisconsin where it was first made. It has a more open texture than cheddar, contains more moisture, and has a pleasantly mild flavor. Colby takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes from the start until the final press, which then takes a further 12 hours. You can time this, so you are doing the 12-hour final press at night while you sleep. That is what we do. Cheesemaking takes attention to detail as the consistency, and the final product can vary a lot if you heat the milk too hot or not hot enough. I would say paying attention to the temperature of whatever cheese you are making is perhaps the most important step. Until you become familiar with each cheese, I would not suggest multi tasking. With that in mind, let's get you ready to make some colby. Food items needed: 2 gallons skimmed or whole milk (we skim ours so we can make butter. If you are interested in How to make Butter, please follow the link.1 packet direct-set mesophilic starter or 4 ounces prepared mesophilic starter4 drops cheese coloring.1/2 teaspoon liquid rennet.2 Tbls cheese saltCheese wax. Kitchen items needed: One large pot to hold your milkCheese knifeColanderCheeseclothCheese thermometerDouble boiler to hold and heat your cheese wax (We store the wax in the same pot after each use and just let it cool).Cheese press Directions: To Begin, heat the milk to 86 degrees. Add the starter and mix thoroughly. Cover and allow the milk to ripen for 1 hour. (We move the pot to the back of the stove for the 1 hour, and the temperature stays at 86°.)Add the coloring and stir. Make sure the milk's temperature is 86° degrees. Add the rennet and stir gently with an up-and-down motion for 1 minute. If you are using farm-fresh cow's milk, top-stir 3 minutes longer. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes, or until the curd gives a clean break. Cut the curd into 3/8-inch cubes. Stir gently. Let the curds sit for 5 minutes. Next, heat the curds by two degrees every 5 minutes until the temperature reaches 102° degrees.Stir gently to keep the curds from matting. Maintain the temperature of the curds at 102° degrees for 30 minutes, stirring gently. Again, move the pot to the back of the stove for the 30 minutes, and the temperature should stay at 102°. Drain off the whey to the level of the curds. If you want to keep the whey, have an extra pot or container handy to pour it into. While stirring, add 60° water or cold tap water until the temperature of the curds and water reaches 80° degrees. Maintain the curds at 80° degrees for 15 minutes. Stir to prevent matting. (the temperature of the additional water controls the moisture content of the cheese. If a drier cheese is desired, keep the curd-water mixture a few degrees higher than 80°. For a moister cheese, keep the temperature below 80°.) Pour the curds into a colander. Allow the curds to drain for 20 minutes.Break the curds into thumbnail-sized pieces. Add the salt and mix gently but thoroughly.Place the curds into a cheesecloth-lined mold (cheese press.) Press at 20lbs of pressure for 20 minutes. Remove the cheese from the mold, gently peel away the cheesecloth, turn over the cheese, re-dress it, and press at 30lbs of pressure for 20 minutes.  Repeat the process but press at 40lbs of pressure for 1 hour.Again repeat the process but press at 50lbs of pressure for 12 hours.Remove the Colby Cheese from the mold and peel away the cheesecloth. Air-dry at room temperature for several days, or until the cheese is dry to the touch (around three days.) Being sure to rotate it several times a day. ...

What is Vitamin C? Vitamin C is more than ever a vitamin people are turning to. Due to stress in our lives, environment, or rampant cases of flu that circulate, people are looking for ways to combat symptoms they are now experiencing. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, is found in food and used as a dietary supplement. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the making of certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the functioning of several enzymes and is important for an immune system function. It is within the class of chemicals known as antioxidants.  Keep reading as we will go further into detail about each of the elements vitamin C impacts in your body and the impact it has to prevent and eliminate the coronavirus. Table Of ContentsWhat is Vitamin C?Vitamin C is more than ever a vitamin people are turning to. Due to stress in our lives, environment, or rampant cases of flu that circulate, people are looking for ways to combat symptoms they are now experiencing.In what type of foods is Vitamin C found?The top 10 foods containing V.C. include citrus fruits, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, raw bell peppers, kale, snow peas, and strawberries.DeficienciesHealth Benefits of Vitamin CCoronavirus/Flu and Vitamins to CombatDetoxingIs V.C Safe?Oregon State University Study ShowsHow Much Vitamin C Should I Take?Boost the Effectiveness of SunscreenSerum For the SkinIngredientsInstructions In what type of foods is Vitamin C found? picture from myfooddata The top 10 foods containing V.C. include citrus fruits, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, raw bell peppers, kale, snow peas, and strawberries. Note: Prolonged storage or cooking may reduce V.C. content in foods. In other words, fresh and raw is ideal. Deficiencies Like vitamin D, when people become deficient in it, unwelcome things start to happen first internally to our bodies and then when the symptoms are bad enough, externally. The same goes for Vitamin C. When people do not receive enough, their bodies can not function at their peak. By not functioning, I mean people may experience brain fog, memory loss, lack of concentration, and even strokes. A more serious symptom of V.C. deficiency “(known as scurvy) appear once plasma concentrations of the ascorbic acid drop below” ten micromolar (μM). A person can prevent this by consuming as little as 10 mg of ascorbic acid daily. Cutaneous manifestations of scurvy result from declines in collagen synthesis, leading to disruption of connective tissue and fragility of blood vessels. Early symptoms in the skin include a thickening of the stratum corneum and spots of small subcutaneous bleeding. As scurvy progresses, wound healing is impaired due to the loss of mature collagen, allowing wounds to remain open. An adequate intake of V.C remediates skin lesions caused by vitamin C deficiency. Health Benefits of Vitamin C It is shown that people who have enough vitamin C are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s as C helps restore the brain’s cognitive function. As our stressful lives deplete or overtake our bodies by canceling out good antioxidants, people’s health declines. First, to balance the decline or prevent it, we need to remove unnecessary stress. Two, you need to keep your body balanced by countering stress-related symptoms with a nutrient antioxidant diet that includes getting enough V.C. C is also a cofactor in creating serotonin and dopamine, which are the body’s neurotransmitters, providing physical and motivational energy, which include your feelings of reward and satisfaction. This is important as “Depression may have a relationship with vitamin C deficiency. When a group of patients were deprived of Vitamin C, they experienced symptoms like sad mood, reduced concentration, reduced energy, fatigue, and hypochondriasis.” -International Journal of Scientific Study Vitamin C isn’t just a vital antioxidant useful for boosting t...

Hello, hello. Today I was craving food with a touch of spice, but not enough to blow fire. So, after looking in the cupboards, I decided to make some red rice and beans.  It's filling but also very healthy. Red rice and beans also has a soup feel, so it's a perfect alternative for the winter months when you need a change. This recipe of red rice and beans is something I whipped up on the fly, but it turned out so well I thought I would share it. Let's start. Ingredients: 5 cups of water2 1/2 cups of rice1 can of dark red kidney beans, 15.5 ounces.1 can of black beans, 15.5 ounces.5 garlic cloves, minced2 Tbls olive oil2 Tbls avocado oil1 tsp. chili powder1/2 tsp. Himalayan sea salt1 tsp. onion powderA single bay leaf1/4 tsp. celery seed1 can of diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounce1/4 tsp. of mustard powderSalt and pepper to taste Directions: Bring your 5 cups of water to a boil, and then add your rice.Once you add your rice, turn the burner to simmer or low and place a lid on the pot. Occasionally stir for about 20 minutes until the rice is soft.While the rice is cooking, drain and add your beans to a medium-sized pot with your burner turned to medium-low. Next, add the remaining ingredients and continue to stir. The mustard powder is not shown You want the beans to cook so they become a little thick. Once they have thickened and the flavors have combined, the beans are ready to serve.Taking a bowl or plate, scoop some cooked rice, and then top it off with the beans. Add salt and pepper to taste. For added flavor or extra protein, cook andouille sausage and add it to the bean mixture before topping your rice.You now have a bowl of mild red rice and beans. Leftovers taste even better as the flavors mold into each other. You can also use the bean mixture as a chip dip. This recipe is easy enough that my kids and yours, too, can make it when we can not make it home in time to start dinner.  As an easy way to prep, be sure you have all of your ingredients on hand to make several batches.  That's it, enjoy and stay healthy and free. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.” Learn more about the author

There are many times when I like to sit where it's quiet with my fingers wrapped around a warm drink. It's comforting and also relaxing. In these moments, I realize how something familiar can add to the peacefulness of a person and create an overall feeling of euphoria. Different drinks can have different delights as each brings up a fond memory. Hot cocoa reminds me of a wonderful childhood, clean, crisp air in my lungs at the same time warmth. But not all cocoa is the same, no, I would recommend different recipes depending on your mood. For instance, real cacao, more chocolate, a little bitter, or perhaps you want smooth. This homemade hot chocolate with cacao powder to me is smooth. It's made with milk, honey, and a touch of vanilla and it is nutritious. Ready to try it? Healthy Hot Chocolate with Cacao Powder Author: Nicki Sizemore Ingredients 2 cups milk (preferably 2% or whole milk)2 tablespoons raw cacao powder1 tablespoon honey1/2 teaspoon vanillaA pinch of sea saltFor a vegan version, use canned coconut milk in place of the regular milk and swap out the honey for maple syrup.  Instructions In a small saucepan, combine the milk, cacao powder, honey to taste (a teaspoon or two should do you), vanilla and a pinch of salt (sometimes I also add a pinch of cinnamon or even cayenne, if I’m feeling racy). Whisk until smooth.Place saucepan over medium heat, and bring the milk to a simmer, whisking often. Give the hot chocolate a taste—if you prefer it sweeter whisk in a bit more honey. Serve warm. Notes Do Ahead: The hot chocolate can be transferred to a jar and refrigerated for up to 5 days. Shake or stir it before serving (you can drink it cold or reheat it!). Tips: The best hot chocolate is made with cacao powder, which you can find at many grocery stores or online! Raw cacao powder is healthier and richer in flavor than regular cocoa powder. However, you can use a good quality cocoa powder in its place. It’s important to whisk the cacao powder into the milk before heating it up (it will take a bit of whisking to dissolve). If you add the cacao powder to hot milk it can clump up.I love this small saucepan and mini whisk for making hot chocolate, as well as for oatmeal and sauces.For a vegan version, use canned coconut milk in place of the regular milk (I don’t love the flavor of nut milk in this recipe, but that’s subjective) and swap out the honey for maple syrup.A pinch of salt helps to amplify all of the flavors. For a Mexican-inspired hot chocolate, add cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper.Refrigerate any leftover hot chocolate for a healthy chocolate milk!Add marshmallows if desired.  Now if you will excuse me friends, I’m going to find a comfy chair and close my eyes as I take the first sip. Until next time, stay healthy and free. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children's books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. "I want to make people feel good about life." Learn more about the author

There is so much to do around the holidays, so it's nice when you find a recipe that's easy yet appropriate. And by appropriate, I mean it fits the flavors of the season. Now some of you may think, well, homemade peppermint bark isn't very healthy, and you're right. At the same time, I like to give the kids a little break from eating Brussel sprouts ;).  Yes, there are healthy recipes, and I would suggest adding many to your diet during the holidays as people tend to overeat and intake more sugar than is necessary!  Moderation is key to everything in life, and this is the reason I'm posting a little bit of sweetness today. This recipe is from Ruth Soukup, and besides tasting good, these treats make the perfect gift or sweet to bring to a holiday party. Ready to start? Fantastic, me too. Homemade Peppermint Bark  Ingredients 25 unwrapped Candy Canes2 12 oz. bags Milk Chocolate Chips2 11.5 oz. bags Semi Sweet Chunks4 12 oz. bags White Chocolate Chips1/4 tsp Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil or 1 tsp peppermint extract (optional) Instructions Start by unwrapping a pile of candy canes, then place them in a large ziplock bag.Put that ziplock bag within a second ziplock bag (broken candy canes are sharp), then break the candy canes into small pieces. I used a rolling pin to smash them.Cover 3 cookie sheets (for a large batch) with non-stick foil or wax paper. Boil water in a double boiler. Since I don't have a double boiler, I used a bowl over a saucepan, which worked just as well. Fill the water to just below the bowl, but not touching the bowl.Slowly melt the chocolate chips, stirring frequently. I discovered it works better to mostly melt one bag before adding the next bag, rather than dumping them in all at once.Spread out the chocolate on the foil-covered cookie sheets. It should be fairly thin, approximately 1/8" thick. Place cookie sheets in the fridge to harden for about a half-hour.While the chocolate layer is cooling, rinse your bowl or double boiler pan and repeat the melting process with the white chocolate chips. If desired, add 1/4 tsp Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil or 1 tsp peppermint extract to the melted white chocolate for extra pepper-minty flavor.Spread out the melted white chocolate in a layer over top of the brown chocolate. While it is still wet, quickly sprinkle on the broken candy cane pieces. Place in the refrigerator to harden completely, about an hour.Once the bark has hardened, break into pieces by hand, then place into cellophane bags.To seal the bags, cut pieces of holiday scrapbook paper into 4x4" squares, then fold the squares in half. Fold over the tops of the cellophane bags a couple of times, then staple the scrapbook paper over the fold. If desired, print labels to glue onto the scrapbook paper. Ending Notes Since I'm not big on plastic, I prefer to place the broken pieces into different size mason jars and put a ribbon or note using cardstock on top. If you are keeping them for yourself, it's still nice to store them in a jar. Just be sure they have cooled completely. Beyond that, all that's left to do is eat them in moderation :). I hope this homemade peppermint bark kick-starts your baking and makes it a little easier to enjoy your Christmas and the true reason for the season. Until next week, enjoy and stay healthy and free. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a farm with their four children. She is an established author, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for a local newspaper to aid and inspire others. Learn more about the author

If you’re a foodie like me, you will love learning about a tiny flower that has some extraordinary health benefits. Not only that, but you can use it in desserts and culinary dishes. What is this small flower, you may ask? Well, it has delicate white petals with a golden center, and chamomile is its name. With no surprise, this beautiful flower is related to the daisy family (Asteraceae or Compositae), and from what we know, there are two different types. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is one type “and is a sweet-scented, smooth plant and self-seeding annual herb. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and has become widely distributed over Europe, North Africa, and the temperate region of Asia.”  The other type is Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). “Roman chamomile is an aromatic, creeping perennial, found in dry fields and around gardens and cultivated grounds. It originated in the United Kingdom and is widely grown in American herb gardens.” -Integrative Medicine (Fourth Edition), 2018. Now that you’ve been properly introduced, let’s learn how to use chamomile for everyday health and living. According to Donna Eszlinger, chamomile was used mainly for medicinal purposes. “My grandmother, parents, and husband’s parents used it as a supplement for inflammation, to relax a person, to treat colds, for colicky babies, to calm the stomach, or relieve menstrual pain. Kind of like aspirin.” She also explains, “If you had a cold in your eye, they would make a compress by soaking a cloth in chamomile tea and then placing it on your eyes to take down the inflammation.” When asked about the form in which she takes chamomile, Eszlinger said, “I prefer fresh over the tea bags because the tea bags are not as potent. It doesn’t have the full strength of the chamomile, at least not to my liking. I mean, people that haven’t had the actual flower maybe don’t know the difference, but if you’ve had the flower or raw form versus a teabag, you know it’s not as strong.”  Other medicinal uses are: A more restful sleep According to Healthline, chamomile “contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia, or the chronic inability to sleep. In one study, postpartum women who drank chamomile tea for two weeks reported better sleep quality compared to a group that did not drink chamomile tea. They also had fewer symptoms of depression, which is often linked with sleeping problems.” Like many herbal teas, chamomile is easy on the stomach and is very relaxing and soothing. Drink one cup 30 minutes before bed to gain the best results for a peaceful night’s rest. To help soothe the stomach. We know that Chamomile tea is easy to digest, and findings suggest it “may protect against diarrhea, stomach ulcers, nausea and gas, likely due to its anti-inflammatory effects.” -healthline. As a mouth rinse “In dentistry, chamomile has been studied due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This plant has been tested by several researchers, with promising results. Chamomile is proved to reduce gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation without staining teeth nor having adverse effects. Therefore, this mouthwash has shown good results, statistically similar to chlorhexidine 0.12% after two weeks of regular mouth rinse.” -Dunker Dental Care. Mouth Wash Rinse To make an herbal mouth wash, place 6 tablespoons of green tea and 3 tablespoons of chamomile in a French press or jar.Cover with cool distilled water or reverse osmosis water.Seal the container and then allow it to sit for at least 7 hours.You can lightly swirl the jar every couple of hours, but the mixture of mouth wash will not be ruined if you forget.At this point, press or strain out any particles remaining.In between uses, store it sealed in your refrigerator. Use morning and night. To relieve a headache. Although it’s not proven that chamomile will take a...

Pumpkin pie says everything we love about the holidays. For instance, it has a sweet smell, a heavenly taste, brings happiness to the soul, and puts a smile on the face. While closing my eyes, I take that first bite of pumpkin pie around the holidays and melt. It's kind of like those commercials you see where little bubbles pop up describing how you feel. In this case, the feeling is utterly delightful, marvelous, grand, and sublime. In short, pumpkin pie is the BEST! Due to the importance of a good recipe, I'm sharing a family pumpkin pie recipe that comes from a long line of excellent cooks, a one of a kind, you might say. It uses fresh pumpkin from your garden, eggs straight from the chicken, and thick cream you get from the cow.  As the ingredients are very important to the overall product, try to find organic or homegrown if you do not have or grow them yourself. With that, let's start making some pumpkin pie. Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie: This recipe is for 1 pie. Bake at 350° for 1 1/2 hours 2 cups baked pumpkin (for instruction on how to bake a pumpkin in your oven follow ME.)3 farm fresh eggs3/4 cup cream ( fresh or heavy whipping cream)2 Tablespoon flour1 cup white sugar1 cup brown sugar1/4 cloves1/4 tsp ginger1 tsp vanilla1 tsp cinnamon1/2 salt1/4 tsp nutmeg Ingredients for the Crust. This recipe is for a single crust (9-inch) 1 cup all-purpose or unbleached flour1/2 tsp salt1/3 cup plus 1 Tbls shortening2 to 3 Tbls cold water Directions: Turn on your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Begin by mixing all of your ingredients in a kitchen aid or whatever method of mixing you prefer. I would suggest mixing after each element to ensure there are no clumps. Once you have all the ingredients combined and mixed, set your oven to 350°. Next, start making your crust. Mix the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in shortening, using a pastry blender or crisscrossing two knives, until particles are the size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 Tbls at a time, tossing with fork until all the flour is moist and pastry almost leaves the side of the bowl. Add 1 to 2 tsp more of water if needed.Now, gather your pastry into a ball and flatten it a little with your hands. Roll pastry on a lightly floured surface, using a floured rolling pin, into a circle 2 inches larger than the upside-down pie plate, 9 x 1 1/4 inches. Fold pastry in half or fourths and place in a pie plate. Unfold, pressing firmly against bottom and sides, being careful not to stretch pastry, which will cause it to shrink when baked. Pinch with fingers to make some edging and trim off any extra. Be sure to keep flour on your rolling pin, so the dough does not stick or tear.(For Two-Crust Pie, divide pastry in half and shape into two rounds.) If desired, wrap each round in plastic wrap and refrigerate about 30 minutes to firm up the shortening slightly, making the baked pastry flakier and letting the water absorb evenly throughout the dough. However, you will need to let the pastry soften slightly before rolling. Now stir your pumpkin pie mixture and pour it into the pie crust. Place pie in the oven and bake for an hour and a half or until a butter knife comes out pretty clean when placed in the center. Cool on a drying rack and serve or freeze and save for a later date. Be sure to cover the pie or pies with saran wrap before freezing. That's all there is to it, other than eating a huge slice with homemade whip cream ;). Well, I also want to wish you and your family a memorable Thanksgiving and hope you will ENJOY and save this family recipe. Happy Holidays, Friends! P.S. If you are looking for another great tutorial, please visit, How to make Butter, which also gives instructions on making your own homemade whip cream. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a farm with their four children. She is an established author, a stay-at-home mother,

Hey friends, today it's all about nuts, and I don't mean going nuts from the kids or work; no, we're talking about the ones you nibble on when you need a snack or the ones you eat while at a holiday party. Some people aren't sure if eating nuts is healthy for them or not. As they are high in fat, most people associate that with not being a good thing. However, fats are not the enemy when we are talking about healthy fats, which nuts have. Sure, if you eat a whole bag full, that isn't ideal, but if we are talking about normal servings, which we will get into, there is nothing wrong with eating nuts. In fact, they are known to improve your health, not deplete it. Yes, you heard me right, nuts are tremendous! Now, let's get into why that is. It's not a good idea to avoid nuts Melissa Diane Smith, a holistic nutritionist, who looked closely at the 2017 Global Burden of Disease Study, summarized this, "nearly 500 researchers examined nearly 100,00 data sources" concerning the most comprehensive analysis of the cause of death. What they found was quite shocking. One of the leading causes, or 'dietary risk factors for death' was not eating enough nuts. "Eating more vegetables could potentially save 1.8 million lives, but eating more nuts and seeds might save 2.5 million." According to the study, one of the main 'healthy foods missing from most diets around the world actually are nuts and seeds!" What makes nuts so healthy? Remember when we were talking about healthy fats? Well, that is one reason nuts are so good for you. Others include but are not limited to: dietary fibervegetable proteinvitamins such as E, folic acid (a B vitamin), niacin, potassium.different minerals to include zinc, copper, and magnesium. In addition, they contain amino acid arginine, which helps your body build protein along with high antioxidant properties keeping your body's overall health. Keeping a strong heart Multiple studies show that eating "five or more servings (five ounces) of nuts per week" reduced "coronary heart disease incidence and death." Healthy blood sugar levels An article was written by Nutrients in November of 2017 that talks about "Benefits of Nut Consumption on Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Risk Factors." To summarize the findings they found, "nut consumption could play a role in reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) through improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism, weight maintenance and improved endothelial function" (a thin membrane that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels.) As nuts are low in carbohydrates, they rarely raise a person's blood sugar levels. See the chart below for dietary information. Nutrient content of raw nuts per 100 g *. AlmondWalnutHazelnutMacadamiaPecanPistachioBrazil NutCashew NutPeanutPine NutChest NutEnergy (kcal)579654628718691560659553567673213Carbohydrate (g)21.5513.7116.713.8213.8627.1711.7430.191613.0845.54Protein (g)21.1515.2314.957.919.1720.1614.3218.222613.692.42Lysine (g)0.5680.4240.420.0180.2871.1380.490.9280.9260.540.143Arginine (g)2.4652.2782.2111.4021.1772.1342.142.1233.0852.4130.173Total fat (g)49.9365.2160.7575.7771.9745.3267.143.854968.372.26Saturated fat (g)3.86.1264.46412.0616.185.90716.1347.78374.890.425MUFA (g)31.558.93345.65258.87740.80123.25723.87923.7972418.760.78PUFA (g)12.32947.1747.921.50221.61414.3824.3997.8451634.070.894Total Fiber (g)12.56.79.78.69.610.67.538.53.78.1Folate (μg)449811311225122252403462Calcium (mg)26998114857010516037921627Magnesium (mg)27015816313012112137629216825132Sodium (mg)1205013121823Potassium (mg)7334416803684101025659660705597518Copper (mg)1.031158617250.7561.21.31.74321951.1441.3240.447Iron (mg)3.712.914.73.692.533.922.436.684.585.531.01Zinc (mg)3.123.092.451.34.532.24.065.783.276.450.52Selenium (μg)4.14.92.43.63.87191719.97.20.7NAα-tocopherol (mg)25.630.715.030.541.42.865.6508.339.33NAβ- 0.230.150.3300.3900.010.03NA0NAγ- 0.0720.830024.

Body Butter is a pleasing lotion type product that every person in the house can enjoy. For women, body butter helps them feel sexy and soft. They also feel good knowing their skin is being taken care of and getting the treatment it deserves. As for the men, they will appreciate the silkiness of a women's skin, along with the pleasing scent of peppermint that emanates from her body. The body butter is also a healthy choice for children as it keeps moisture in and dry skin away. I rub it on my little girl right out of the shower, and she loves it; not only the feel but she says it smells like Christmas :). With that happy note, roll up your sleeves, set aside 30 min. and get to work making this amazing body butter. Ingredients: 1 cup shea butter, grated.1/2 cup coconut oil.1/2 cup jojoba, almond, or olive oil.1-2 tsp peppermint oil.2 Tbl pure cocoa powder.2 tsp vitamin E. Items needed: Double boiler or pot with an inch of water on the bottom and another pot sitting on top.Large bowlSmall bowlStirring utensilBeaters or blender of choice.Ice or FridgeSpatula Directions: To begin, take your double broiler and melt the shea butter and coconut oil.  Do not let it boil; stir while melting. When your shea butter and coconut oil have melted remove the pot from heat.  Measure 2 Tbls of cocoa powder into a small bowl, add almond, jojoba, or olive oil (I used almond) to the cocoa powder, and stir. Now add the mixture to the shea butter and coconut oil, stir and chill in a large bowl of ice or put in the fridge until slightly hard. About 10 minutes. Once the mixture has cooled, remove from the fridge and add peppermint and vitamin E. If you are using the ice bath as I did above just leave the mixture in it until the next step. Now remove the mixture from the ice bath and whip on medium/high until stiff peaks form. Here is what the body butter looks like when it is fully whipped. Now you may put the body butter in whatever container you wish using your spatula. I used little jelly jars, so I could give them away as gifts. If you are keeping them for yourself, store the containers in a cool place. I keep one in the bathroom to use after showering. Just make sure it is in a drawer, cupboard, or under the sink. Ending notes: YOU DID IT!  How simple was that? All you need to do now is go enjoy this tremendous body butter and feel good about the softness it will bring to your skin. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, as an added bonus you will have a little glow from the cocoa powder ;). As I have incredibly white skin but don't like to tan, this is the perfect product to use. Harmless and radiating. That's it friends. Be sure to follow my blog so you will see the weekly posts that come out. For not though, stay healthy and free. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a farm with their four children. She is an established author, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for a local newspaper to aid and inspire others. Learn More About the Author For another wonderful tutorial visit: How to Make Homemade Sunscreen.

Sometimes when you wake up in the morning, the last thing you want to do is cook breakfast. Everyone needs to eat, though, so having something prepared ahead of time is key. This recipe is easy to make; the flavor is incredible where you want to eat the whole loaf in one sitting, and when you put fresh butter on a slice, you feel like you’ve died and gone to Heaven. In a food analogy kind of way. Now that your mouth is watering let's start making some banana bread! Ingredients needed: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1/2 tsp. baking soda1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon1/4 tsp. baking powder1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg1/8 tsp. salt2 egg whites or 1 egg1 cup of sugar1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about two)1/4 cup avocado oil1/2 cup currants, nuts, or chocolate chips (optional) Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use non-stick oil spray (I use avocado spray) on loaf pans. Stir together flour, soda, spices, baking powder, and salt.In another bowl beat together egg whites, sugar, and the bananas.Add oil and mix well.Stir flour mixture into the banana bread mix. Gently fold in currants, nuts, or chocolate chips (optional). Bake for 55-60 minutes or a little less if you are using a convection oven.Stick a toothpick or butter knife in the center to see if it comes out clean. If the dough sticks to the toothpick or knife you need to cook the banana bread for a little while longer. That's all there is to it. Make a double batch so you won't run out. The banana bread freezes really well so sometimes I make four loaves at one time with different things in each, (i.e., nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips). Once you get the recipe down, add other ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy, and until next time, stay healthy and free. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a farm with their four children. She is an established author, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for a local newspaper to aid and inspire others. Learn More About the Author

To begin, let's break down what calcium is and why your body needs it? Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca. It is the most plentiful metal and the fifth-most abundant element in the human body. As electrolytes, calcium ions play a vital role in organisms and cells' physiological and biochemical processes. In short, calcium is good for your cells and bones and is crucial in maintaining the immune system. Calcium also makes up teeth and bones. Calcium Deficiency There are many groups at risk of calcium deficiency, in particular, the elderly. Bones become brittle in old age because your body takes what it needs from calcium out of your bones. Checking with your general, homeopathic, or natural doctor is a smart move if you think you are deficient or just want to know where your calcium numbers are. What Are Some Benefits of Calcium? When your calcium numbers are in good shape that helps your body ward off destructive diseases, it also keeps certain organs healthy. For instance, it helps: Prevent osteoporosis and helps to treat the condition once symptoms manifest.Prevents cancerUseful in the treatment of high blood pressurePrevents heart diseaseuseful in treating arthritisHelps to keep skin healthyAlleviates leg crampsEncourages regular beating of the heartSoothes insomniaHelps the body to metabolize ironNecessary for nerve-impulse transmission and muscular function. -The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies High Calcium Food Sources If you are looking to increase your calcium through your food, the best sources are milk, beans, nuts, tofu, salmon, cheese, yogurt, dairy produce, leafy green vegetables, tinned fish, eggs, and hard tap water. How Much Should a Person Take? 1,000mg. per day is recommended when you are taking calcium in a supplement form. However, more calcium is needed for women who are in their childbearing years, breastfeeding, or have just gone through menopause. How Much is Too much? A person should not go over 2,000mg. per day. If you do, it may cause hypercalcemia (calcium deposits in the kidneys). However, this is not likely unless you are also taking vitamin D as excess calcium excretes itself through the body.  There are multiple cases where people become deficient, so don't assume if you are elderly, you don't need to know what your calcium numbers look like. Besides calcium, it is important to know what all of your vitamin levels are as deficiencies in any of them can cause major problems and side effects inside and outside of your body. The main goal is you and your health, so investigate and keep your body and mind on track. Until next time, stay healthy and free. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a farm with their four children. She is an established author, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for a local newspaper to aid and inspire others. Learn More About the Author

I write about health, which includes our body, mind, and soul. And, at present, the state of our country has everything to do with that. Allow me to explain. I was thinking of our country and the changes that will be coming our way, and then I was thinking of Jesus and the changes he brought. So what do I mean by that, and how do the two tie in together? Well, what we have now is a broken system and turning more ungodly every day due to the lack of respect and accountability. This lack of respect stems from bad parenting, teaching, and bad influences, to name a few. What has that got to do with our country and changes? Well, it's these beginning elements of respect that eventually make and shape people into who they are. These same people vote and make decisions not only for themselves but also for us if they are elected officials. Am I saying all elected officials should be perfect without past mistakes? No, not at all, but I am saying who you vote for effects every part of your life, and you should know what they stand for. Our country needs people who not only vote but who do their research and make educated decisions based on facts. Our county is at a tipping point, and you, as citizens have the freedom to voice which elected officials, you will support. For those of you who think you've just tuned into the doom and glume network, hang tight because that's not what this is. I am a journalist who still believes in reporting facts over emotions, old school I know, and encouraging people like you to do the same. The United States is a great nation. And, we, the people, have an obligation to fight for her just as our grandfathers, fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters have for generations. This fight is no longer oversees but at our front door. We can not avoid it or wish it away. Are we better off than a lot of countries? Yes, but if we don't pay attention, we will soon join them. It is your responsibility as a citizen to hold our lawmakers accountable no matter if they are local or Federal. Why? Because if you don't, who will? Do you think you can sit by, do nothing, and then pass the blame for why our country failed? Do you think you are too insignificant? Are you waiting for Jesus to come and fix everything? We can not afford to sit back and watch as people make decisions for us; we must have a voice and stand firm on our convictions. I think about Jesus and the changes he created by standing firm on His convictions. Jesus brought hope and life to Jews and Gentiles (i.e., non-Jewish people); he brought love and justice. When I mention justice, I'm not talking about the justice we have in today's systems but true and Godly justice—looking to every person's heart. Jesus not only held accountable the officials at the time but every person on earth. He did not wait for somebody else to come along. He taught disciples, leaders, and judges to uphold and keep the laws of the land (if they did not go against God's laws) without compromising on their beliefs. Did that mean some died? Yes, but they died for a purpose and a cause. They died for something they ultimately believed in. What is it you believe in? What are you not willing to compromise on? These are questions you should ask yourself when not only voting but living your daily lives. What and who you support should line up with what you believe. There is no grey area here. Because corruption has been going on for centuries, do we continue to allow it? No folks, we change, we enforce the laws of our founding fathers (The Constitution), and we keep our country great. The people of America have been sitting for far too long. We need to stop the corruption taking over America from within by bringing true justice and God back into our homes and lives. I am not talking about starting a revolutionary war, but I am talking about starting a revolution of God back in America. As a country, we have neutered our men,

What a better way to bring in the Fall and Holidays than with this unique and fantastic soup This pumpkin soup recipe is creamy AND healthy! It calls for roasted pumpkin for maximum flavor and leftovers would go great with sandwiches or salads the next day. Recipe yields 4 bowls or 6 cups of soup. This pumpkin soup recipe includes instructions on how to roast the fresh pumpkin for maximum pumpkin flavor. Canned pumpkin purée also works well if you’re in a time crunch. See the recipe notes for details! Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup Author: Cookie and KatePrep Time: 15 minsCook Time: 70 minsTotal Time: 1 hour 25 minutes Yield: 4 to 6 bowlsCategory: SoupMethod: Roasted and blendedCuisine: American INGREDIENTS: 4 tablespoons olive oil, dividedOne 4-pound sugar pie pumpkin1 large yellow onion, chopped4 large or 6 medium garlic cloves, pressed or minced½ teaspoon ground cinnamon⅛ teaspoon cloves½ teaspoon ground nutmegA tiny dash of cayenne pepper (optional, if you like spice)½ teaspoon of sea saltFreshly ground black pepper4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable broth½ cup full-fat coconut milk, whole milk, or heavy cream2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey¼ cup pepitas (green pumpkin seeds) INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Carefully halve the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds (you can roast the seeds if you’d like. However you won’t need them for this recipe). 2. Slice each pumpkin halve in half to make quarters. Brush or rub 1 tablespoon olive oil over the pumpkin’s flesh and place the quarters, cut sides down, onto the baking sheet. Roast for 35 minutes or longer, until the orange flesh is easily pierced through with a fork. Set it aside to cool for a few minutes. 3. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add onion, garlic, and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine. Cook, occasionally stirring, until onion is translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. In the meantime, peel the pumpkin skin off the pumpkins and discard the skin. 4. Add the pumpkin flesh, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cayenne pepper (if using), and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. Use your stirring spoon to break up the pumpkin a bit. Pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, and give the flavors time to meld. 5. While the soup is cooking, toast the pepitas in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, frequently stirring, until fragrant, golden, and making little popping noises. You want them to be nice and toasty, but not burnt—transfer pepitas to a bowl to cool. 6. Once the pumpkin mixture is done cooking, stir in the coconut milk and maple syrup. Remove the soup from heat and let it cool slightly. You can use an immersion blender to blend this soup in the pot. I prefer to use my stand blender, which yields the creamiest results—working in batches, transfer the contents of the pan to a blender (do not fill your blender past the maximum fill line!). Securely fasten the blender’s lid and use a kitchen towel to protect your hand from steam escaping from the top of the blender as you purée the mixture until smooth. Transfer the puréed soup to a serving bowl and repeat with the remaining batches. 7. Taste and adjust if necessary (I thought the soup was just right as is, but you might want to add more your choice milk or cream for extra creaminess/milder flavor, or maple syrup to make it a little sweeter). 8. Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Sprinkle pepitas over the soup and serve. Let leftover soup cool completely before transferring it to a proper storage container and refrigerating it for up to 4 days (leftovers taste even better the next day!). Or, freeze this soup for up to 3 months. NOTES Soup inspired by the pumpkin soup at The Picnic House in Portland and roughly adapted. 

Well, it's a good morning on the farm as today we are learning the art of rendering down pig lard. Exciting, I know. If this is your first time, or if you haven't rendered in a couple of years and need a refresher, then welcome. To get started, take the fat you have saved after butchering your pig and put it all on the countertop or wherever you will be rendering. If you don't butcher yourself, no big deal, ask your local butcher shop to save the fat from your pig you are having processed, and they will. Once you have your pig fat collected you are ready to begin. Note, I store the fat in my freezer until I am ready to render it down. Life is busy and when garden season ends I'm cleaning up vines and pulling corn stocks so don't have time to render down the pig lard, at least not right away. Items Needed:  Crock-potChopping board Sharp knife Pig fat Glass jars (I use wide mouth quart jars) Cheesecloth or coffee filters Ladle Funnel Directions: Now that you have the necessary items, it's time to begin. Start by plugging in your crockpot and turning it to high. Some people like to use the low setting, so it doesn't burn or turn the lard brown, but I have never had this happen. However, I am constantly in the kitchen watching it. If you think you will be in and out, set it to low.Once your crockpot is on, start chopping the fat into chunks and put them in the crockpot. Just to let you know, not all the fat will fit into the pot at the same time, or at least not usually. Not to worry, I will explain as we go along. Once the crockpot is full of chopped fat, put the lid on. At this point, you can let it sit for a good 2 hours or until the fat starts to break down into liquid lard. Time to set get your quart jar. Using a cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or whatever you're choosing to strain the liquid with, you need to lay it over the jar opening and then indent it a little bit. This is so when pouring your liquid it does not run all over the side of the jar.Once the lard has started to break down and you are able to start scooping the liquid lard from the top, do so and pour it into the jar. This process you will do over and over, replacing the full jar with an empty one as needed.My husband and I just look in the pot from time to time and scoop as we go about our day.  As you've guessed the more you scoop out the more room you now have to add more chopped fat chunks. It's like a revolving door, some go in, and some come out.  You don't have to wait for a batch to be done, just keep adding until you have added the last of the chunks. The amount of fat you get from one pig will take you most of a day to render down. That is if you start in the morning. It will take two days if you start sometime in the afternoon.If you are tired and there is still fat to be rendered just shut off the crockpot before going to bed. Leaving the contents still in the pot and then resuming again when you wake up will in no way ruin the lard.Here is a photo showing a jar half-filled with lard as you go through the process. Here are different stages of the rendered down lard as it cools. You can see the color goes from a brown tint to a white. Once they are all cooled it will look like snow:). We were able to get 8 quarts and a partial out of one pig. Note: the more you stir the lard while it is cooling in the jar the whiter it will turn out. I use a butter knife to stir. Once you have ladled the last of the liquid out of the crock-pot, you will see what we call the cracklings left.  They almost look like bacon crumbles. Some people love these, others give them to their chickens or you can throw them away. We had a large cottage cheese container full of cracklings by the time we were done and gave it to a relative, who looks forward to them every year.  Keep the jars in a cool dark place, the same as you would your other canned goods. You can also freeze it.We use the lard for pies, biscuits,

Fall is a beautiful expression and reminder that we need to shed the old while beginning anew. Stepping outside, the dew has settled on the grass, and the air feels crisp. When I look towards the wavering trees, their color has taken on a new hue. Knowing Fall is in the air gives me a sense of calm and quiet. But why? Although our schedules haven't altered, it doesn't seem so busy. Perhaps the change that takes place outside also takes place within us. Knowing we can enjoy the smells of the season like cloves, cinnamon, pumpkin pie in the oven, and a fire burning in our hearth gives a sense of home. Just as a baby needs to be swaddled, our bodies crave to be covered in warm sweaters and scarves that we can nuzzle in when the northern temperatures hit. Thick wool socks cover our feet while we hold that steaming cup of chai or coffee. A good book lies open in our lap as our minds wander across oceans and fields in the pages we read. All of these things create a sense of comfort that is hard to explain and that only Fall can sometimes bring. Lovely traditions are started, and new smells and food are being made. Our nights and slumber are more restful because of the cool air we now breathe. The children seem to be happier. Laughing and playing as if catching the imagination of the season. Hot apple cider awaits them when their giggles have calmed, and they are content to come in after jumping in the leaves. If I could capture everything that Fall brings, it would be a rising of joy, spices, peace, and thankfulness. We should enjoy this season this Fall and take in all that it has to offer. To be warm, happy, healthy, and thoughtful of others, to embrace the feeling of comfort, family, and love. Most importantly, live each day as though it were a gift and share that gift with those close to you. To end, I want to leave you with this quote:  We've entered Fall so come one and all in praising our Savior and King; For the colors that appear on the earth, so dear, and the joy that all these bring. -Teresa C. Hawes I will now raise my hot mug of chai and make a toast to you and the beginning of Fall. Stay Healthy and Free! Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a farm with their four children. She is an established author, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for a local newspaper to aid and inspire others. Learn more about the author If you would like a Fall Bucket List to help enjoy your season, you can download one here.

Do you know how a particular food, item, song, or movie can remind you of something? Well, pears remind me of sweet, delicious, fall, sweaters, and comfort. It doesn't matter if you're picking them from the tree, eating them fresh, having them as a sauce, or drinking them in cider form. They are a spectacular symbol of nature. For this reason, I'm going to teach you how you can enjoy them this season. Although we will be making a sauce or cider, you can take a bite while filling your baskets and enjoy the rawness of several juicy pears. The canning instructions are simple and, in general, can be used to can multiple fruits like grapes or tomatoes. Canning Pear Sauce or Cider Items Needed: one large potfunnelladleclean pint-sized or quart jarsa small pot of water to heat your lids inlids and ringsmagnet (optional)canning tongsdampened washclothovenlarge bowl to hold your sauce after straining Ingredients: Pears- 3 gallons Allspice- 1 TablespoonGinger- 1 teaspoonGround nutmeg- 1 TablespoonCinnamon- 1 TablespoonGround cloves- 1 TablespoonWater Directions: Pick and wash your pears. Cut them in half and destem them. Place them in your large pot on the stove and add just enough water so they won't burn. With the burner turned to medium heat, you are starting the process of cooking them down. Place a lid on the pot or leave off. Stir often. You can also use a crockpot to cook the pears down. Once the pears fall apart easily, you will strain them. This can be done using a cone strainer (the method I use) or a mill type method. Your end goal is to separate the seed and skin from the pulp and juice of the pear. When that is achieved, you discard your skin and seeds, pour the remaining pulp and juice back into the large pot, add your ingredients, and bring it to a boil. Stir often so you Do Not Burn the bottom. Special note: if you wish to make cider, add enough water to thin out your sauce. If you want pear sauce, leave as is.At this point, prep your canning area. Have your jars heating in the water and turn your stove to the lowest setting possible. Boil water in your small pot, turn it off, and then place your lids in the water. Once your pear cider or sauce has come to a boil, simmer for 10 minutes.You are now ready to can.Ladle hot pear cider or sauce into hot jars until a 1/4-inch headspace remains. (Be sure to replace the hot jar with a cool one in the heated water.) Once a jar is filled, use your canning tongs and place it on your prepared area. Now, wipe the rim off with your clean damp washcloth, grab a lid with your magnet, and seal it by placing and screwing on your ring until snug. Place your now filled jars into your warm oven. It’s imperative to keep your jars warm until all of them are filled. Once all of your jars have delicious pear sauce or cider in them, remove the jars from the oven and place them in your dishwasher. Turn your cycle to regular wash heated dry. You can also use the added heat option if your dishwasher has it. Although I have never had a jar not seal, you can also use a hot water canner if you feel more comfortable. When your dishwasher beeps, remove your jars, place them on the countertop, and cover with a towel for 24-48 hours. You will hear the lids pop when they have sealed. Another way to check is by pushing slightly down. If the lid moves at all, they have not sealed. Each jar is different in the time it will take. After 24-48 hours, are up, check your lids. When you push down, and there is no movement, you have a successful seal.Store in your pantry if sealed. If not, refrigerate, or use right away. I love this part as we have come to the end of another excellent canning session. I ALWAYS leave enough cider for a fresh cup and sit down with a good book or magazine. My philosophy is, life is to be enjoyed, even while working. Until next time, friends, stay healthy and free.

Since the crazy began in 2020, everyone is seeking answers and learning new things about their children and the schools they attended in the past. What should we do? Where should we send our kids to school this year? Are our children getting the education they need? Is homeschooling an option for us? These are only a few of the many questions' parents face. So what's the answer? As every family's situation is different, I'm not going to say, you do this, or you do that. I'm merely going to point out some benefits of homeschooling and debunk some non-truths to help you decide what's best for you and your family. Homeschooling your children is an act of love. However, if you’re not able to homeschool, that doesn’t make you a bad parent, so keep that in mind as you read. I’m addressing parents who already homeschool and ones that are undecided in hopes that it will encourage and answer some questions. If you've read my bio, you know that I was homeschooled and speak not only the experience as a teacher of my children but as a student. With that in mind, take a deep breath, and let's begin... #1 Choosing curriculum to fit your student's needs Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Growing up there were six of us siblings, all with different personalities. That meant we each had our own way of learning. It's with this statement that brings us to the first benefit of homeschooling. Homeschooling your children allows you to pick and choose different types of the curriculum to fit each child and how they learn. Your child will have less of a struggle if you're basing the curriculum around them specifically and will excel in their subjects. Of course, that doesn't mean they will enjoy each subject equally but, it does ensure they will be able to understand it and therefore learn in the best way! #2 Better Influences Not all friends are created equal. How would you like to influence the types of friends your children have? This is possible when you have more control over where they're at. In a public-school setting, kids are exposed to numerous situations and friends we as parents cringe at. However, if your child is at home, that worry is gone. With homeschool groups across the country, you can get together with like-minded people and or set up play dates with those friends you don't mind your child hanging around and learning from. #3 Addressing bad attitudes When a lousy attitude comes out in our children, we are there to address it. This is one of the biggest arguments I can make for why homeschooling your child is worth its weight in gold. No one likes to hang around rotten kids, not even parents. By having your child home, you can squash that bad attitude right away, making them a blessing, not a curse on society. When we can address character issues from an early age, we are setting them up to be successful, confidant, polite, well-behaved individuals that will bless their families, communities, workplace, and eventually their children. Attitude is everything in life, so help your child build a good one that will last. #4 Homeschooling gives you freedom Photo by Gotta Be Worth It on Pexels.com I've been all over the United States to include Alaska and parts of Canada, exploring and visiting family and friends. We took the classroom wherever we went. Homeschooling allowed us to do that as a family when I was younger, and now my husband and I take our children. They not only get to read about History, but they get to touch, feel, and smell it. Just recently, we went to Ireland for eight months and parts of Europe.  Low on funds, don't worry. We didn't have a lot of money growing up either, but that still didn't stop my parents. Homeschool families welcomed us with their warm hospitality and friendship, and it didn't cost my parents a dime except in gas or the admission cost to a museum or park. #5 Freedom to worship who you want The freedom to start with prayer and have God in you...