Probiotic Coconut Chocolate Cups

Chocolate Coconut Chocolate Bites that have probiotics in them.  I found this recipe on Tropical Traditions, and thought, why couldn't I take this a step further and add some Coconut Kefir to make it even healthier!

Was It Worth It......

A New Journey to a Better and Better Life!

You are probably wondering what this is?  This is part of my new Journey to even a healthier life than I have created for myself in the last year.  As most of you know, I decided to take a turn in my life to a healthier, happier life.  It was time to make changes.  I was tired of being in and out of doctors offices due to bad health.  I was over weight, constantly sick and had no energy.  There was no motivation to do anything but sit around my house, with an occasional outing.  In February of 2013, after going through knee surgery, my physical therapist suggested the book "Ultra Metabolism" by Dr. Mark Hyman, which opened my eyes as to the foods that I was eating.  After cleaning out my cabinets and fridge, I began a healthier way of eating while incorporating exercise and essential oils.

Ginger-Garlic-Lemon-Honey Elixir

I am all about natural remedies! Thanks to Real Food Outlaws, this one has been a lifesaver!  The flu, including the stomach flu has been going crazy in my state.  Friends and family have all been affected by this in one week.  As for me, I am going to do all that I can to keep from getting it!

This Garlic Ginger Lemonade takes a little getting use to taste wise, but trust me, it has kept me from getting the crud, and has helped shorten the time that the sick ones have had it!  It is so easy to whip up as long as you have the ingredients.  These ingredients will be kept in my house to have on hand for immediate use!

Let's start with the ingredients:

Garlic- A triple threat against infections, offering antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
Not only is it effective at killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA, but it also fights yeast infections, viruses and parasites. Garlic must be fresh to give you optimal health benefits though. Do not use jarred Garlic.

Ginger-Is widely used throughout the world for treating loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting after surgery, nausea resulting from cancer treatment, flatulence, stomach upset, colic, morning sickness and motion sickness.

Lemon-Use only FRESH Lemons!  Do not used the lemon juice in the plastic lemons or bottled lemon juice. You will not get all of the benefits. Raw lemon juice is well known for its antioxidants and anti-tumor properties and has been used for centuries in order to cure many ailments. Being rich in Vitamin C, it is also essential for maintaining a fully functional immune system, aiding digestion, fighting tumors, helping wounds to heal faster and can even help to prevent heart failure.

Honey- Nope not the kind that comes in a little bear...please use Raw Unfiltered Honey.  Local would be the best for the benefits. An alkaline-forming food, this type of honey contains ingredients similar to those found in fruits, which become alkaline in the digestive system. It doesn't ferment in the stomach and it can be used to counteract acid indigestion. When mixed with ginger and lemon juices, it effectively relieves nausea and supplies energy.

RECIPE:
3-4 cloves of raw garlic or one large clove of elephant garlic (sliced thin so the water can permeate)
Approx. an inch of Fresh Ginger (sliced this or chopped)
Put the Garlic and Ginger in a Quart Glass Jar
Boil approx 1 Quart of water and pour over the Ginger and Garlic in the jar.
Let this steep for about 1/2 an hour or until the temperature is below 115 degrees.  The reason for this is honey loses its properties when heated above 115.
Juice of 2-3 Lemons
1/4 Cup of Honey
Add the Lemon Juice and Honey and stir until the honey is dissolved.

It is that simple!  If you or your loved one is already sick, have them just sip a little at a time.  Do not refrigerate as it does not taste well, but whatever you do, DO NOT MICROWAVE!! Microwaving will kill every bit of good that is in there.  I recommend drinking at room temperature.  If you are not sick but have been around those that are and would like to keep from getting it, I would recommend drinking at least a cup of this or the Jar of it over the course of a couple of days.  I would just leave it on my counter and drink a little every time I went into the kitchen.   It helped me from getting it and I was around at least two people that I knew of that were infected with this Crud!

STAY HEALTHY, STAY HAPPY!

*Note I am not a doctor and this has not been evaluated by the Federal Government...these are remedies that work for me.  

New Year's Hangover Helper

Happy New Years!!!  

Plan on celebrating with alcohol?  You could end up with a hangover!  Of course my first advice is going to be to limit your alcohol intake or better yet, drink some Kombucha!  It is a fermented healthy drink! 

Crunch Challenge!

Last month, some of you joined me in the Squat Challenge.  If you completed the entire month, congrats!  You are on your way to a healthier you!  

This month, join me for a

 CRUNCH CHALLENGE! 

SQUAT TIME!

Why wait until January to get healthy and active?  You can do it now and start the New Year healthy and happy! 

Join me in the Squat Challenge for the month of December!!!

A TWISTED ANKLE

I have always been accident prone and it continues into my 40's.  I have this habit of sitting on one foot, or sitting cross legged.  I know in my mind this is not good for me or my posture.  I always end up with my foot going to sleep, then I get up and try to walk.  This is not good to do when you can't feel your foot.

I get up and try to walk and I end up twisting my ankle like I did just a couple of days ago.  OUCH! 

Whipped Body Lotion!

Stop the Presses!!!!! 

 This morning I blogged about Whipped Body Butter (click here for that recipe)...the recipe that I made last night.  This was definitely a butter like consistancy.  It felt a little more greasy, but it worked.  I still love it, but not as much as I love the Whipped Body Lotion that I made for my Sister and I today.  She has been a lot like me and has used the Salves, with the coconut oil and beeswax she loved them and wanted to make a bunch of small jars for her to add essential oils as needed.  I convinced her to wait until she tried the Whipped that I was making today.  SHE IS HOOKED!  

Whipped Body Butter

In the last few days, there have been a few posts from other bloggers on Body Butters.    I tried on of them with a few adjustments.   I love a good body butter.  At first when I melted the ingredients then put them in the fridge for a while and started mixing, I didn't think it would come together....but after about 4 minutes of whipping with a hand mixer I had what looked like a creamy cloud!    I am in love!  I made a pretty big batch then split it up into different containers to use different essential oils.  My favorite is the Peppermint Cloud.  It feels and smells so good.  My Mom's favorite is the Rosewood and Sandalwood with a few drops of Rose Absolute.   I also made another jar to put on my feet at night that has Lavender & Vetiver!



You have to remember, this is a BODY BUTTER, so it takes a while to soak in..not like a lotion that can soak in immediately, but with the cold weather, brings chapped skin and this would be a great thing to use.
You can even make enough for you and have some leftover for gifts!

Look at this cloud like creamy wonder!

I think I almost prefer this over my salves that I have been making for so long!  You can add any oils that you want.  I will give you a few ideas at the end of this post, but you will not be disappointed!

HOW DO YOU STORE YOUR ESSENTIAL OILS?

WOW!  That is all I can say.  The more I learn about essential oils, the more I find that the care and use of them can be complicated, but very worth it! 

I currently have all of my oils stored on a couple of shelves in my office.  All in alphabetical order. 

Boost Your Immune System

There are many things that can crash your immune system bringing on sickness and disease. 

Your immune system, when healthy, helps fight of colds, infections and anything else that can make you sick. 

There are a lot of things that can break down your immune system, but one of the big ones is...

Essential Oils for Maturing Hair

Getting older can change the structure of your hair.  Gray starts coming in, you loose some hair.  Me, well when I was a child, I had extremely straight hair..as a teen, I permed my hair on a constant basis until I was about 18, but then my perm lasted for years!  All of a sudden I had curly hair!  So, of course I started coloring plus the fact that I used tons of styling aids, and always in the sun.  Our hair goes through a lot of abuse.  Since I lost all this weight, my hair started falling out and breaking off.  This can happen when you make such a drastic change in your lifestyle....

Chapped Lips Can Lead To Cold Sores!

The cold weather can lead to dry and chapped lips. 

When left untreated, those chapped lips can cause cold sores! 

AMAZING EASY & DELICIOUS NUT BUTTER COOKIE!

Doesn't this just look YUMMY?!?!?! 

Living Healthy, Loving Life October 2013 Contest!

Welcome to the FIRST monthly Living Healthy, Loving Life Contest Giveaway!!!
If this goes well, I am hoping to offer something like this every once in a while! 

I want to thank everybody who uses my Coupon Code: livinghealthy 

But for one lucky person who uses code: livinghealthy during the month of October, you will get a 

SPECIAL GIFT!

Immune Boosting Foods & Essential Oils To Combat....

The Cold and Flu Season! 

It's is once again that time of the year.  I can't do the flu shot and really don't care to.  So how do I protect my body? 

IS YOUR BUSY MIND GIVING YOU A HEADACHE?

*Note I am not a doctor and this has not been evaluated by the Federal Government...these are remedies that work for me..not all EOs work the same for everybody...use EOs with caution.


Headaches can be caused by several issues. What is important is to calm your mind to get rid of those headaches.  The blend below will help with mental clarity, relaxing your mind and your body, and balancing your overall well being.   It is also important to drink plenty of water when you have a headache.  Most headaches are linked to dehydration.  


CALM YOUR MIND BLEND
4 drops Frankincense
3 drops Lavender
2 drops Roman Chamomile
1 drops Marjoram
1 drops Geranium
1 drop  Peppermint


Put together in 10ml of carrier oil.  You can test for your likeness, and adjust the drops as you desire, just make sure that you keep it at 12 drops/10ml of carrier oil. I don't care for the smell of geranium, but I like the Roman Chamomile, so I increased the number of drops of the Chamomile and decreased Geranium as seen above.

You can diffuse this blend, or you can rub it into your temples and the stem of your brain.  You can also rub on the bottom of your feet.  Take a few minutes for yourself and inhale the wonderful blend and visualize your "happy place".   I suggest closing your eyes while inhaling and breathe deep, and do a 3-2-1 countdown.  Inhale, and imagine the number 3, 3 times as you slowly exhale, do the same for the number 2, then the number 1.  This will bring your mind and your body to a relaxing state of mind.

If you would like to make a headache salve, you would want to increase your total drops to 48 drops per 4oz of salve. Rub this into the bottom of your feet or on your hands.


Frankincense supports emotional healing and offers clarity when one is distracted and overwhelmed

Lavender essential oil has an overall balancing effect on the nervous system

Roman Chamomile has been used to help relax muscles and cause sedation. It has been also used to clear the mind and relax nerves.

Marjoram has been used to help relax muscles and balance the mind; it has a warming action and pain killing properties that calm emotions. Also aids in lowering blood pressure.

Geranium may be used to help remove bad or negative memories and support the circulatory and nervous system.

Peppermint- Soothing yet stimulating.  Many studies have shown  the effectiveness of it’s ability to arouse concentration, focus and mental sharpness.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR MOUTH!

Gingivitis, or Periodontal disease is not a fun thing to have.  If let this go to long, you can develop other health problems, so it is important to take care of your mouth.  

Here are a few tips...this is what has worked for me but may not work for another. 
Make sure you brush your teeth regularly.  I use a homemade toothpaste of Tropical Traditions (Click Here) Gold Label Coconut Oil, Baking Soda, Coconut Nectar and Essential Oils.  Since using this the tartar on my teeth has decreased tremendously and I don't have bad breath.

Toothpaste

3 Tablespoons Coconut Oil <----Click Here to purchase
3 Tablespoons Baking Soda
1 teaspoon of Coconut syrup
20 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil <----Click Here to purchase
5 drops of Cinnamon Essential Oil <----Click Here to purchase
5 drops of Shield Essential Oil  <----Click Here to purchase

I store this in a small glass Jelly Jar.  Each person in our family has their own jar.

 After I put a little on my toothbrush, I also sprinkle some Aztec Healing Bentonite Clay on top of the toothpaste.  Yes, I know it does not sound appealing to be brushing your teeth with mud, but trust me, my teeth have never looked better!  The healing clay will pull toxins and metals out of your mouth.  Not to worry if you have filings, it won't pull those out, but did you know that metal filing releases toxins into your body?  The healing clay will help with this. It also helps to provide essential minerals to the body.

OIL PULLING

This can take a little getting use to at first.  You might have to work up to the full 10-15 minutes at first.   Here are the steps that I take.

I will brush my teeth with just water before I oil pull.  You want to make sure you are pulling toxins and possible left over food.

Take a spoon full of Oil, some use Sunflower or Sesame Oil but I use Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil.  Then I will start slowly swishing it in my mouth, between my teeth.  I usually try to keep myself busy, the time will go by a lot faster if you are doing the dishes or whatever you can find to do.  Whatever you do, try not to swallow the oil, you don't want those toxins to go back into your body.

After time is up, then I spit it out and swish some warm salt water in my mouth, then I brush my teeth with the toothpaste above.

It is important that you make sure you rinse out the sink really well after you spit the oil from the oil pulling out.  You have just pulled all that "gunk" out of your mouth.  I usually wash out the sink, then spray it with my water mixed with Shield spray that I keep by my sink as a disinfectant.

Gingivitis Mouthwash

Then I rinse my mouth with this great mouthwash that will help with gingivitis or periodontal disease.  If you have inflammation of the gums or they are red or painful, this mouthwash is for you.  I use it more as a preventative. 

WARNING: THIS DOES CONTAIN ALCOHOL

But you don't drink it. 

In a glass bottle combine the following: 

1 cup of brandy

30 drops of thyme <----Click Here to purchase

30 drops of peppermint <----Click Here to purchase

10 drops of myrrh <----Click Here to purchase

10 drops of fennel <----Click Here to purchase

To use, add 2 or 3 teaspoons to half a glass of warm water and rinse.  

Thyme is great for treating gum infections. Fennel can be used to strengthen the gums and myrrh is great for its healing and tonic properties. 

Banana-Berry Chocolate Pudding

Want a great alternative to store bought Chocolate Pudding that is HEALTHY for you?  

This is great!

I made three batches of this to take to a small get together in our neighborhood and it was a hit! 

BANANA-BERRY CHOCOLATE PUDDING! 

I originally got the recipe from Hybrid Rasta Mama

then made a few adjustments to it. 

Cooler Weather Can Bring Arthritis Pain.

*Note I am not a doctor and this has not been evaluated by the Federal Government...these are remedies that work for me..not all EOs work the same for everybody...use EOs with caution.

For the young and the young at heart, the cooler weather can mean stiff muscles and major pain due to arthritis.

I take care of my Mom, who has really bad arthritis in her knees and ankles. There are some essential oil recipes that incorporate Birch Oil and/or Wintergreen for pain management, but for seniors, Birch isn't always the best due the methyl salicylate that it contains.  Especially in seniors and people with epilepsy and those that are on blood thinners, this is not an oil to be used.  Don't get me wrong, I love my Birch Oil and Wintergreen, but to put it simple, it is not an Essential Oil for everybody. To be safe for those that are "Young at Heart" it would be a good idea to consult a doctor before the use of Birch or Wintergreen. 

This Arthritis Blend is wonderful and does not contain either Birch or Wintergreen but has many wonderful properties. 


Arthritis Blend
Blend the following in a blending bottle
Lavender- 6 drops
Rosemary- 6 drops
Black Pepper- 4 drops
Ginger- 2 drops
Clove Bud- 2 drops
Helichrysum- 2 drops (optional but very healing)


Add 10-15 drops of the blend to a 10ml roller bottle and top off with carrier oil (I use Fractionated Coconut Oil)
Apply to the affected area before activity or when pain begins. 

Here are the benefits of each oil...

Lavender is analgesic, antidepressant, antirheumatic, antispasmodic. It can be used for relief of rheumatisim, sciatica and arthritis.



Rosemary is analgesic and is used for tired, stiff and overworked muscles. 

Black Pepper is a warming oil that can be used to prevent pain an stiffness in joints and muscles.



Ginger is great for a circulatory stimulant.  It is recommended for poor circulation, cold hands and feet.



Clove Bud is an analgesic and antispasmodic.  It will help relieve pain from arthritis and rheumatism.



Though not necessary  I recommend a couple of drops of Helichrysum due to it's amazing healing properties. 
Helichrysum is a very powerful oil and is highly sought after hence why it is more expensive than most. It has regenerative and anti-inflammatory actions.

It is used to heal wounds and for injuries such as twisted ankles and knees and sprains. This oil also helps with nerve regeneration and scar reduction. 

Fall is in the air & the smell of Clove is on my mind

Fall is in the air! 

What are you drinking?

There are so many things to drink these days....do you know what you are drinking?