Day 56

10/31/12

California's Prop 37 is a huge controversy, and would require labeling of food products that contain genetically modified ingredients.  Companies are donating huge sums of money in opposition of this initiative.

Nearly $10 million given by:

• Dupont Pioneer
• Bayer Crop Science
• BASF Plant Science
• PepsiCo
• Nestle USA
• Coca Cola
• ConAgra
• General Mills
• W.M. Wrigley
• Mars Food - Snickers, 3 Musketeers, M&M's
• Uncle Ben's
• Hershey
• Godiva
• JM Smucker
• Sunny Delight
• Kellogg
• Bumble Bee Foods
• Bimbo Bakeries
• Campbell Soup
• Land O'Lakes
• Hormel Foods
• Del Monte Foods
• Ocean Spray Cranberries
• Knouse Foods - Musselman's, Lucky Leaf, Apple Time, Lincoln, Speas Farms apple juice and apple sauce

All of these companies, and probably more, have funded the coalition to defeat Prop 37 - this would allow them to keep using GMO's without the consumer being aware.  Seeing that these companies are on the opposition list indicate that they are, in fact, using GMO foods.

Be Aware!

More on GMO's on Days 3, 18, and 26

Day 55

10/30/12

Himalayan Pink Salt!

Himalayan crystal salt is superior to traditional iodized white salt. It is millions of years old, pure, untouched by many of the toxins and pollutants that pervade other forms of ocean salt.

Himalayan Pink Salt contains the same 84 natural minerals and elements found in the human body.

**Regular table salt is has nutritional value and lacking beneficial trace minerals. Processing salt turns it into sodium chloride, which the human body actually sees as a toxic invader! The body cannot dispose of it in a natural, healthy way, which can lead to inflammation of the tissues, water retention and high blood pressure.

Health Benefits:

• Controls water levels within the body
• Promote stable pH balance in the cells
• Reduce common signs of aging
• Increase the absorption of food elements in the intestinal tract
• Aids vascular health
• Supports healthy respiratory function
• Lowers incidence of sinus problems
• Reduce muscle cramps
• Increase bone strength
• Promote healthy sleep patterns
• Create a healthy libido
• Blood pressure regulation
• Prevent cellulite
• Reduce chances of developing kidney and gall bladder stones 

....and it tastes SO MUCH BETTER! 

Day 54

10/29/12

Simple Vinegar Spray!

Here is another use for one of the many spray bottles I showed ya on Day 4.

I filled it 3/4 of the way full with Distilled White Vinegar, and 1/4 with water.

I then proceeded to clean both of our bathrooms from top to bottom with this stuff - tub, mirrors, sinks, floors, toilets ---> this alone didn't clean the toilets, but adding Baking Soda worked like a charm.

I also cleared out my drains by covering them with a layer of Baking Soda, pouring 1/2 cup Vinegar down the drain, then running the hot water.  Any gunk will bubble up and you can wipe it away.

It felt good to clean without harsh chemicals :-)

Day 53

10/28/12

As if you didn't have enough uses for Coconut Oil......

11 Uses for the Kitchen:

1. Cooking oil
2. Baking oil
3. Season cast iron pans
4. Baking spray
5. Condition wooden cutting boards
6. Butter substitute - great on toast
7. Replacement for shortening
8. Hand scrub - removes paint, wax, caulk, grime
9. Ice cubes - add to any beverage
10. Remove baked-on food
11. Mason Jar lid rust preventor - rub on before washing

Day 52

10/27/12

10 Coconut Oil Uses (for around the house):

In addition to day 27, 28, and 38, here are 10 more coconut oil uses to add to your life!

1. Metal polish
2. Remove stuck-on rings
3. Leather moisturizer - test small area
4. Gum remover
5. WD 40 replacement
6. Furniture/wood polish - test small area
7. 'Goo Gone' - mix with baking soda
8. Guitar string lubricant
9. Free stuck zipper
10. Coat trash can with spray to prevent flies or maggots

Day 51

10/26/12

More goodies from Young Living!

In addition to my amazing Young Living Essential Oils from Day 45, these products also came in my first order.

The product on the left was a freebie- they are roller heads to attach to the oil bottles so you can just roll them onto the skin.

The middle product is NINGXIA RED juice which is infused with a signature blend of essential oils to energize, fortify, and revitalize body and spirit.  I'm tellin' ya... the day I received my package I was feeling like I was coming down with the flu, I drank one of these pouches and within 15 minutes I was running around like the Energizer Bunny. No joke.

Lastly, my multi-vitamin which is specially formulated to support the nutritional needs of women.

Have I mentioned that I LOVE these products?

Day 50

10/25/12

Stovetop Squash Biscuits with Kale & Spinach in Cider Sauce

YUM.  I got this recipe from New Vegetarian Kitchen by Nicola Graimes.

 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups peeled and seeded butternut squash cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 5 tbsp. butter
• 1 egg - beaten
• 2 tbsp. milk
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 leeks - sliced
• 10 oz. kale
• 10 0z. spinach
• 1 tbsp. thyme leaves
• 1.5 cups great Northern beans
• 1 cup dry hard cider
• 1 tsp. dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup milk
• freshly ground black pepper
• chopped or ground parsley

1. Steam the squash until tender, transfer to a bowl, mash, set aside to cool.

2. Mix flour, wheat germ, salt, baking soda, and baking powder into mixing bowl.  Melt 3 tbsp. + 1 tsp. of the butter and stir into dry ingredients, along with squash, egg, and milk.  Stir to make soft dough.

3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.  Spoon a spoonful of the dough and flatten with spatula. Repeat, until the dough is used up.  Cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden.

4. Heat the remaining oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.  Fry the leeks 4 minutes, then add kale, spinach, thyme, and cook, stirring occasionally for 3 more minutes.  Stir in the beans and cider, increase heat to medium-high.  Cook 5-10 minutes until the cider reduces by half.  Reduce heat and stir in mustard and milk.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve the biscuits with the sauce and sprinkled with parsley.

Enjoy!  I made a few changes- used milk instead of cream, added wheat germ, red peppercorns, and spinach - when the original recipe only called for kale.