DIY Cleaners Part 2

So a few weeks ago I posted some ways to make cleaners out of citrus peels, herbs, spices and vinegar. This was an alternative to essential oils just because I like to try different things. :) I've let these bad boys sit since then and yesterday I opened the lemon rosemary, filtered through a coffee filter and into a spray bottle with distilled water. Smells amazing and works great. There was also orange cinnamon clove and lime thyme. You can use them with just the peels alone but those were the recipes that I found on-line to try. Experiment and find a favourite. :)

Tick Removal

Here is a link to a tick remover that was posted on Wellness Mama blog on facebook. My daughter had a tick on her side last weekend when going on our bike ride. I found out that putting oils or soap on them while in your skin can aggravate them and make them regurgitate their stomach fluids into your skin making you more at risk for lyme disease. Also there is a right and wrong way to pull them out. I used tweezers and luckily it was just on the surface but this contraption looks easy to use. There are essential oils you can use as a deterrent like lemongrass or eucalyptus. But shouldn't be put on the actual tick once on you or your pets. Check the links below and can be bought on amazon for around $9 plus shipping. :)

video link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIoCTWYJsvo

to buy: https://www.amazon.ca/Tick-Twister-5926-Pro/dp/B010NU1V1I/ref=dp_ob_title_pet

The Truth About Cancer

Ty Bollinger who made the document series Quest for the Cure and Truth About Vaccines has started a 9 day documentary series that started last night on the Truth About Cancer. I get the links e-mailed to my inbox every night but if you google "The Truth About Cancer| on YouTube the entire series is available. Worth a watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqJAzQe7_0g&list=PL_WKlaR99nthRInEnaJHRyaHVtkYTXz_H

The Bad Bugs in Your Gut

Anyone who follows my blog or group on facebook knows that I am constantly doing research on food and health. I am almost done the book Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe and had to share something that I came across in it that I found so interesting. We've all heard that our gut should be comprised of good bacteria but sometimes bad bacteria can take over which causes what is now known as leaky gut. There was a small paragraph sectioned off in this book that gave a little description of this and I wanted to share it with you.

"  HOW PATHOGENIC BUGS CHANGE OUR BEHAVIOUR - All microbes learn, grow, adapt - and these adaptations actually have a hand in controlling our behavior. One thing they have the biggest control over is our food cravings. Bacteria help themselves survive by influencing us to choose foods that feature the particular nutrients they grow best on, rather than just taking whatever comes along. Some bacteria love fat, others love sugar. The bacteria are able to manipulate our feelings and cravings by changing neural signals along the vagus nerve. In this way, our gut bacteria literally teach us what to eat - they're able to alter our taste receptors, release toxins that make us feel bad, and reward us with chemicals that make us feel good - all in the service or their own survival and population growth."

That just hit me like lightning. How many times have I grabbed for something that I didn't really need but wanted to badly and then felt so good after taking a bite. Little rascals! I'll tell you that paragraph really hit me and made me realize that our body will give us all the signs when it needs help but are we actually listening to what we want to hear or what we need to hear. I'm listening now girl....message received. :)

Uses for Peppermint Oil

This essential oil is a staple in my house but in my research I found there are much more uses to this wonderful oil than I thought. Here are a list of uses for this great oil listed by Dr. Axe:

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

I've been gluten free for about 2 months now but man do I ever miss pizza! Cauliflower is a great alternative for things like potatoes, rice and you guessed it.....pizza dough. I was skeptical at first but tried it and it taste so good. Here is the recipe and some pictures of when I made this at home myself.

Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower
1/2 cup mozzarella
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg

I was making 2 larger pizzas so I tripled this recipe. Bowl some water on the stove and drop the cauliflower in for a few minutes. Then throw the heated cauliflower into your processor to make it like a dough. To get the water out you put the cauliflower into a dish towel and wring out as much of the water as you can. I found out after making this that I could of skipped this step and just grated the raw cauliflower. DARN! But the pictures and recipe I am posting are the way I made it so that's what I will show you.

Once you've squeezed out as much water as you can add the rest of the ingredients to the cauliflower dough as well as you can. Then simply spread over your cooking sheet and press the corners to create nice edges. Put the cauliflower dough into you pre-heated over at 500°F for 15 minutes to cook the crust. Then take the dough out and cover with your favourite toppings and put back in the over for another 5-7 minutes to cook. Presto, cauliflower pizza! Nothing beats the taste of authentic homemade pizza, but I have to admit this is a tasty alternative. :)

Avocado Pudding

Since going gluten free I've been trying to find different options for dessert. Tried making avocado pudding and it turned out pretty good. Please do not try this thinking that it will be as sweet and on the same scale as pudding. Keep an open mind when trying this and remember that you've removed all the gluten and dairy and substituted sugar with agave. Here is the recipe:

2 avocados
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 almond milk
agave syrup to taste
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla extract

This is a tweak to some recipes that I have found on-line. I think that next time that I make it I will reduce the cocoa powder because it is a bit overpowering for my taste but still a success and will satisfy a sweet craving. Give it a try! :)