The Benefits of Home Canning

Canning food in your own home is a safe and rewarding process that is becoming popular again as food prices soar and people realize they need to pay attention to securing their food supplies. Preserving food with home canning is an excellent way to increase your consumption of local food. Eating locally requires eating foods when they are in season, and canning allows you to capture the bounty of any particular crop in season and extend its availability throughout the year.    
Your home canned foods will be stored in jars that you can use again and again, unlike the throw-away packaging from grocery store food.    

How preserving food at home helps you:

1. Excellent quality and taste – When you use quality produce and perform the canning process correctly, you will create superior products to those for sale at the supermarket. Many recipes for home canned food are delicious and literally the quality is something that money can’t buy. You have to make these luscious foods yourself.
2. Control over the ingredients – With home canning, you will know exactly where your food is coming from. Ideal sources of produce are your own garden and fruit trees, local organic farms, and any local farm. From any of these sources you will be able to hand select your produce at the peak of ripeness.
3. Support of the local economy – By directly buying produce from local growers, you are putting money into the hands of local people. Local growers love selling from their own farms or market stands because they are not at the mercy of the big commodity buyers who set prices. This also allows local growers, especially small ones, to remain profitable, which is good for the local economy.
4. Lower your carbon dioxide footprint – Great amounts of energy are used to produce and transport the food eaten by society. Highly industrialized agriculture also relies on pesticides, herbicides, and petrochemical fertilizers. All of these things are bad for the environment and degrade the ability of soils to produce food in the future, which means greater scarcity, lower quality, and higher commodity prices. When you buy local food and can it at home, you are eliminating a huge percentage of the transport costs from burned fuel associated with shipping food across continents. Yes, home canning requires an energy input, but it does not compare to food being trucked halfway across the country to stock a shelf in a store. Reducing the amount of food you eat from distant places reduces the amount of fuel you are causing to be burned. Also when buying local food, try to focus on those growers who use sustainable growing practices that do not poison the environment.
5. Sense of accomplishment – Once you begin canning food, you will be thrilled with yourself. You will feel like you did something very meaningful to your existence because you did!

Virgin Coconut Oil Book

http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/

  Recently I received a copy of the Virgin Coconut Oil  to review from Tropical Traditions. I am a fan  of Tropical Tradition products. I  use there products often in baking.  I was excited to get this  book, I collect  cookbooks and  thought that this one would be great, but I had no idea how great this book was. 

When I received  this book, the first thing I noticed was a endorsement  on the back from  Dr.Joseph Mercola. Dr. Mercola who  is a  osteopathic physician trained in both traditional and natural medicine.

When starting from the front of this book, there is the history of Coconut oil, health benefits, page after page  ailments coconut Oil can help with and so many wonderful testmonies. I carried this book around for three days reading it, I could not put it down.

I had my own ailments which I will not name, and I realized that I had a jar of Tropical Traditions  Coconut Oil in my cabinet I used for baking.  I starting taking 3 spoonfuls of the oil daily and in only 3 days the symptoms I had are gone,  I  have been continuing this for a month and symptoms are still gone.

  I am a firm believer that God had made  things in the natural for healing, but it is up to us to seek God and have him lead  us to it.
 

In the back of this book are over 85 wonder recipes , using Coconut oil, and wow  such a variety from desserts to  sauces to casseroles to drinks and Gluten Free.   Good stuff.   All using some form of coconut: Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Cream Concentrate, or Coconut Flour. 

* These foundational recipes concentrate on sauces, spreads, and vinaigrettes.
* Developed by a professional chef.
* You can easily add Virgin Coconut Oil into your diet.
* Gluten-free recipes using Coconut Flour.

   If you are interested in Natural foods and Medicine  and those wishing to improve their overall health will be interested in reading Virgin Coconut Oil.


BONUS…

My followers will be able to acquire their own complimentary copy of our Virgin Coconut Oil book by taking part in our Referral Program: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/referral_program.htm, if you choose "referred by a friend" and enter code : 7156110

Link to our customer service page http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/customerservice.cfm so your followers can email us if they need some help placing their first web order to capture the free book. We have step-by-step instructions we can provide for your site, please just let us know if you’d like to receive a copy.
www.tropicaltraditions.com  


Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/

Natural Ways to Prevent and Treat Bug Bites

MotherEarthNews.com                                                                                                                                           It's hard to resist the lure of the outdoors during these summer months. But whether it's a chore, a meal or a simple frolic that beckons you into the open air, you're likely to be stung, feasted on or just irritated by bugs.  Prevention Rather than reaching for manufactured insect repellents that use powerful chemicals to keep bugs at bay, try these tips to naturally prevent bug bites. Wearlight-colored, loose-fitting clothing when outside. You'll lower your chances of popping up on a mosquito's radar, as these bugs are attracted to dark colors and easily bite through tight clothing. Also avoid wearing bright or floral patterns, as resembling a scrumptious flower can make you attractive to bees and wasps. Even if you don't have a pool or pond, you still need to eliminate standing water around your home, which is an invitation for mosquitoes to lay eggs near your abode. Drill holes in the bottoms of things like trash bins to drain water that may collect in them. Change birdbaths and pets' water dishes at least once a week and as often as possible in the summertime to wipe out any breeding grounds mosquitoes may have created. Check for other standing water sources, such as gutters, flower pots and children's toys. Rosemary, basil, catnip, lemon balm and rose geraniums are a few of the plants you can grow that have insect-repelling qualities. Lemon balm and catnip are especially good for warding off mosquitoes: Researchers at Iowa State University found the essential oil in catnip to be about 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the widely used synthetic repellent. Simply crush the leaves of any of these plants to release their scents and rub them on your exposed skin. Make your own catch-all insect repellent from a concoction of essential oils: 2  teaspoons total of any of the following essential oils: basil, cedarwood, citronella, juniper, lemon, myrrh, pine, rose geranium or rosemary (available at health food stores) 1 cup 190-proof grain alcohol (available at liquor stores) Place ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Transfer to a small bottle for storage. To use, rub a small amount on exposed skin, though test first to make sure skin doesn't react negatively.  Turns out garlic wards off more than vampires. You can make a potent mosquito repellent by mixing one part garlic juice with five parts water in a small spray bottle. Shake and spray a light coating of the mixture on exposed skin. Treatment If you are bitten or stung, try the following natural healing remedies.  Plantain, a common weed in yards and parks, can zap out pain, heat and swelling when its leaves are chewed and applied to a bite. Identify plantain by the five parallel veins that run the length of each leaf.  Rub aloe vera leaves on stings or bites to relieve burning sensations. Ease itch by applying a few drops of lavender oil as needed.????????

Adovia Dead Sea Mud Mask

http://www.cleopatraschoice.com/mud-mask.html 


 I recently was sent  a tube of Adovia`s Dead Sea Mud Mask to try and review.  The packaging is very nice, would be good for gift  giving . My daughter and I were anxious to try this product. After trying this product  my daughter noticed that some of her facial blemishes had cleared up  after a couple times using the product. I love how my face feels so clean. 
 It eliminates dirt and makeup build up, seems to scruff off dead cells and just plain replenishes life into your skin. I really love the quality of the Adovia  products  and others that Cleopatras choice carries.

Adovia Purifying Mud Mask - with Dead Sea Mud, Vitamin C and Aloe Vera
Extracts and Detoxifies all Impurities and Toxins
Great for Clearing up, Preventing and spot-treating Acne, Pimples and Blemishes
A "MUST" have for once a week or at least once a month use for anyone with oily or acne prone skin.
Your skin will literally have a noticeable "glow" after you do this mask
Skin looks smooth, beautiful and naturally clear after using this mask
As the mask dries, it gently pulls out toxins and impurities known to clog pores and cause visible signs of aging.
The presence of Dead Sea mud infuses your skin with needed minerals while firming it and improving elasticity.
This unique, natural and effective mask is formulated with Dead Sea Black Mud, Beeswax and a deeply moisturizing combination of Jojoba Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and Olive Oil. This natural mask boosts cell renewal and revitalizes your skin, while tightening your pores. As the mask dries, it gently pulls out toxins and impurities known to clog pores and cause visible signs of aging. The presence of Dead Sea mud infuses your skin with needed minerals while firming it and improving elasticity. Aloe Vera and Chamomile extracts soothe and calm your skin while vitamins A and C leave it looking fresh and renewed.


http://www.cleopatraschoice.com/mud-mask.html

Shea Butter review

http://www.cleopatraschoice.com/shea-butter.html

 I was sent this product  from Cleopatra`s Choice to try and review. My teenage daughter who has naturally dry skin has not had much  luck with moisturizers absolutely loves this product.  It has worked well for  her and I love it too!  I apply it to my face & body in the morning . It is best to work with small amounts of this product.
The butter is very thick, you can use a hairdryer on a low setting for less than 30 seconds until the butter is slightly melted on top or scoop the butter out with a spoon or such, put a small amount into your hands  rubbing them  together, the heat of your hands turns this product into a smooth non greasy face & body butter. It makes your skin feel so soft. The butter has a nutty scent that fades quickly 

Pure, unrefined Shea Butter has been prized for thousands of years for its hydrating and healing properties. Originating from the tropics of Africa, it is an excellent source of Vitamins A, E and F. Naturally highly concentrated, Shea Butter is the natural and economic choice to replenish your dry, damaged skin and make it feel softer and healthier than it has in years.

Easily absorbed; this butter is great for people of all skin types including those with skin sensitivities. Even mild enough for the delicate skin of a baby, its restorative properties promote skin elasticity which makes it the perfect solution for minimizing scars and stretch marks.

The high vitamin A and E content of makes it an excellent ointment for sun-damaged or wrinkled skin. Shea Butter moisturizes skin while preventing premature wrinkles and eases your fine lines without clogging pores or leaving your skin greasy or shiny.

The Vitamin F works to protect and rejuvenate your rough, dry chapped skin. Not only good for the skin, it is also be used as a pomade to restore the luster and shine to dry, damaged and dull hair. The butter even has a place in the first aid kit; its antiseptic properties make it the natural choice for treating burns and minor skin abrasions.

We do not process our Shea Butter. It is 100% pure and unrefined; this ensures that the butter maintains its rich emollient properties and that its healing benefits are left intact. Many consumer grades have been chemically processed and deprived of its naturally healing benefits and moisturizing properties. The resulting product is devoid of the emollient characteristics it is known for.

Made in small batches, this butter is a fair trade item produced by female West African subsistence farmers in Ghana. The production facility is a safe and clean working environment that enables the locals to earn a fair wage that supplements their farming income.
http://www.cleopatraschoice.com/shea-butter.html

Fun facts about Fruits and Veggies from Burpee

Fun Facts
Did you know that ...

•  There are at least 10,000 varieties of tomatoes, from small cherry ones to Ponderosa, which can weigh over three pounds.
  
  
• The tomato – the fruit for which Burpee is most famous – first grew as wild, cherry-sized berries in the South American Andes. The tomato as we know it today was developed in Mexico.
  
  
• Tomatoes are the world’s most popular fruit! More than 60 million tons are produced every year. That’s 16 million tons more than No.2 — the banana.
  
  
• Tomatoes are the fruit of a vine that’s native to South America.
  
  
• Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that is abundant in tomatoes and tomato products, is widely thought to help in the prevention of a variety of maladies.
  
  
• Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C. One medium tomato provides 40% of the recommended daily amount!
  
  
• Borage flowers can be prepared in an infusion and served as cold or hot tea.
  
  
• Watermelons are actually vegetables, related to pumpkins, cucumbers and squash.
  
  
• Watermelons are healthy! They contain no fat or cholesterol and are high in fiber content, potassium and vitamins A and C.
  
  
• The world record-holding watermelon was more than 260 lbs.
  
  
• The first cookbook that was published in 1176 contained a recipe for watermelon rind pickles.
  
  
• Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C. They contain twice as much (by weight) as citrus fruits!
  
  
• Ancient Greeks and Romans thought basil would only grow if you screamed wild curses and shouted while sowing the seeds.
  
  
• Basil is a great source of vitamin A, magnesium, potassium and iron.
  
  
• Basil oil is a traditional treatment for insect bites and bee stings.
  
  
• Cilantro was one of the plants growing in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon more than 2,500 years ago!
  
  
• Cilantro is a member of the carrot family.
  
  
• Cucumbers are believed to have originated more than 10,000 years ago in southern Asia.
  
  
• Cucumbers have the highest water content of any vegetable.
  
  
• Although considered a vegetable when cooking, squash is actually a fruit.
  
  
• Squash is a great source of beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant.
  
  
• Eggplants are members of the potato family.
  
  
• People of many cultures going back to ancient Greece have used thyme to flavor cheeses and liquors.
  
  
• An old English tradition is to plant large patches of thyme as playgrounds for faeries.
  
  
• Got a cold? Green sweet bell peppers have twice the vitamin C of oranges. Red and yellow bell peppers have four times as much.
  
  
• Onions, apples and potatoes all have the same taste. The difference in flavor is caused by their smell. Pinch your nose and try it – they will all taste sweet.
  
  
• Broccoli and cauliflower are the only vegetables that are also flowers!.
  
  
• Ounce for ounce, Broccoli has more vitamin C than an orange and as much calcium as a glass of milk.
  
  
• Onions make you cry because they are full of sulphuric chemicals, which irritate your tear ducts. Sulphur is the same gas which is produced by volcanoes when they erupt.

http://www.burpeehomegardens.com

Adovia Dead Sea Mud Soap review

http://www.cleopatraschoice.com/mud-soap.html         
I was  sent  a bar of Adovia  Dead Sea Mud soap to  review from Cleopatras Choice. The packaging  Adovia uses is very nice and would be nice for giving as gift.
The mud soap works great! I used it as a facial  As a facial soap, it leaves the skin very clean and moisturized. This product is all natural. There is no fragrance, and it's good for the skin. I love this product!! My skin  tends to be dry, but after using this soap, my skin is more balanced and moisturized and feels very clean.


Adovia Dead Sea Mud Soap Product Description:
Adovia Mud Soap removes dirt and cleanses your skin, while simultaneously infusing it with minerals essential to keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized.
Enriched with century old Dead Sea mud, leaving your skin cleansed and nourished
The mud soap gently cleanses away oil, bacteria and dirt particles, leaving skin purified, detoxified and fully cleansed.

Made from centuries-old Dead Sea mud, this 100% all-natural, fragrance-free mud soap contains a unique combination of minerals only found within the Dead Sea that guarantee to leave skin looking clean and well-nourished.


* Guaranteed the most Fresh and Authentic Adovia Dead Sea Mineral Skin Care products
* Made in Israel with Genuine Dead Sea Minerals as the key ingredient.
* Uniquely combines the healing power of Minerals from the Dead Sea with natural botanical ingredients from the Earth.
* Ingredients such as Shea Butter , Aloe Vera, Vitamins C, A and E, Seaweed, Dead Sea salt, Mud and Minerals, and many more Botanical Ingredients make skin look and feel great.



http://www.cleopatraschoice.com/mud-soap.html