tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33328883798365389872024-03-04T20:44:09.591-08:00The Nature Life ProjectMonica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-71834379212619465702016-08-09T12:29:00.003-07:002016-11-15T13:30:53.349-08:00Why the Homestead Life Will Make America Great Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not here to talk politics or endorse any candidates, but I would like to discuss the state of our nation, and why I think living a more self-reliant lifestyle is what it will take to make us great again. Whether you live in an apartment or on 20 acres, the change begins with each of us and how we live.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>A lot of good people are broke right now, living in poverty and relying on the government for help. Pretty much everything is more expensive than it used to be and we aren't earning any more than we used to. We are divided. We are unhealthy, weak and overweight. We are bombarded with distractions and, sorry to say, have successfully been dumbed down. We know how to consume, but we aren't so good at creating and producing anymore. Our world is toxic with pollution--the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.<br />
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No presidential candidate will truly fix all of these problems. They might be able to improve the economy a bit and create new laws, but the real problem is deep within all of us, and so only we can fix it. The change must begin with us.<br />
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So how do we do that?<br />
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I'm not sure if it is obvious to you, but it is pretty plain for me to see that the modern American lifestyle isn't working that well. I believe we must change our mindsets and we must change the way we live. <br />
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We cannot live week to week, month to month, paycheck to paycheck, without any security, relying on the government if we fall. We must take matters into our own hands to take care of ourselves and our families. We must feed ourselves, create our own security, and produce with our own two hands again. We must work hard to do this. Nothing worth a damn comes easy. It takes hard work, strength, and personal power. Fortunately, hard work, and its results, are deeply satisfying.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"Nothing worth a damn comes easy. It takes hard work, strength, and personal power."</i></span></blockquote>
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Modern life creates all kinds of conveniences for us that actually hurt us in the long run, keeping us weak, tired and lazy. <br />
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The microwave is a great example. Pop something in the microwave for a quick dinner and zap all the nutrients out of it so that it has absolutely no benefit for your body. Warming something up on the stove or in the oven only takes a few more minutes.<br />
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Fast food is another great example. Everyone knows it is bad for us. But it is fast and easy and we are stressed and tired, so people still buy it. It can actually be less expensive to take a little time to plan meals for the week, plus you will have a lot more energy and create a healthier body.<br />
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Even the grocery store is a modern convenience that can potentially hurt us in the long run: rows and rows of boxes filled with fake food and harmful chemicals that are so much more expensive than they used to be. But so many people work more than 40 hours a week to <i>barely</i> provide for their families. There is no way they have the time to care for a garden and preserve their own food.<br />
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When we buy from the grocery store, we are indirectly polluting the planet even more. The trucks that deliver the food use a lot of oil and pollute the air. If everyone walked into their backyard for their food, our carbon footprint would drastically shrink.<br />
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What I'm talking about, changing our lifestyles, is a huge change for most people. But if it is done correctly, wisely, with proper planning, it can actually give you more time for the things that matter, better health, and more money in your wallet. It may be hard work initially, but once you learn the skills you need and get into your groove, it really isn't as difficult as it looks.<br />
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<i>Gardens are as unique as their gardeners...what will your garden look like?</i></div>
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In my opinion, a better life starts in the garden. A garden gives us nutritious food, exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. It also reduces stress, the silent killer of modern life. You'll spend less money on food, which is incredibly expensive these days, so you'll have more money in your wallet too. (Plus food from your garden tastes better.) You'll be doing your part to heal the little plot of land you've been given and encourage the bee populations. You can even grow your own medicines so you don't have to rely on pharmaceuticals.<br />
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Maybe you have zero space for a garden. You can still take advantage of harvest season. Go to your local farmer's market, or the fruit and veggie stands on the side of the road. Bargain with the farmer directly, buy in bulk, go home and preserve it. It may take a little extra time, but it will save you a LOT of money and benefit your health.<br />
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Maybe you live in an apartment and have a balcony. You can utilize the trick above, plus grow all your salad fixins. It doesn't take much space. Many community gardens lease garden plots to people who don't have their own land.<br />
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Even with a small backyard, you can grow some of your own food and raise a few chickens for eggs. You can learn to fish and hunt and fill your freezer with meat. You can barter with others for what you can't produce yourself.<br />
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This is how people lived in America less than a hundred years ago. Only now, we do have modern conveniences. We can pick and choose our homesteading skills, and use modern technology to take care of the rest.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">"We can pick and choose our homesteading skills, and use modern technology to take care of the rest."</span></i></blockquote>
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And when you are ready to take the plunge, and I hope you are ready one day soon, you can buy a plot of land and be truly self-reliant.<br />
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To me, self-reliance means that I take care of all of my basic needs: food, shelter, energy, water, health and security. For me, that means growing all of my own food, preserving my own food, paying off my mortgage as early as possible, creating my own electricity, having a well on my property, using holistic methods to be proactive about my health, and knowing how to defend myself and my property. To go one step further, I also want to create my own income instead of working for someone else. I've never liked having a boss or being told what to do. I'm a self-starter and I can direct myself.<br />
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These days, most people don't know how to do these things for themselves. From the time I started thinking this way, it has taken me years to learn the basic skills I need and I still have a lot to learn. I believe it has been time well invested.<br />
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Will you imagine for a second a country where most of its citizens live this way? I'm not sure it's realistic, although it is almost trendy now to get back to the land. (A trend I love.) If American citizens lived the self-reliant life once again, I believe so many of our issues would improve. <br />
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For starters, we would be a healthier nation. We wouldn't be in debt for medical bills (the leading cause of bankruptcy, by the way). With healthier bodies, we would also have healthier minds, which would improve the rates of mental illness in our country. Maybe,<i> just maybe</i>, these mass shootings would slow down a little. <br />
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But if they didn't, each and everyone of us would know how to defend ourselves if we are ever in that terrible situation. What would a shooter do if the majority of people around them had the skills to fight back and were strong enough to overcome them? And if people successfully defended themselves enough times, maybe, <i>just maybe</i>, those stories would be a deterrent to other wannabe shooters.<br />
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We would have more money in our pockets. How much money do we spend on food, rent, and electricity? Did you know that if you make just one extra mortgage payment a year, that your 30 year mortgage can be paid off in almost half the time? By spending less on food and electricity and junk we don't need, most people should be able to do that. Resist the urge to refinance or take out equity, and in less than two decades you are living rent free. This is long term planning. Put in the work now so that life can be easier later.<br />
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<i>Solar panels are an investment that pay for themselves.</i></div>
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If we resist the urge to spend money on stuff we don't really need, we can put that money into solar or wind power. It might be spendy at first, but it pays for itself within a few years. That is one less bill to pay. Many areas in the country will even buy back power from you. You could put money in your pocket this way.<br />
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Does this lifestyle take planning and hard work? Yes. But it is also deeply satisfying, rewarding and creates character. In my humble opinion, it would make America great again.<br />
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I've put my money where my mouth is and taken the first steps toward this lifestyle. Will you?<br />
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</b:if>Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-61682285693525175242016-07-21T19:11:00.000-07:002016-11-15T13:40:03.889-08:00Our New Homestead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have embarked on a new adventure. My fiance, Owen, and I bought our new home on 6.8 acres. We sold one business, closed the other, packed up and moved to a new town near Owen's favorite fishing river in our beautiful Washington State. Our intention is to create our own modern homestead. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>We will eat the fruits and veggies we grow, and they will taste so much better than the ones at the grocery store. Whatever we haven't eaten fresh or given to friends will be canned and frozen.<br />
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We will eat the fish we catch. We've only been at our new home 3 weeks, and our freezer is already stocked with smoked salmon and steelhead that we smoked ourselves. <br />
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We will keep chickens for their tasty and healthy orange (not yellow) eggs. <br />
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We will keep a beehive for our own honey. The honey from our land will build our immunity to seasonal allergies, and the wax will be used to create candles, moisturizers, lotions and lip balms. <br />
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We will grow herbs for medicine and make our own tinctures, teas, and salves.<br />
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We will forage our own property for wild edible mushrooms and medicinal plants.<br />
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Down the road, we'll figure out how to make our own butter, yogurt, cheese, wine, and beer.<br />
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Eventually we will find the best way to produce our own energy, whether that means wind, solar, or another technology yet to be invented.<br />
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<i>We already have a couple of apple trees full of the sweetest apples.</i></div>
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Of course we need to make money, so I will focus on my freelance writing. Owen has already started his fishing guide service, <a href="http://www.ripsomelipsguideservice.com/" target="_blank">Rip Some Lips Guide Service</a>, and has built up a clientele of some great folks. We send them home with smoked salmon and whatever baked goodies I made that day. <br />
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Our goal is to live off of our land as much as possible and do what we truly love and are passionate about. This is how life is meant to be lived. Three weeks into this new adventure of ours and I know this much is true. Before we got here, the stress was suffocating me and I was nearing burnout. Today, I feel like I can breathe again. There is some serious satisfaction to be had when you complete a garden project on your own property, or when you pick all of the ingredients for your salad out of your garden. <br />
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<i>My first project on the homestead was cleaning up </i><i>the raspberry </i></div>
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<i>patch that was overgrown and full of weeds. A successful day!</i></div>
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It may sound like hard work, but anything you do with your own two hands will be of higher quality than something that is mass produced. The taste of homegrown veggies alone makes the effort worth it. Plus you get to be outside in the fresh air and get plenty of exercise and sun on your skin. It is the kind of hard work that makes you feel good at the end of the day.<br />
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Although I'm going back to vintage, from-scratch, of-the-earth kind of living, our modern technology makes this kind of lifestyle much easier than it was for our great-grandparents. Washing machines, dishwashers, riding lawn mowers, freezers and pressure canners drastically reduce the time it would have taken Great Grandma to do these tasks. The internet makes it possible to make a decent living in the country. Skype and email make it easy to stay in touch with those that don't live nearby. The modern homestead is easier to maintain than the homestead of 1900, but you still get the benefit of delicious food, deeper sleep, a calmer mind, and better overall health.<br />
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<i>Home Sweet Homestead </i></div>
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Our health was one of the main motivations for changing our lifestyle. Running multiple businesses is extremely stressful and the stress was slowly eating away at us. I went to both my M.D. and my naturopath about a few seemingly unrelated health complaints. Both of them told me my issues would go away on their own if I could get my stress level down. <a href="http://thenaturelifeproject.blogspot.com/2016/02/natures-way-to-defeat-stress.html" target="_blank">I tried.</a> I did my yoga and deep breathing. I tried not to let the little things eat at me. I went to acupuncture and got a massage here and there. I worked out as much as my time would allow, which wasn't as often as I would have liked. I never seemed to get enough sleep.<br />
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I finally realized I needed a complete lifestyle overhaul. The only way to de-stress would be to completely change our lives and the way we lived. Easier said than done. The transition took more time than you'd think. It takes a lot of planning, hard work, and ingenuity to sell a business, close another, start new businesses, buy a house, pack up and move. Obstacles popped up, plans had to be changed, and we had to go with the flow. I didn't get much sleep for a while there, but I knew in the end it would be worth it. Mentally, I was spending a lot of time at my new homestead that didn't exist yet. Daydreaming got me through the hardest days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIYYDTC0wIklPoX3C4Q_aP_1-PWeHgPzYmK2EM3Biv5Cg8Kyypnzk3Sb2PR0u8a8dZLjCHBoejLeRzBFB5nJ8iFrlXojvasOpo8c5eU7OFqBxIjVW4gkFZO2AgJ2E8oR2jPiVsoaYXs4/s1600/existing+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIYYDTC0wIklPoX3C4Q_aP_1-PWeHgPzYmK2EM3Biv5Cg8Kyypnzk3Sb2PR0u8a8dZLjCHBoejLeRzBFB5nJ8iFrlXojvasOpo8c5eU7OFqBxIjVW4gkFZO2AgJ2E8oR2jPiVsoaYXs4/s640/existing+garden.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The garden I inherited. It needs a little cleaning up, and some expansion, </i></div>
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<i>but we've already been eating fresh salads daily!</i></div>
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I've had this idea building in my mind for years now. When I was only 18, deciding on whether or not to get my degree or get to work, the thought occurred to me that the way our society is living isn't working out so well. Our modern lifestyle may be comfortable in the moment but it is hurting us in the long run. The stress of modern life slowly chips away at a person until their health deteriorates. We are disconnected from our food, the planet and ourselves. <br />
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We are cogs in the machine: go to school to learn how to be a good employee, become a slave to our student loans and work for a corporation making someone else rich so that we can pay them off. We acquire more debt along the way because the media and society make us feel like we must get married, and pay the government to do so, and then we spend too much money on a wedding. Then it is time to have kids, which come with more bills. We might end up getting divorced a few times which is even more expensive. Most of us will never be rich. Most of us will work for someone else for the rest of our lives just trying to pay our bills and have a little fun along the way. <br />
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<i>Owen mowing our huge backyard.</i></div>
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<i>Some of that land might just have to become more gardening space...</i></div>
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And all the while, this money isn't even real. It is digital currency created at the whim of the rich and powerful. They lend us money that doesn't even exist and then profit off of us. They control the markets, the interest rates, inflation, and we are stuck in their game. And it is a game we are playing. When we inevitably get sick, we are told to rely on pharmaceuticals to make us healthy again. Sometimes they help and sometimes they give us more side effects and health problems. But once we are sick (in a system that will make us sick by design) we become dependent on Big Pharma and their system because now we <i>need</i> their drugs. They are now our dealer. We might spiral down so far that we begin to rely on the government to take care of us because it really is that hard to win at their game. They don't teach us how to escape the rat race in school. They teach us how to be the rat on the wheel.<br />
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This seems wrong to me. I want out.<br />
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<i>My sweet little garden shed. </i></div>
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<i>My paddle board and kayak are ready to get out on the water.</i></div>
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And then about 5 years ago I started wondering if I could survive without being so dependent on corporations, government, and Big Pharma. How would that look? Could it work? Weren't we as Americans once independent, self-sufficient, live-off-the-land kinds of people? Anyone whose family emigrated to the United States comes from ancestors who were brave pioneers, explorers and immigrants looking for a better life. Not a life of comfort, consumerism and dependence, but a higher quality life based on independence and freedom. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Your ancestors took a big risk to come here. They were brave, tough and strong. They were courageous. I bet they were fighters. I bet they were rebels not satisfied with the status quo. That's who you come from. Be like them. Don't be like the sheep.<br />
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<i>I love how the previous owner decorated with rustic farm equipment.</i></div>
<br />
So now I have this vision in my mind's eye of what a self-sufficient, self-sustainable, modern homesteading life looks like for my little family. I create my vision a little more in my imagination every single day. I bring a little more of it to life with my own two hands every single day. And one day, a few years from now, you will see this vision come to fruition on our modern homestead. A life connected to the land, connected to nature, living according to the harvest, cycling with the seasons, living our passions, and laughing around bonfires with good friends under the full moon. We will have healthy bodies, calm minds, and a lightness of heart. We will live a simple life, a quality life, focused on the truly important things. <br />
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Every day I thank God for the opportunity to make this a reality and ask for the wisdom not to mess it up. My hope is that this crazy plan of ours works out like I think it will, and I can show my readers how to do this for themselves. I plan on writing about this adventure of ours here on my blog, and I hope you'll come along for the ride. This is my Nature Life Project.<br />
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</b:if>Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-13925251776654636062016-05-31T21:25:00.000-07:002016-11-15T13:52:41.166-08:00How to Start a Community Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year,
my business had the opportunity to partner with a charity and build a
community garden at our local youth center. In one day, the community came
together, young and old, to build raised beds and a fence to surround the
garden. Now the youth center includes gardening as an after-school activity for
the kids. They feed them after school snacks and meals out of the garden, and
send the extra produce home to their families.</div>
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Seeds of Grace (<i>dreambigaskbold.org</i>), the non-profit
that organized and fundraised for the event, has now built nine community
gardens in Washington State and Mexico. Each garden donates their produce to a
specific organization to help the community. Homeless shelters, food banks,
after school programs, and Meals on Wheels are a few of the recipients. </div>
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I sat down with Seeds of Grace
founder, Karole Johnson, to ask her how others can start building community
gardens where they live. She offered several helpful suggestions based on her
own experiences.</div>
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<b>Find the Right Location</b></div>
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First things first, you need to
find a location for your community garden. Great places to start looking are
schools, churches, food banks, parks, your local YMCA, youth centers, and senior
centers. Karole stresses that your location
needs access to water. One of her first gardens did not have easy access and
forced her to get creative to find a solution. She figured out a way to
irrigate the garden, but has since made sure to avoid that problem in the first
place.</div>
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Your garden will also need to be located
where there is plenty of sunshine. If there is wilderness surrounding the plot,
you may need to build a fence to protect your garden from deer and other hungry
critters. </div>
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<b>Find the Right Leadership and Involve the
Community</b></div>
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Once you have your location, you
need the people. Community gardens rely on community members to keep them going
once they've been built. Chances are that you will find a lot of interest at
the location where you plan to build. Reach out to local businesses, have the
local paper write up a story about the garden, put up flyers and use social
media to gather support. Karole emphasizes that the leaders you choose should not
be control freaks, but instead be able to motivate and bring people
together. </div>
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<b>Be Creative and Bold about Fundraising</b></div>
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According to Karole, you can
estimate that each garden will cost around $2000. This includes materials for
the raised beds and fencing, dirt, plants, equipment and tools. She has found
success in asking local businesses to donate funds and supplies. Be bold when
asking businesses for support. You will be surprised at how generous they will
be. At the youth center's garden, my shop donated the funds for the fence,
another business donated all of the soil free of charge, and another company
allowed us to use a front-loading tractor for the day.</div>
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One of Karole's most successful
fundraising events was when she partnered with a local restaurant. She handed
out fundraising tickets to the community, and the restaurant donated 10% of
their pre-tax sales from any guest that presented a ticket. </div>
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Seeds of Grace also holds craft
bazaars twice a year, once in the spring and once during the holidays. They
sell handmade items that were either donated or made by volunteers, and use the
profits for their next garden.</div>
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If you are a non-profit
organization, you can set up a Smile account with Amazon. Amazon will give you
a link to share. When people shop Amazon using your link, your organization
will receive a small percentage of the
sales.</div>
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Gofundme.com is an effective
fundraising site. You post your cause on their website and perfect strangers
will donate their pocket change to help you. Many worthwhile organizations have
raised a lot of money this way.</div>
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Community gardens are an
important trend. They feed the less fortunate with organic food, bring people
together, and keep the community connected to nature. The one thing every
community garden needs is good people. You are needed. I encourage you to find
an organization, or start your own, and use these tips to get your own
community growing.</div>
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<i>This article was first published in Maximum Yield's Industry News April 2016 edition.</i></div>
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</b:if>Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-10381773579992845932016-05-28T13:15:00.000-07:002016-11-15T13:54:47.937-08:00Cannabis is Powerful Medicine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After living through decades of
the War on Drugs, even though laws have changed in a majority of States, there
is still a stigma attached to one of the most healing herbs on the planet:
cannabis. </div>
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Cannabis was the most widely
prescribed medicine until the early 1900's, and has never caused one single
death. Before cannabis prohibition laws
were passed in 1937, the American Medical Association stated the world would be
denied a potent medicine if it were illegal.
However, when the Marijuana Tax Bill was up for a vote in Congress,
Representative Vinson blatantly lied by saying the AMA was behind the bill.</div>
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The AMA knew then what we are
rediscovering now. Cannabis is one of
the safest, most powerful healing herbs on the planet. It is known to help with a variety of
ailments, including and not limited to epilepsy, glaucoma, cancer, nausea,
stress, PTSD, migraines, anorexia, depression, arthritis, and chronic pain.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>For the past three years, I have volunteered at a medical cannabis dispensary here in Washington State. I have personally met countless patients who
have had success with cannabis. Local
cancer centers routinely send patients our way. </div>
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One patient, Joanna, first
started using cannabis for her incessant migraines. She also has a genetic mutation that limits
her body's ability to uptake serotonin and dopamine, causing her tremendous
depression. Once she started using
cannabis, her migraines were less frequent and she was able to feel her
emotions for the first time, which made her more empathetic and less depressed
than she had ever felt before.</div>
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Another patient, who will remain
anonymous, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, an invasive and
aggressive form of cancer that is extremely difficult to fight. She ingested cannabis oil by mouth along with
chemotherapy and radiation. The cannabis
oil drastically reduced her pain during treatment. When the time came to remove any remaining
cancer after treatment, her doctors were shocked to find there was absolutely
no sign of cancer left in her breasts. These results are common.</div>
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Another patient's doctor measured
the total size of his tumors to be 6mm.
He started a cannabis oil regimen, ingesting it by mouth, and his tumors
shrunk by a third. He had to stop taking
the oil for an upcoming drug test for his job, and his tumors increased in size
again.</div>
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We have a large number of retired
veterans who successfully use cannabis to help with their PTSD. </div>
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Many epileptic patients have drastically
reduced the number of seizures they suffer from. Some have gone from having 10 or more per
day, down to one or two per month.</div>
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I've met plenty of patients who
have reduced the amount of prescription painkillers they take by using
cannabis. Opioids alone caused over 165,000
deaths between 1999 and 2014. Cannabis
has never killed anyone in thousands of years, and can reduce or replace the
need for opioids. Considering the
harmful side effects of prescription drugs, it seems like common sense to use a
safe, effective herbal medicine instead.</div>
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There is a genuine need for medical cannabis in our world. It is not the harmful gateway drug that propagandists would have you believe it is. It is a plant that has successfully reduced suffering for and healed people for thousands of years. Now that a majority of states have legalized medical cannabis, it is the ideal time for you to consider replacing some of your harmful pharmaceuticals with this powerful medicine.</div>
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Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-75526787116701746692016-05-10T16:29:00.000-07:002016-11-15T13:57:01.505-08:00Reishi: The REAL Magic Mushroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">An
acupuncturist once told me that if I only ever take one supplement for the rest of my life, it should be reishi
mushrooms. For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has
hailed reishi as the "Mushroom of Immortality." We may be a few
thousand years behind here in the West, but modern science is finally starting
to catch up.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to Paul Grobins, a
licensed acupuncturist from Gig Harbor, WA, "Reishi is known as the
essential immune system regulator with a wide ranging variety of medicinal
qualities." According to TCM, reishi benefits our heart, spleen, liver,
brain, circulatory system, respiratory system, and overall immune system.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the East, reishi is generally
recommended for allergies, arrhythmia, bronchitis, coronary heart disease,
fibromyalgia, hepatitis, hypertension, hypoxia, leukopenia, liver cirrhosis,
neurosis, tumors, and purpura. Reishi acts as an analgesic for pain, including
muscle soreness, menstrual cramps, and headaches. It fights viral and bacterial
infections, lowers cholesterol, shrinks tumors, and decreases the signs of aging.
They aren't kidding when they call reishi the "Mushroom of Immortality."
It quite literally gives you a longer, healthier life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">They aren't kidding when they call reishi the "Mushroom of Immortality." It quite literally gives you a longer, healthier life.</span></b></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Western scientists have been
working diligently in the lab to verify whether or not these miraculous claims
are true. A simple Google search will pull up multiple pages of studies and
experiments. Science now knows that reishi mushrooms are full of vitamins and
minerals, antioxidants, polysaccharides and triterpinoids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The true healing properties seem
to come from the polysaccharides and the triterpinoids. For example, beta
glucans, which are polysaccharides found in reishi, have shown anti-tumor and
immunostimulating activities in a lab setting<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(1)(2)</span>. Studies have also shown
reishi's unique triterpene compounds may inhibit tumor invasion by reducing
matrix metalloproteinase expression<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(3)</span>. It may also inhibit tumor metastases by
limiting attachment to endothelial cells<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(4)</span>. Quite a few recent studies support
anti-cancer claims with evidence that reishi induces natural killer cell
cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(5)</span>. In studies with
advance-stage cancer patients, reishi has been shown to increase plasma
antioxidant capacity and enhance immune response<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(6)(7)(8)</span>. This only scrapes
the surface of what reishi mushrooms have to offer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CC6qguzWKi1Ys-ZJHGg4iKH09csqglEGwuROnv-wMu6v3reqEKV4HomDoumoAluxyqyVK3nw-DgYNAMVRP3F-JpekbF5tPhQXqbAR_SYzeLqbsgDfbtOneKD53CKrbeRttHhR8glOeQ/s1600/reishicapsules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CC6qguzWKi1Ys-ZJHGg4iKH09csqglEGwuROnv-wMu6v3reqEKV4HomDoumoAluxyqyVK3nw-DgYNAMVRP3F-JpekbF5tPhQXqbAR_SYzeLqbsgDfbtOneKD53CKrbeRttHhR8glOeQ/s200/reishicapsules.jpg" width="94" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since the East is so far ahead of
us when it comes to these magical mushrooms, it would be wise to seek their
advice when including them in our routine. TCM practitioners recommend taking
reishi on an empty stomach. When taken with vitamin C, the reishi is more
readily absorbed. Shell-broken spores are better absorbed than non-broken shell
spores. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because mushrooms are a food,
they can be taken with other supplements and medications without side effects.
However, it is normal to have detoxification symptoms the first 3-7 days you take reishi, which is a
sign they're working. These symptoms might include light dizziness, short-term
thirst, and increased defecation and urination. For certain ailments,
practitioners recommend pairing reishi with other Chinese herbs. Consult a
licensed acupuncturist for detailed and personalized instructions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you think of "magic
mushrooms," reishi might not be the first thing to come to mind, but they
will be once you start taking them yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<i>This article was originally published in the Feb/March 2016 issue of HydroLife Magazine.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Reference:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(1) <span style="background: white;">Mao T, van De Water J, Keen CL, et al. Two mushrooms,
Grifola frondosa and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Ganoderma lucidum, can stimulate
cytokine gene expression and proliferation in human T lymphocytes.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Int J Immunother<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>1999;15(1):13-22.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;">(2) Sun LX, Li WD, Lin ZB, et
al.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24525691" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext;">Protection against lung cancer
patient plasma-induced lymphocyte suppression by<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Ganoderma lucidum<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>polysaccharides.</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">Cell Physiol Biochem.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">2014;33(2):289-299.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;">(3) Chen NH, Liu JW, Zhong
JJ.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18946196" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ganoderic Acid me inhibits tumor invasion through down-regulating matrix
metalloproteinases 2/9 gene expression</span></a><span style="background: white;">.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>J Pharmacol Sci.
Oct 2008;108(2):212-216.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;">(4) Li YB, Wang R, Wu HL, et
al.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18695905" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext;">Serum amyloid A mediates the
inhibitory effect of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Ganoderma lucidum<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>polysaccharides on tumor cell adhesion
to endothelial cells</span></a><span style="background: white;">.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Oncol Rep. Sep
2008;20(3):549-556.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;">(5) Chang CJ, Chen YY, Lu CC,
et al.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23803412" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Ganoderma lucidum</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">stimulates NK cell cytotoxicity by inducing NKG2D/NCR activation and
secretion of perforin and granulysin.</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">Innate Immun.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">2013 Jun 26.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;">(6) Wachtel-Galor S, Szeto
YT, Tomlinson B, et al.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14630595" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext;">Ganoderma
lucidum</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: windowtext;">(’Lingzhi’); acute and short-term biomarker response to supplementation</span></a><span style="background: white;">.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Int J Food Sci Nutr. Feb
2004;55(1):75-83.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;">(7) Wachtel-Galor S,
Tomlinson B, Benzie IF.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14756912" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Ganoderma lucidum</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">(“Lingzhi”), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a
controlled human supplementation study</span></a><span style="background: white;">.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Br J Nutr. Feb
2004;91(2):263-269.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;">(8) Gao Y, Zhou S, Jiang W,
et al.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12916709" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Effects of ganopoly (a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Ganoderma lucidum<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>polysaccharide extract) on the immune
functions in advanced-stage cancer patients</span></a></span><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Immunol Invest. Aug
2003;32(3):201-215.</span></span></div>
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Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-21916442977488497572016-02-01T13:56:00.000-08:002016-11-15T13:58:25.139-08:00Nature's Way to Defeat Stress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk38cEf4PBw8lDtqd3GdGkiXPXBzuh4r-7_bSSAVEVx-OBJlotZySSujW2hoVqxCpTtInC268pZxT9Hp_3-uKOxds8s74zN4lbZsBIkBs6VdYCF9NdW3dA55g0Xab1dkjvzeP_fVk87c/s1600/Nature%2527s+Way+to+Beat+Stress+Cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk38cEf4PBw8lDtqd3GdGkiXPXBzuh4r-7_bSSAVEVx-OBJlotZySSujW2hoVqxCpTtInC268pZxT9Hp_3-uKOxds8s74zN4lbZsBIkBs6VdYCF9NdW3dA55g0Xab1dkjvzeP_fVk87c/s640/Nature%2527s+Way+to+Beat+Stress+Cover.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stress is an
inescapable part of life. It may take the form of taxes, difficulties at work, or
a traffic jam. The sources are endless. A little can be good, but overwhelming
stress takes a toll on our health and leads to disease. Eastern medicine has many
strategies to deal with the toxic stress that knocks us out of balance.</div>
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<b></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Analyze
your stress.</b> Separate your stressors into things you can change and things
you can't. Do something about the things you can change, and accept the rest. There
is peace in surrendering.</div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<b>Take
time to relax.</b> When stress overcomes you, relaxation should become a high
priority on your to do list. You are no good to anyone if your cup is empty.
Only a full cup can overflow and give to others. Find a quiet place and take
long, deep breaths for ten minutes. Get a massage. Read a good book. Take time
to be alone and recharge.</div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<b>Let
it out.</b> The worst thing you can do for your health is hold your negative
emotions inside. This is the true source of disease. Release your emotions.
Have a good cry. Journal. Talk to a friend. Scream. Punch a pillow. </div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<b>Use
herbs.</b> Herbal medicine approaches stress by strengthening the nervous
system. Herbs such as chamomile, valerian, lavender, lemon balm, and hops are
just a few of the beneficial herbs that will soothe your rattled nerves. Make a
cup of chamomile tea. Take a lavender bath. Take valerian before bed for
restful sleep.</div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<b>Exercise.</b>
Although it may be the last thing you feel like doing, breaking a sweat is an effective
way to combat stress. The endorphins give you the kick you need to get through
your next challenge.</div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<b>Practice
yoga.</b> Yoga soothes the nervous system, strengthens the body, and calms the
mind. Many new yogis get the "yoga high" that they continue to chase
in every future practice. </div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<b>Meditate.
</b>Daily meditation clears your mind of the chatter and worry that overtakes
us in stressful times. Take a seated position and watch your breath as you
inhale and exhale. As thoughts arise, observe them without judgment and let
them drift away until your mind is clear and focused. You will soon feel a deep
sense of calm. </div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<b>Acupuncture.</b>
If needles don't bother you, acupuncture is a sure way to relax. It works
directly with the nervous system. There is a point on your ears that one
acupuncturist of mine called the "valium points." Once the needles
touch those points, it is instant relaxation.</div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<b>Get
out in nature. </b>There is something about the fresh air, the water and the trees
that soothes your spirit. Just getting outside for an hour can work wonders on
your mental health. Gardening is an excellent way to get your nature time in. The
beneficial microbes in the soil will release seratonin in your body, which
boosts your mood.</div>
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I encourage you to try all of
these methods. Doing only one might help, but together, they will bring you
back to balance.</div>
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</b:if>Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-70521616384812523662015-12-23T07:11:00.000-08:002016-04-26T22:59:46.191-07:00The Human Spirit Needs Nature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-43150457603915326292015-12-03T01:56:00.000-08:002016-11-15T14:00:24.144-08:00Why the World Needs More Organic Gardeners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are living at a crucial time in history. The choices we make now will have a profound impact on our future as a species. </div>
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Our world is polluted and toxic, but not beyond repair. Rates of cancer, autism, obesity, Alzheimer's, dementia, depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD, and many more diseeases are at all time highs. Our bodies and our planet are both sick. If we continue down our current path, the situation will only get worse. If we all pull together and change how we do things, we have a fighting chance.</div>
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Public policy will dictate the most dramatic changes, especially concerning carbon emissions. We can make a significant impact ourselves by making certain lifestyle changes, but we all have to do it together. Each small act will combine with billions of other small acts to create positive change. </div>
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It all starts in the garden. The garden will heal us in many different ways.</div>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
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<b>Clean Up the Environment</b></div>
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Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, our carbon emissions have risen to unhealthy levels. We can reduce the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by (1) reducing carbon emissions, and (2) using plants to convert CO2 into oxygen via photosynthesis. This is one reason our national forests are so important. They clean the air we breathe. <br />
<br />
There are villages in Europe with flower boxes overflowing with flowers, and vines climbing up buildings. It is beautiful. I'd love to see towns and cities covered in plants and flowers. Not only do they add beauty, but they clean our air.</div>
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We can also reduce landfill waste by composting. Much of the garbage we throw out can be composted--veggie scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, leaves and yard waste. By composting, we not only save landfill space, but we create rich soil for our garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLm4MGDqLFP3YXUJiLvCIcMWnxDV1Tz5M2_8bdEdzdaQvwClgfXR1XGdiVTb0MFixF8U4XsUUQo8Mqnar-J53eSHrRlh0-Qz9Z8MNl93OkWe18ll9XjA61lw3v7yJCmomMhe-L1HPMvWI/s1600/green+city.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLm4MGDqLFP3YXUJiLvCIcMWnxDV1Tz5M2_8bdEdzdaQvwClgfXR1XGdiVTb0MFixF8U4XsUUQo8Mqnar-J53eSHrRlh0-Qz9Z8MNl93OkWe18ll9XjA61lw3v7yJCmomMhe-L1HPMvWI/s640/green+city.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>What a city should look like</i></div>
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<i>The world needs more organic gardeners </i>to plant gardens that clean our air, and to turn our trash into black gold. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Solve World Hunger</b></div>
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It used to be that every home had a vegetable garden. "Victory gardens" were in every backyard and helped Americans survive wartime. As times changed, and people became busier, more stressed and overworked, the gardens seemed to disappear one by one. Now we live in a time when Big Agriculture grows our food for us, oftentimes using harmful pesticides and GMO seed. We have entrusted the source or our good health, our food, to the large corporations whose sole motivation is profit. Our food is no longer grown with love, it is grown with poison.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our food is no longer grown with love, it is grown with poison.</span></i></blockquote>
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Monsanto claims they are solving world hunger with their GMO seed and Round Up pesticide. A 2013 United Nations report disagrees. This report is titled, "<a href="http://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/ditcted2012d3_en.pdf" target="_blank">Trade and Environment Review 2013: Wake Up Before it is Too Late</a>." Over sixty expert contributors compiled their findings in this report and state with certainty that our current farming system is not sustainable. In order to be sustainable, we need to adopt a different approach--one that shifts towards local, organic, small-scale farming. </div>
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<i>The world needs more organic gardeners</i> to plant backyard gardens and start small farms to feed their communities.<br />
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<b>Save the Bees</b></div>
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There are differing opinions on <i>why</i> bee colonies are collapsing. One possibility is that toxic pesticides are having a negative impact on their populations. Organic gardeners don't use toxic pesticides. We also plant plenty of flowers for them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAHCb9WKGNozYYT1IxlQUVbZuAma_bQV9wtMA9kx5DUJsFjaZrhZC0DjpyykGa-zfztYC5J9uWnASQxHvAiMqTt0sJrVfE8hiIV50DE1a7gmpkE161w_ewN3YETYhm7XydQ0ong3FlRc/s1600/BumbleBee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAHCb9WKGNozYYT1IxlQUVbZuAma_bQV9wtMA9kx5DUJsFjaZrhZC0DjpyykGa-zfztYC5J9uWnASQxHvAiMqTt0sJrVfE8hiIV50DE1a7gmpkE161w_ewN3YETYhm7XydQ0ong3FlRc/s320/BumbleBee2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The world needs more organic gardeners</i> to plant flowers for our pollinators and use healthier methods for pest control.</div>
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<b>Heal Our Bodies</b></div>
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Many modern day diseases can be prevented and healed with proper nutrition and lifestyle choices. The thing is, our food is a joke right now. Most of it is processed. Most of it is coated in pesticides. Most of it if genetically modified. Most of it is filled with sugars and chemicals. Even our fruits and veggies contain less nutrition than they used to. Organic is better than conventional, but fruits and veggies from the garden contain substantially more nutrients than store-bought produce. These nutrients keep your body in peak condition, and when they are deficient, disease and illness thrive.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9YI5o7gLqbVzYfyCnehWiXEQtSLFGHI5j57Jc8lFibsw1-u1eJTmmPJv-q_dNwx8kpFMdNQ6NoDTNDRtZ7Q6-oaOVV9-hiweudv6a_hWGUK-FEcF_dYtMgHBtBhYflhxfhFU0msnMQk/s1600/veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9YI5o7gLqbVzYfyCnehWiXEQtSLFGHI5j57Jc8lFibsw1-u1eJTmmPJv-q_dNwx8kpFMdNQ6NoDTNDRtZ7Q6-oaOVV9-hiweudv6a_hWGUK-FEcF_dYtMgHBtBhYflhxfhFU0msnMQk/s400/veggies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When we garden, we are also exposed to beneficial bacteria in the soil. <a href="http://thenaturelifeproject.blogspot.com/2015/04/plant-garden-to-overcome-depression.html" target="_blank">One strain in particular, <i>Mycobacterium vaccae</i>, produces seratonin in the body which enhances our mood.</a> Fermented food, such as pickled vegetables that we can from our gardens, are a main source of beneficial bacteria. Plenty of research has been done in the past few years connecting beneficial gut bacteria to all aspects of our health and well-being. A diverse, healthy microbiome prevents obesity, mood disorders, ADD/ADHD, and many brain disorders. Doctors are now considering our gut to be our "second brain" because of how the gut and brain communicate and influence one another. When we play in the dirt and eat food from our garden, we support a healthy microbiome in our own bodies. </div>
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<i>We need more organic gardeners</i> to plant nutritious food to feed themselves, their families and their neighbors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDDAiQYnPaJxp-6Qh8NqCBxOccRI_qslWKkLbmr6VejCQLwO9rMYa1jUs01r6ihlsupdOHR9PoeeMA-WQI44pK1gZmeZtfz6BO9FNDGGfhVvxMRUgWDTGLwPDbLsZAJRbEmh-eD9x6Zo/s1600/herbal+medicine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDDAiQYnPaJxp-6Qh8NqCBxOccRI_qslWKkLbmr6VejCQLwO9rMYa1jUs01r6ihlsupdOHR9PoeeMA-WQI44pK1gZmeZtfz6BO9FNDGGfhVvxMRUgWDTGLwPDbLsZAJRbEmh-eD9x6Zo/s400/herbal+medicine.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Ditch Big Pharma</b></div>
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Most pharmaceuticals come from plants. Scientists pinpoint the chemical in the plant that is responsible for the positive benefits and concentrate it into drug form. The problem with this is that the drugs made in the lab do not have any of the other chemicals found in the plants they come from. Plants evolved with humans over millions of years, with chemical ratios ideal for our bodies. When we start playing with those ratios, there are negative consequences. Hence the long list of side effects that go along with every medication you fill. Yes, there are times when medication may be necessary. However, you can prevent many diseases with a healthy lifestyle and herbal medicines. </div>
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Not only do herbs and spices make our food taste better, but they are nature's medicine. And don't be fooled, herbs have a powerful effect on our body. When I first started using herbs from my garden, I was surprised at how potent they are. My first cup of lavender tea made me feel like I had taken some sort of muscle relaxer. My first cup of sage/thyme/rosemary tea dried up my sniffly nose within minutes. Honey and garlic are nature's antibiotics and boost immune function. A salve made out of dried cayenne pepper will eliminate muscle soreness. St. John's Wort is excellent for treating depression. Cannabis is a bona fide miracle plant, treating everything from epilepsy and cancer to depression and post traumatic stress disorder. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Your garden is a pharmacy.</div>
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<i>We need more organic gardeners</i> to learn how to use and grow herbs and food as medicine so we can stop relying so heavily on pharmaceuticals that come with all kinds of negative side effects.</div>
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We are at a critical point in history, but together we can continue down a better path. Organic gardeners play a key role in healing our planet. Everything in an ecosystem is connected. If we all make lifestyle changes, together we can clean up this mess we've made.</div>
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Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-58231820535019350012015-09-21T12:30:00.003-07:002016-11-15T14:02:03.030-08:00Fall Organic Gardening Checklist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIn7SWZUOfrRQNMlMJTTuks8uvckIs9niKcfRBRYSvvJRmSCTLz9XEKJqL5kiVbq_HyO097v9iU4Xl626rHdKuPOULmV7moMbuN5xuZB1MT5tMhyBc4h_0-BnxILCz540UztJ4hw5IM2c/s1600/fallgardenchecklist.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIn7SWZUOfrRQNMlMJTTuks8uvckIs9niKcfRBRYSvvJRmSCTLz9XEKJqL5kiVbq_HyO097v9iU4Xl626rHdKuPOULmV7moMbuN5xuZB1MT5tMhyBc4h_0-BnxILCz540UztJ4hw5IM2c/s640/fallgardenchecklist.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our outdoor
growing season is winding down, but that doesn't mean you're off the hook for
gardening chores just yet. There are many things you can do right now to make
the best of the remaining season and set yourself up for success next
year.<br />
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<b>Fall Planting<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<li>You still have time to plant fall
flowers to enjoy until the frosty weather hits. Now is a good time to plant
mums, winter pansies, decorative cabbages and kales.</li>
<li>Keep an eye on
the weather for cold nights and early frosts. On cold nights, cover your plants
with a light cloth or plastic bag to protect them. </li>
<li>If you are growing late
season lettuce, protect them with a row cover before the first frost.</li>
<li>Now is the time to plant bulbs
that will pop up in the spring. Plant garlic, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and
crocus. </li>
<li>It's also a good time to transplant trees and shrubs that have gone
dormant with the cold weather, because they won't get as stressed.</li>
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<b>Fall Harvest and Clean Up</b><br />
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<li>Harvest and preserve the last of
your fruits and veggies. Can, freeze, dry or store them in a root cellar.</li>
<li>Share extras with your
friends, neighbors, and the local food
bank. </li>
<li>Throw what's left of your plants on the compost pile. </li>
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<b>Build Your Soil</b><br />
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<li>Fall is the best time to focus on
re-building your soil for next spring. It's a good idea to test your soil to
see what it needs. If necessary, adjust your soil's pH with lime or
sulfur. </li>
<li>Dig compost into the top 3-4
inches of soil and around the base of established plants. </li>
<li>You can also spread a
thin layer of compost on your lawn to fertilize it. </li>
<li>Add organic soil amendments
such as kelp meal, greensand, rock phosphate and bone meal.</li>
<li>Cover your bare soil with mulch
or cover crops. Shred the leaves from your yard with your lawn mower, then
spread them over your garden. The leaves will break down, feed the soil, prevent
soil erosion, and encourage microbial life.</li>
<li>In place of mulch, ideal cover crops include cow peas,
clovers, or soybeans. When you till them into the soil in
the spring, they will provide nitrogen for your plants. Nitrogen is essential
for early seedling growth.</li>
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<b>Deal With Pests and Disease</b><br />
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<li>Slugs can destroy a spring
garden. Shrink next year's slug population with one final slug bait application
now. </li>
<li>Keep an eye on your perennials
for signs of pest and disease so you can treat them in the early stages. We are entering mold season.</li>
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<b>Cleaning</b><br />
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<li>Tools are expensive. If you take
care of them, you'll only have to buy them once. Make sure to clean and oil
them before you store them away.</li>
</ul>
<b>And finally...</b><br />
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<li>Once your garden is cleaned up
and resting for the winter, make sure to request your seed catalogs so you can
plan next year's garden!</li>
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Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-22878624547080933992015-07-31T07:11:00.000-07:002016-07-12T04:04:52.226-07:00The Earth Laughs in Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGy6AIy61XKw7UIWEzzJZY0youXCOlKjDP2D4feSpP8H83sVHe_dISmHi10WY1fRS5OdLLZDOBa1Rf-zjFhO5A6xy0nxzehH3CdCvFmyTieMuy1yCN7mAbC_w3JxQGXsFooep35GK4lh8/s1600/earthlaughsinflowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGy6AIy61XKw7UIWEzzJZY0youXCOlKjDP2D4feSpP8H83sVHe_dISmHi10WY1fRS5OdLLZDOBa1Rf-zjFhO5A6xy0nxzehH3CdCvFmyTieMuy1yCN7mAbC_w3JxQGXsFooep35GK4lh8/s640/earthlaughsinflowers.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-75749809682279454042015-07-14T13:28:00.000-07:002016-11-15T14:03:15.593-08:00Make FREE Fertilizers & Pesticides for Your Garden Using Common Weeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many people today put extra effort into eradicating weeds from their lawn. They will even use harmful chemicals like glyphosate found in Monsanto's Round Up, which the World Health Organization has deemed "probably carcinogenic." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SkGfcylKb539a67hfVtk4UzsaYNEUfPL1mskZj8HWI14gwKVcv5cmJb1RDqqYwa9G6letadfGfuqsdWBFXakq3pCohc1NKfPn0n_BPstetN0w2YnJS1fDa89a6o65lWNOVVdEAYW70Q/s1600/new+free+fert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SkGfcylKb539a67hfVtk4UzsaYNEUfPL1mskZj8HWI14gwKVcv5cmJb1RDqqYwa9G6letadfGfuqsdWBFXakq3pCohc1NKfPn0n_BPstetN0w2YnJS1fDa89a6o65lWNOVVdEAYW70Q/s640/new+free+fert.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What most people probably don't realize is that the weeds they are trying to kill are some of the most beneficial medicines on the planet. Dandelions, for example, are known to make an excellent liver tonic. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals. <a href="http://thenaturelifeproject.blogspot.com/2015/04/weed-or-herbal-medicine.html" target="_blank">You can read more about these amazing health benefits in my earlier post.</a><br />
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The health benefits of these "weeds" are not limited to the human body. You can use them to create plant teas and fertilizers for your garden. Biodynamic gardening teaches the gardener how to make special preparations and plant teas for the garden using plants. The preparations can get quite complicated, however the plant teas are so simple anyone can make them. All you need to do is go into nature, or maybe even just your backyard, and pick some dandelions, comfrey and stinging nettles.<br />
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<a href="https://taniamarieartist.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/comfrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://taniamarieartist.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/comfrey.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Comfrey</i></div>
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<b>Comfrey<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Comfrey is one of the best natural medicines on the planet. It is high in potassium and all of the trace minerals. It contains the highest nutrient levels in the beginning of its flowering stage, which is the best time to harvest the leaves. </div>
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You can add comfrey to the compost pile for a nutrient boost. You can also add it straight to the garden as mulch.</div>
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Make a potent liquid manure by soaking 2 ¼ lbs of comfrey leaves in 2 ¼ gallons of rainwater. Let this ferment for 4-10 days, stirring occasionally, and strain before using. Make a foliar feed by diluting one part of the comfrey mixture to 19 parts water. </div>
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<i>Stinging Nettles</i></div>
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<b>Stinging Nettles</b></div>
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Although they are the bane of every hiker’s existence, stinging nettles are one of the most beneficial plants on the planet. They are rich in iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Collect the leaves and stems right before they flower, when nutrient levels are at their peak. </div>
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To stimulate root growth, create a liquid manure. Soak 4 oz of nettle leaves in 1 ¾ pints of water for 4-10 days in the sun. Strain and dilute 1 part of the mixture in 10 parts water. Spray the crops and the soil.</div>
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To repel aphids, create a cold extract by soaking 4 oz of nettle leaves in 1 ¾ pints of cold water for 24-36 hours, and spray your plants.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_2XFwAkW8SkvvZZ5i9qvqRuGESdYz8WKoXXNKve2x2jj5rZOxSQTPemQR_3TnJU5Zl0URQvdWHzAp9YbYBpt-dkNGzBF9I1PhdTgr6udIp0B9pQNqtwLJLeCMFKQRVCtbsizCu_qejY/s1600/dandelions-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_2XFwAkW8SkvvZZ5i9qvqRuGESdYz8WKoXXNKve2x2jj5rZOxSQTPemQR_3TnJU5Zl0URQvdWHzAp9YbYBpt-dkNGzBF9I1PhdTgr6udIp0B9pQNqtwLJLeCMFKQRVCtbsizCu_qejY/s640/dandelions-wallpaper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Dandelion</i></div>
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<b>Dandelion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Dandelion flowers are packed with calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and silica. A tea made of dandelion flowers is beneficial to use in the beginning of a plant’s grow cycle. Spraying the plants with this tea creates stronger leaves, promotes disease-resistance, and improves flavor. </div>
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To make the tea, infuse a handful of flowers picked early in the morning, before they are fully open, in 1 ¾ pints of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Filter off the concentrate and dilute 1 part of the dandelion tea to 4 parts of rainwater.</div>
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Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-10136078227290969082015-06-30T07:11:00.000-07:002016-07-12T04:04:32.957-07:00I'm a Gardener. What's Your Super Power?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-30861891627206635452015-06-16T02:21:00.000-07:002016-11-15T14:04:40.364-08:00Simple and Organic Skincare Routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We slather all kinds of chemicals on our bodies in the name of beauty. We are led to believe we need expensive lotions and potions in order to have beautiful skin. <br />
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I've had problem skin my entire life, and I've used all kinds of beauty products hoping to unveil the perfect skin underneath. It wasn't until I started using natural and organic products that I finally found results worth writing about.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>There are two sides to beautiful skin: what goes on inside, and what goes on outside.<br />
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Inside, you need to maintain healthy digestion, get enough sleep, cut out low quality food, drink enough water, exercise, avoid stress, and eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. <i>(Easy, right?)</i><br />
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Outside, you need to exfoliate, cleanse, tone, and moisturize. When you do both together, you have the recipe for gorgeous skin.<br />
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<b>Exfoliate</b><br />
I discovered Korean scrub mitts at a day spa, and they have changed my life. Exfoliating your body from head to toe has all kinds of great benefits. By scrubbing away your dead skin, your skin will be softer than ever before and your wrinkles will fade. Scrubbing stimulates lymph circulation and rids your body of toxins. It also boosts collagen production. Your skin will glow.<br />
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I recommend scrubbing your face very gently. Depending on how your skin responds, scrub as little as once a week to as often as a little bit every day. I scrub my face a little bit every other day. You can scrub a bit harder below the neck, but be careful not to scrub for too long in any one spot.<br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/1QA7Xsv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-USP3aY3KVGPssekHCGvupKt_AhZvx2-hfC0MhzmrzePYT7jsR7NpRcsaLsOZDVVCexBuPiN6I1q10F5jP_pRPblzJ8GaYr-LiSx0j9Rehz1WMLzcz2gYlIEUwMsz3I3jpZxGNU6_TKI/s400/drbpeppermint.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Nothing feels better after exfoliating than cleansing with a </i></div>
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<i>peppermint cleanser like Dr. Bronner's peppermint castile soap.</i></div>
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<b>Cleanse</b><br />
Can you pronounce all of the ingredients in your cleanser? I personally try to stay away from any chemical I can't pronounce. I found organic, oil-based castile soap to be gentle and effective on my skin. I love Dr. Bronner's Soap, both the bar and the liquid, because it cleanses gently and contains all beneficial, organic ingredients.<br />
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<b>Tone</b><br />
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Toning tightens up the pores and nourishes the skin, however it can be hard to find an organic toner. I really like Boots Botanics Organic Rosewater Spritz. The scent is luxurious and refreshing, and rosewater is one of nature's best gifts for your skin.<br />
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For generations, women have used rosewater in their beauty regimens. Rosewater has anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces redness and blotchiness, and tightens pores and capillaries. It also has astringent and cleansing properties, so it is perfect for the end of day to make sure you've gotten off all of your makeup.<br />
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<b>Moisturize</b><br />
It sounds counter-intuitive because advertising programs us to buy oil-free products, but oil is one of the best things you can put on your skin (and hair!). Oddly enough, when I started moisturizing with oil, my normally very oily skin became much less oily. Oils have many beneficial properties and are rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals and signs of aging. Most are outstanding cleansers and can be used in place of cleansers and make-up removers. Whichever oil you choose, I recommend applying oil to damp skin. For an added bonus, give yourself a mini face massage to loosen up tense muscles in the face, which can lead to wrinkles. After a 5-10 minutes, use a towel to wipe off any excess oil that hasn't been absorbed.<br />
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Coconut oil, my favorite, is light and perfect for summertime. Traditionally, it has a reputation for being excellent for your skin and hair. In the tropics, natives use coconut oil as sun protection. It will also soothe your skin if you were out in the sun too long. It is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, and can be used to treat skin infections. Coconut oil is great for acne-prone skin. It has high antioxidant levels which combat the signs of aging. Coconut oil will give you clear, soft, supple skin.<br />
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Grapeseed oil is another light oil. It is full of antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. This means it is great for healing acne, prevents signs of aging, and keeps the skin tight. It is rich in beta-carotene and vitamins D, C, and E. It also contains the essential fatty acids palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acid, which strengthen cell membranes and improve the overall appearance of your skin. These acids have been shown in clinical trials to reduce wrinkles and scarring. Grapeseed oil will also reduce dark circles under your eyes.<br />
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Sweet almond oil is well-known for being excellent for our skin and hair, and is used in many beauty products. Sweet almond oil contains vitamins A, B, and E, magnesium, potassium, proteins, folic acids, and zinc. Almond oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This means almond oil is great at reducing fine lines and wrinkles, soothing eczema and psoriasis, reversing and preventing aging skin by renewing skin cells, reducing dark circles under the eyes, and improving your overall complexion.<br />
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Extra virgin olive oil is a richer, heavier oil, and my first choice in the winter. It contains anti-aging polyphenols which are effective at preventing wrinkles. EVOO is rich in antioxidants, which reduce sun damage and protect from skin cancer and premature aging. It is anti-bacterial and can heal skin infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties are effective in soothing dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. EVOO is an excellent choice for soothing dry, chapped skin in the winter freeze or summer heat.<br />
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<b>Night Treatment</b><br />
Vitamin E Oil is God's gift to our skin. It is a powerful antioxidant that heals wounds, scars, infections, and sunburns. It reduces wrinkles, stretch marks and sun spots. It prevents skin cancer and keeps your skin tight and firm.<br />
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I slather vitamin E oil under my eyes, and on my face, neck and chest every night. I wake up in the morning with soft, supple skin. You will notice a major difference after only one night.<br />
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<b>Body Care</b><br />
You can use the same products on your body as you do your face, which keeps life simple and affordable. Scrub your body head-to-toe once a week. Use Dr. Bronner's liquid soap as a body wash. Apply the oil of your choice to damp skin right after you get out of the shower. I promise you're skin will never feel softer.<br />
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So, here it is--a 100% organic skincare routine that has worked better for me than any fancy potion on the market. <br />
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Please leave your comments below...do you use any of these products? What are your must-have organic products that you can't live without?
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</b:if>Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-56251823445659226722015-06-04T15:38:00.000-07:002016-11-15T14:06:20.972-08:00Coconut Blueberry Chia Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These muffins are winners all the way around. Not only are they delicious, but they are packed full of super foods, high in protein (about 7 grams per muffin), gluten-free, dairy free, and organic. These muffins are moist and sweet, but you can feel good about every bite. They are perfect for breakfast, an on-the-go snack, or as a healthy sweet treat after dinner.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Let's take a look at some of their superfood ingredients and their benefits.<br />
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<b>Coconut Flour</b><br />
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Coconut flour has many benefits to our health. It is gluten-free and is high in fiber, healthy fats, and protein. For every 100 grams, coconut flour contains a whopping 19 grams of protein and 9 grams of healthy fats. The healthy fats in coconut flour, called medium-chained triglycerides, digest easily, provide energy, and may boost metabolism. These fats also offer antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Because of it's high fiber content, it is safe for diabetics, as it won't cause a blood sugar spike. <br />
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<b>Coconut Milk</b><br />
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Coconut milk is full of beneficial vitamins and minerals, which in turn benefits your body in a myriad of ways. It is rich in manganese which will help control your blood sugar. Its phosphorous content will strengthen your bones. One cup contains 25% of the recommended daily value of iron, which prevents anemia. It's high magnesium levels will relax muscles and nerves. It is surprisingly high in fiber, which is great for colon health and losing weight. It contains selenium, a powerful antioxidant, that will ease arthritis symptoms. Coconut milk is high in potassium, which works to lower blood pressure. It's vitamin C content boosts your immune system. It's high zinc content is good for prostate health and has been shown to slow cancer cell growth. <br />
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<b>Coconut Oil</b><br />
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I could write an entire post on the benefits of coconut oil, and probably will. Not only is it a great moisturizer for your skin and hair, but the health benefits are outstanding. To keep it short, coconut oil is excellent for weight loss, thyroid function, heart disease, immune function, stress relief, the endocrine system, boosting metabolism, digestion, healing infections, liver disease, kidney stones, controlling blood sugar, and helping the body absorb minerals. It is also antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. <br />
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<b>Chia Seeds</b><br />
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It's amazing to think the tiny chia seed can pack so much punch in the superfood department. It is one of the healthiest, most nutritious foods you can add to your diet. It is high in vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium and calcium. They are high in protein and healthy omega-3 and -6 fats. These little guys aid in weight loss, cleanse the colon and help the body rid itself of toxins. They absorb 10 times their weight in water, which keeps you hydrated and feeling full longer. Chia seeds give you an energy boost and provide relief from arthritis, diabetes, and acid reflux. They also help with thyroid function, IBS and celiac disease.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Coconut Blueberry Chia Muffins</span></b><br />
<i>Makes 12 muffins</i><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 cup <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008RJMXPQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008RJMXPQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thenatpro-20&linkId=MUKN3LS2RT26EB7E">organic coconut flour</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thenatpro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008RJMXPQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00014JNI0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00014JNI0&linkCode=as2&tag=thenatpro-20&linkId=BLNTQFXIFUUVV6CD">organic raw honey</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thenatpro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00014JNI0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
1/2 cup <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M8VSKW4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00M8VSKW4&linkCode=as2&tag=thenatpro-20&linkId=3ICMCLEMF65G35MR">organic coconut milk</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thenatpro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00M8VSKW4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
6 organic eggs<br />
4 tbsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NTCE1M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004NTCE1M&linkCode=as2&tag=thenatpro-20&linkId=CAICEFA47TSKKFYX">organic coconut oil</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thenatpro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004NTCE1M" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, melted<br />
4 tsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UN7PI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0002UN7PI&linkCode=as2&tag=thenatpro-20&linkId=LCA5JSJEOAILHVUJ">organic vanilla extract</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thenatpro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0002UN7PI" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
4 tbsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BZL5BYS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BZL5BYS&linkCode=as2&tag=thenatpro-20&linkId=DC54DP2UWLLCGYTQ">organic chia seeds</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thenatpro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BZL5BYS" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
1 cup organic blueberries<br />
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Method:<br />
Preheat oven to 350<span style="font-family: "symbol";">°</span>F. Sift the coconut flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl. In a separate bowl or blender (I use the blender), whisk honey, coconut milk, eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla. Gently stir wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix in chia seeds. Fold in the blueberries and pour batter into greased or lined muffin tins, filling 3/4 full. Bake for 25 minutes until muffins begin to turn golden brown and are cooked through. Immediately remove from tins and cool on rack.<br />
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<i>(Source: Nutiva Coconut Flour Package)</i><br />
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Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-75520350336993896012015-06-01T07:11:00.000-07:002016-07-12T04:06:38.673-07:00The Best Time to Plant a Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-70678077180384549052015-05-25T12:27:00.001-07:002016-11-15T14:44:29.343-08:00Visit Eden and Learn How to Grow Your Own Food for Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paul Gautschi works in his garden.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a garden nestled among the trees of Sequim, WA, that has gained worldwide attention through an internet documentary called <u>Back to Eden</u>. The documentary stars a humble, but revolutionary, gardener named Paul Gautschi and his home garden. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paul will grab your attention when he tells you his gardening methods, which are contrary to traditional techniques. For example, he hasn’t watered his garden in 34 years. He doesn’t rotate his crops. Pests and weeds don’t seem to be a problem for him. He doesn’t ever till his soil. His only gardening tools are a rake, a shovel and a wheelbarrow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And yet, the food he grows is juicier and sweeter than anything I’ve ever tasted, and is more nutritious than anything you’ll find in the organic section of the grocery store. Best of all, his methods are completely free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So how does he do it? I visited his garden a couple of months ago to see for myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paul gives a free tour of his home garden every Sunday. (He appreciates it if you call ahead.) The first thing I saw when I pulled up was a group of about 20 people standing in front of an impressive orchard of bonsai-shaped apple trees. Paul later explained that the apples are very heavy due to their high water content, so he prunes the branches to hang lower to the ground. Wood chips cover the ground below the trees, and therein lies the secret to Paul’s gardening success: the covering.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paul</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">According to Paul, covering his garden with wood chips is not only the secret behind his low-maintenance, high-yield gardening technique, but it is also the reason his produce is so juicy and sweet. Paul doesn’t use fertilizers, only compost from his chicken pen and free wood chips from his local tree service, who are in need of a place to unload their scraps. In this case, one man’s trash is literally another man’s treasure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He never mixes the compost and chips together, as the chips would leach nutrients from the compost as they decompose, but instead layers the chips on top of the garden. The wood chips contain precious minerals from deep within the earth, accessed by the tree’s deep root system. The chips give these minerals to the garden over time, growing mouthwatering, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, which, he says, get juicier and sweeter with each passing year as his soil continues to improve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paul says tilling the soil each year does more harm than good, as it disrupts the thriving ecosystem in the soil. We traditionally till the earth each year because the soil becomes compacted over the course of the season. With wood chips, however, the soil never compacts. In fact, it retains the perfect amount of oxygenation and moisture, without ever watering it. His soil is rich, black and loose --black gold at its finest. The covering also creates a constant food source. Paul says, “As soon as you put covering on the ground, water going through it creates tea and fertilizes the plant.” His plants are fertilized every time it rains. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">His methods go against our current gardening paradigm, however they imitate the ways of nature. Each year, the leaves fall, covering the ground and composting over the winter, until the blooms come again in the spring. No one ever fertilizes or waters nature, and yet the forest grows effortlessly. Paul works with these principles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A short article such as this can only begin to touch upon Paul’s gardening wisdom, but I hope that this piques your interest. If you would like to learn how to grow a low-maintenance, high yield garden full of nutrient-dense, organic food, I encourage you to watch the Back to Eden film online at <a href="http://www.backtoedenfilm.com/" style="color: #8d3146; text-decoration: none;"><b>www.backtoedenfilm.com</b></a>. I was so intrigued that I had to see his garden and taste his produce for myself, and let me tell you, the proof was in the apples. His garden is a living reminder of what food is supposed to taste like, and it is nothing like what we buy at the grocery store.</span></div>
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Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-87797179628802246042015-05-16T19:56:00.000-07:002016-11-15T14:46:19.784-08:00Grow Microgreens for a Powerful Vitamin Boost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgtfcBcmb7G947EgnWKNCo0qhYuC2f3DQPN3RuYJeqczsTdUiTjmG70J8GzRIUTlbTN4H-ymcqrCekCOW94USLkRPEnoz1SJKoaAQ5Qpm1d2TJNFB_VTpRfSxnHXTrGGb93BqbWsVYzI/s1600/microgreens1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgtfcBcmb7G947EgnWKNCo0qhYuC2f3DQPN3RuYJeqczsTdUiTjmG70J8GzRIUTlbTN4H-ymcqrCekCOW94USLkRPEnoz1SJKoaAQ5Qpm1d2TJNFB_VTpRfSxnHXTrGGb93BqbWsVYzI/s640/microgreens1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We all know it is good for us to take our vitamins,
especially in a world where our store bought food is nutrient deficient. Our food lacks vitamins and minerals because
our soil is not as healthy as it used to be, and because our food is irradiated
before it is delivered to the grocery store.
Irradiation is a process that
zaps our food in a big microwave. The
process makes our food last longer by killing beneficial enzymes, but it also kills
our vitamins and minerals. </div>
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For these reasons, and many more, it is best to grow your
own fruits and veggies. This way, you
are in control of creating rich, healthy soil which in turn creates
nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. It
also allows you to guarantee the food you're eating is truly organic, free of
chemicals and pesticides, and not genetically modified. <br />
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These homegrown foods will in turn create abundant health in
your body. In fact, many doctors and
scientists now believe many of our illnesses and diseases can be attributed to
nutrient deficiencies in the body.
Gardeners know this is true of the plants we grow, so it is logical to
believe this would be true of the human body as well.</div>
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Summer has ended and fall has arrived, which means our
summer garden harvest is soon to be over.
This doesn't mean you can't enjoy fresh produce year round, though. There are many ways to garden year round. You can grow in a greenhouse or use a cold
frame outdoors in your garden. You can
even use indoor grow lights to grow indoors during the coldest months of
winter. </div>
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One very quick and easy way to get your vitamins and
minerals year round is to grow microgreens indoors. Microgreens are basically the seedling of any
plant. They only take 7-14 days to grow. You can use any seed and they will give you a
concentrated dose of vitamins and minerals.
The vitamins and minerals provided will be specific to the seeds you are
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Scientific studies have been done recently confirming how
beneficial microgreens truly are. </span><a href="http://www.ars.usda.gov/pandp/people/people.htm?personid=47040"><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Gene Lester</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">, a researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and his
colleagues at the University of <span style="color: #111111;">Maryland, College
Park, have conducted the first scientific analysis of nutrients in microgreens.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The researchers looked at four groups of vitamins and other
phytochemicals – including vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene — in 25
varieties of microgreens. They found that leaves from almost all of the microgreens
had four to six times more nutrients than the mature leaves of the same plant.
But there was variation among them. Red
cabbage, for example, was highest in vitamin C, while the green daikon radish
microgreens had the most vitamin E.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">It is easy to grow microgreens at home year round. All you need is an indoor grow light, a flat
try, a little bit of soil, seeds and water.
In your tray, layer about an inch of soil. Scatter whatever seed you choose over the
soil and use a piece of cardboard to flatten them into the soil. Now layer another 1/8" of soil over the
seeds and gently press again with the cardboard. Use a watering can to lightly soak the soil
with water. Optionally, you can cover
the tray with plastic wrap to hold in the moisture and help the seeds sprout
more quickly. Put the tray under your
grow light and keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout. Once the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall
and have 2-3 leaves, you can begin to harvest them. Use scissors to cut the seedlings right above
the soil line. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">You can use your microgreens in salads, wraps and sandwiches, in
stir fries, or by juicing them. Give
microgreens a try and reap the benefits of concentrated doses of vitamins and
minerals year round! Your body and mind
will thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</b:if>Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-4236471472071991032015-05-09T20:08:00.000-07:002016-11-15T14:47:52.406-08:00Grow a Medicinal Herb Garden for Better Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWs8kPbduWyw2ngaQFDTAB84AWk5kYTTL-PEdY2K69nh8Zm5MxS5KKursnoxwXkipynQEt7bb5w_F1j9ENff4IfIWrOMfvF_uIUdNAOKWLUIQKo88x8KhCTGqDiRyIKzV0FwTgZHmI3HM/s1600/MedHerbGarden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWs8kPbduWyw2ngaQFDTAB84AWk5kYTTL-PEdY2K69nh8Zm5MxS5KKursnoxwXkipynQEt7bb5w_F1j9ENff4IfIWrOMfvF_uIUdNAOKWLUIQKo88x8KhCTGqDiRyIKzV0FwTgZHmI3HM/s640/MedHerbGarden.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Echinacea is a beautiful flower and powerful medicine to grow in your garden.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever paid close attention to pharmaceutical
ads on TV? They all seem to follow the
same script: happy people feeling good, maybe some puppies and sunshine thrown
in for extra measure, all distracting you from the very fine print that rolls
across the screen. The fine print warns
you of all the side effects you could potentially suffer. We usually end up getting new prescriptions
just to deal with the side effects of other prescriptions. It can be a vicious cycle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We all may need to take prescription drugs at some
point in our lives, but shouldn’t we avoid their side effects if we can? If there is a natural alternative that is
just as effective with fewer side effects, shouldn’t we try it before we get
hooked on the hard stuff?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before allopathic, or western, medicine started
becoming popular in the 19</span><sup style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">th</sup><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> century, humans used plants and herbs
to heal themselves.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Just like
pharmaceutical drugs, plants and herbs are full of chemicals.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The big difference is that our bodies have
evolved with them for millennia.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mother
Nature has perfected the ratio of these chemicals within plants, and these ratios
are far more complex than science can comprehend at this time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Scientists try to compete. They extract all kinds of chemicals from
plants and herbs and create drugs with them.
However, the drugs made by scientists are made with high dosages of these
chemicals and are still experimental. All
too often, we see drugs that were previously deemed safe by the FDA removed
from the market because of the risks they pose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Peppermint soothes an upset stomach and improves digestion.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the East, and even in Germany, herbal medicines
are still widely used, both alone and as complements to modern allopathic
medicine. In fact, Germany is home to
Commission E, which is a highly regarded committee of researchers, physicians,
toxicologists and pharmacists who determine the safety and efficacy of herbs
sold in Germany. Commission E was
created in 1978 and has published monographs on the use and side effects of
drug interactions of over 300 herbs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The beautiful thing about herbal and plant medicines
is that you can forego the cost of expensive prescription drugs and avoid harmful
side effects by growing them yourself.
You can grow them in your outdoor garden, in containers on your patio,
or even on your kitchen counter under a grow light. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some tasty kitchen herbs even double as
medicines. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Did you know that tea made
out of thyme or oregano is an expectorant and will dry up the phlegm and mucus
that has plagued you throughout winter?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They
also promote digestion and kill parasites in the body.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Peppermint tea has the power to soothe an
upset stomach and improve digestion.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Basil
tea can lift your spirits, increase memory and clear your mind.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Add a teaspoon of turmeric to water and
gargle to get rid of a sore throat.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AQQOPSoFrvyJCwxPNrkHkuzPJ1RzGN-_G2YREiMijr5WBfvjvG4xyjDp5czITsx987nO3EFMhvXkDnce6OFceOaKnk9Htzs2v39AvBQDj_C4k_qqRulHcqCW3jFY2ZnDyOQjaV0DSko/s1600/Peelbark_St._Johns-wort_(Hypericum_fasciculatum)_(6439017119).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AQQOPSoFrvyJCwxPNrkHkuzPJ1RzGN-_G2YREiMijr5WBfvjvG4xyjDp5czITsx987nO3EFMhvXkDnce6OFceOaKnk9Htzs2v39AvBQDj_C4k_qqRulHcqCW3jFY2ZnDyOQjaV0DSko/s640/Peelbark_St._Johns-wort_(Hypericum_fasciculatum)_(6439017119).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">St. John's Wort flowers are bright and sunny, the same effect they have on your mood.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can also make your own capsules, tinctures and
oils. For example, olive oil infused
with St. John’s Wort flowers can heal burns and bruises, and when ground into a
powder and encapsulated, is effective at alleviating depression. A tincture made of Echinacea flowers is a
natural antibiotic and can boost your immune system. Take it at the first sign of sickness and
watch your cold disappear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These are just a few medicinal herbs you can grow in
your garden. There are hundreds of
others to explore. Start learning about
the world of herbal and plant medicines.
Include at least one or two new herbs in your garden every year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Combining herbs with positive lifestyle
changes can be much more effective than taking pharmaceutical drugs alone. When you live in harmony with Mother Nature,
you will find that life becomes much simpler, more satisfying, and even more affordable.</span></div>
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Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-36505729337222540752015-05-02T20:24:00.000-07:002016-11-15T14:49:06.374-08:00Grow a Stress Busting Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>English lavender</i></div>
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Before there were pharmaceuticals to cure what ails us,
there were herbs. There was a time when
families and communities worked together to be self-sufficient with their
health by growing plants that would cure everything from sunburns to
indigestion. In today's society, stress
is the silent killer. Herbs such as chamomile,
lavender and lemon balm can be grown in containers, indoors or outside, and
can be dried to make a relaxing and refreshing tea that will ease stress as
well as aid indigestion, nervousness, headaches and insomnia.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>Chamomile flowers, specifically German chamomile, has great
medicinal value when dried and made into a tea infusion. It is good for soothing a troubled tummy and
calming a restless child. It eases
intestinal cramps and irritation, indigestion, ulcers and colic. It also eases nervousness, insomnia, fever,
muscle cramps, headaches, neuralgia, motion sickness, and the aches and pains
of the flu. Externally it can be used as
an eyewash for conjunctivitis, or used in creams for skin inflammation, burns
and bites.<br />
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Chamomile likes moist, light and
sandy loam with good drainage and enjoys being crowded. Start it from seed early in the spring so you
are ready to harvest before the heat hits, which tends to stunt
production. You can direct seed into a
pot or the ground, in full sun or partial shade. Press the seeds into the soil surface and
keep it moist and well watered to avoid spindly growth and a low bloom
rate. Harvest chamomile regularly or
else flower production stops. Harvest
often, gathering flowers every 7-10 days.
At summer's peak, harvest multiple times per week. Dry the flower tops immediately after harvest
because they degrade quickly.<br />
<br />
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<i>German Chamomile Flowers</i></div>
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There are many varieties of lavender, however the best
medicinal qualities come with traditional English lavender. Lavender lifts the spirits, relaxes the body,
and allays nausea, digestive upset and colic.
It also promotes relaxing
sleep. It strengthens the nervous system
and is recommended for stress headaches and nervous exhaustion. It also has anti-inflammatory and sedative
effects, so it is the perfect tea right before bed.</div>
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English lavender loves full sun and well-drained, gravelly
soil. Its roots will rot in wet soil and
it doesn't do well with high humidity.
Prune it back to a mounded shape for winter. Prune only to greenery, not into the woody
stems. Make sure to protect it from
winter winds and freezing temps. Gather
the buds just as the flowers are beginning to open on a dry, warm sunny
morning, as cold or rainy weather will lower the essential oil content. Separate the flowers from the stems after
they are dry to avoid bruising them.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Lemon Balm is sometimes called the "gladdening
herb" because it lifts the spirits. Refreshing and relaxing, it settles
the stomach and soothes the nerves. It calms
a nervous heart and counteracts tension and insomnia. It also relaxes spasms of the stomach and
intestines. If sipped in a tea after
meals, it will ease heartburn and relieve digestive upset, such as a feeling of
pressure or distension in the abdomen. A
cooled tea infusion can be given to infants and young children by the spoonful
to relieve colic and restlessness, especially in their first years. In the summertime, put a few sprigs of lemon
balm into a pitcher of water and infuse in the fridge for a few days for a
refreshing summer drink.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DB3y7XCNZIRt5CjtsaA7JmGcS0Wv1Pl9YLgvPTKjrcKRN70LxJKphkGrI0eSfKpuWib1IcZlyzbkqonu12WlBBGiYJcf6i1v_r7nTyrZ_2udLu-mVCoihYnjEtsQwqbIpT7DxTmxGbY/s1600/lemon+balm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DB3y7XCNZIRt5CjtsaA7JmGcS0Wv1Pl9YLgvPTKjrcKRN70LxJKphkGrI0eSfKpuWib1IcZlyzbkqonu12WlBBGiYJcf6i1v_r7nTyrZ_2udLu-mVCoihYnjEtsQwqbIpT7DxTmxGbY/s640/lemon+balm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Lemon Balm</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lemon balm is very adaptable. It does well in full sun, and also partial
shade in hot areas. It is frost hardy
and tolerates crowding. Lemon balm prefers
moist soil with good drainage but will develop higher levels of medicinal
constituents with water stress. It self-sows
and spreads easily. Harvest healthy
leaves--not the yellow ones--and flexible stems from early to full bloom in
midsummer and again in late summer/early fall.
Essential oil content is highest in late bloom. Do not harvest when leaves are wet and be
careful not to bruise them. Lemon balm
needs complete darkness to dry, and it dries easily and quickly. Lemon balm has a short shelf life when stored,
so use this potent herb often! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Once you have grown and dried these powerful medicinal
herbs, it is time to make your stress-busting tea by following the recipe
below. Enjoy this tea 3 to 4 times a day
for optimal effect, and especially right before bed for a deep and peaceful
sleep. Take charge of your health and
create a garden that will take care of you long after harvest.</div>
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<i><b>Stress Busting Tea</b></i></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTXdwKSXxFntvMSCRpbW1xBTuKgDa6UaY8_neRF9ksGOD2QkeDU8YIqJW5bY9nGMFontLhn8nSBrixEMEJFQgeeaH0Us_Qop22bmSU7vE7siQmgJFhTmEM0RWJ5MlAOdUwL6Y7uqCSnM/s1600/chamomile+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTXdwKSXxFntvMSCRpbW1xBTuKgDa6UaY8_neRF9ksGOD2QkeDU8YIqJW5bY9nGMFontLhn8nSBrixEMEJFQgeeaH0Us_Qop22bmSU7vE7siQmgJFhTmEM0RWJ5MlAOdUwL6Y7uqCSnM/s320/chamomile+tea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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4-6 T fresh or 2 T dried Chamomile flower</div>
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2-3 T fresh or 1 T dried Lavender flower</div>
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6-9 T fresh or 3 T dried Lemon Balm</div>
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1 tsp fresh or 1/2 tsp dried stevia leaf for sweetness, <i>optional<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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4 cups purified water</div>
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<br /></div>
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Place the herbs in an infuser or container. Bring water to a boil and immediately pour
over the herbs and let the mixture steep, covered, for 20 minutes. Strain and compost the herbs. Drink up to 5 cups a day. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3
days.</div>
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Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-49107186042811777502015-04-25T20:42:00.000-07:002016-11-15T15:01:48.552-08:00Plant a Garden to Overcome Depression<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnLZerYlNxz3ZhYJAFPmqrQJXtW9yTpbFNSwZ_hi1tzwmba1MEz2IGC4Z5wtivMRP4rpKrNn0GnsboTFyXh9GcwN8EZaUmSQduP7BAoxwEYGpzNn_EVLEZWTtcp0AwHCJFEFZjyuSwfs/s1600/depression.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnLZerYlNxz3ZhYJAFPmqrQJXtW9yTpbFNSwZ_hi1tzwmba1MEz2IGC4Z5wtivMRP4rpKrNn0GnsboTFyXh9GcwN8EZaUmSQduP7BAoxwEYGpzNn_EVLEZWTtcp0AwHCJFEFZjyuSwfs/s640/depression.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Americans are spending less time outdoors and depression
rates are increasing. Experts report
that we spend 25% less time in nature than we did in 1987. Meanwhile, 1 in 10 Americans are clinically
depressed and taking anti-depressants.</div>
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This is serious, considering some of the common side effects
of anti-depressants are weight gain, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, insomnia,
constipation, agitation, irritability, anxiety, and suicide. These side effects alone are depressing.</div>
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Some argue that anti-depressants are handed out far too
easily when simple lifestyle changes might be all we need. <br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
<a name='more'></a>When I had a car accident in my early
twenties, my doctor prescribed me anti-depressants. He rationalized that if I was sad it would be
harder for my body to heal. A few weeks
later, I told him I didn’t like how numb they made me feel and I wanted to
discontinue using them. He told me I “would
be back because no one gets off of anti-depressants.”<br />
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</div>
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This doctor’s unethical practices angered me and set me on a
path to find a natural way to beat the blues.
I vowed to never again take an anti-depressant and, ten years later, I
haven’t. So there, doc.<br />
<br /></div>
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I found great relief in herbs, supplements, exercise and
positive thinking. However, the number
one way that I maintain my emotional health is by getting outside in
nature. The sunshine and fresh air have
a way of turning any bad day around.</div>
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Gardening is my favorite way to get my nature high. Science has recently discovered why my garden
gives me such bliss.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1Em_OsMqEYyhkUs-qIkyTYazJukLMxoJmOFR5pX7qCXcGf0xCWafnWCXl59ZlhjMELKuQmXFAKO3uIW6xYBO1kHHz_ltlv57T89CpdBm8yJbnQcjbxgiyVO3mjKKlCe5brfV-iWstwk/s1600/seedling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1Em_OsMqEYyhkUs-qIkyTYazJukLMxoJmOFR5pX7qCXcGf0xCWafnWCXl59ZlhjMELKuQmXFAKO3uIW6xYBO1kHHz_ltlv57T89CpdBm8yJbnQcjbxgiyVO3mjKKlCe5brfV-iWstwk/s640/seedling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are friendly bacteria in the soil called <i>Mycobacterium vaccae.
</i>Studies
have shown that <i>M. vaccae</i> activate neurons in the brain that release seratonin—the
same neurons activated by Prozac.
Gardeners are regularly exposed to these bacteria when they play in the
dirt. We touch and inhale these
bacteria. If we have any cuts on our
hands, these bacteria enter our bloodstream.
We even eat them when we eat our homegrown fruits and veggies. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Gardening
is the best thing we can do for our health and wellbeing. It exposes us to happiness-inducing bacteria,
gives us a healthy dose of vitamin D from the sun, supplies our lungs with
fresh air, exercises our bodies, and feeds us with nutritionally-superior
fruits and vegetables. All of these boost
our mood and help us overcome depression. </div>
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<br /></div>
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By the way, now is the perfect time to start your Spring
garden. </div>
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</b:if>Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-59161129400715770862015-04-18T21:08:00.000-07:002016-11-15T15:03:51.931-08:00Weed or Herbal Medicine?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr62f9hobLi4QrwMB4gsHPDg67m75NO9L92IqGjFsAATvO6OP7uYeZUe4X8lLhn5x8jM0i731mCqTHGNzZ0xcGIV-Ob7gU7JKNHUWnpjGpp2oEGOrKmw4F3EPtlw1Q1EV8dn1BzfkgCQ/s1600/weed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr62f9hobLi4QrwMB4gsHPDg67m75NO9L92IqGjFsAATvO6OP7uYeZUe4X8lLhn5x8jM0i731mCqTHGNzZ0xcGIV-Ob7gU7JKNHUWnpjGpp2oEGOrKmw4F3EPtlw1Q1EV8dn1BzfkgCQ/s640/weed.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>We put a lot of effort into eradicating one of Mother Nature's most beneficial medicines.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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For
millennia, human beings and plants have evolved with one another in a symbiotic
relationship. We take care of the plants and they take care of us. Plants grow when
and where we need their nutritional and healing properties. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This is true
here wherever you may live. In fact, your home is probably covered in healing medicine,
and more likely than not, you have these useful herbs growing in your backyard.
Unfortunately, in our modern world, we view these plants as nuisances and weeds
instead of the little green miracles that they are.</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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Every hiker
has felt the painful sting of nettles. Most people try to kill the dandelions
in their yard. However, these two herbs are valuable medicines that should be
harvested regularly instead of eradicated from your lawn.</div>
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</div>
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Both
dandelions and nettles are rich in vitamins and minerals. Dandelions are full
of calcium, magnesium, iron, B vitamins, and vitamins A and C. Nettles are abundant
in iron, calcium, potassium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, zinc, B vitamins,
and chromium. Modern day food is severely lacking in vitamins and minerals, so
it is especially beneficial to consume these herbs daily.</div>
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</div>
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Most of us
could use more B vitamins in our lives. They boost our mood, reduce our stress
and increase serotonin production when combined with vitamin C, of which
dandelions have plenty. Serotonin will promote calm moods and deep sleep. This
is especially helpful during the dark days of winter when many of us suffer
from seasonal depression.</div>
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</div>
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Both nettles
and dandelions contain high levels of calcium, which builds strong bones and
teeth, and is essential for healthy nerve function. Calcium prevents
nervousness, irritability, muscle spasms, cramping, hyperactivity and insomnia.</div>
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</div>
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Taken over
time, both dandelion and nettle tea will restore and build energy within our
bodies. Forget Red Bull--these teas are nature's energy drink.</div>
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</div>
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Dandelions
will cleanse the liver and blood, aid digestion, lower your blood pressure and
cholesterol, regulate blood-glucose levels, stimulate the digestive system, and
are great for constipation. They are a diuretic and mild laxative. Dandelions relieve
inflammation and congestion of the gallbladder and liver, and are Commission
E-approved for urinary infections and appetite loss. Drinking the tea regularly
will even ward off herpes outbreaks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREXXaTPoaMeZ4LczyrPmB7heBRCDG89F5YkitumpR5lj83CKBqEZ00pQPs_PpERBjnCrb7c1meeAQ-VkEESBz3K8H397HLmpL6HYXr5lFqWagu2mrdOPh1-bW5YreNsFhaCxklgRZpBA/s1600/nettles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREXXaTPoaMeZ4LczyrPmB7heBRCDG89F5YkitumpR5lj83CKBqEZ00pQPs_PpERBjnCrb7c1meeAQ-VkEESBz3K8H397HLmpL6HYXr5lFqWagu2mrdOPh1-bW5YreNsFhaCxklgRZpBA/s640/nettles.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
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<i>Stinging Nettles</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Nettles are
helpful with treating allergies, asthma and cough. Nettle tincture can be used
for flu, colds, pneumonia and bronchitis. Dried nettles are an effective
styptic when applied to wounds. Drinking nettle tea regularly will make your
skin clearer, and treat eczema and psoriasis. The tea can also be used as an
effective hair and scalp tonic. If you are feeling worn out or mentally
exhausted, drink nettle tea to reduce your stress and tone your nervous system.</div>
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The land is
teeming with Mother Nature's healing medicines.
Try your hand at foraging wild dandelions and nettles. Create teas, tinctures, poultices, and
healthy meals from your own backyard.
Take care of the plants and they will take care of you.</div>
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</b:if>Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-45910557488831743632015-04-13T11:00:00.000-07:002016-11-15T15:05:34.060-08:00Nature's Way to Beat Allergy Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZOHTKnf6kpZDwnTf-HnbNyN-zslTx76rWe311i8_PPlJDM92_-MHDX_CKQ1oWNHN70XcUvhm_PLxgmT8bxdMF7WdoYzSX9Cwu1d8HbyOv7E_D6841TcJK-07qSKs8AdggcFs1oTNt-Y/s1600/Beat+Allergy+Season.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZOHTKnf6kpZDwnTf-HnbNyN-zslTx76rWe311i8_PPlJDM92_-MHDX_CKQ1oWNHN70XcUvhm_PLxgmT8bxdMF7WdoYzSX9Cwu1d8HbyOv7E_D6841TcJK-07qSKs8AdggcFs1oTNt-Y/s640/Beat+Allergy+Season.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spring is here, which means allergy
season isn't far behind. There are plenty of over-the-counter allergy pills to
choose from, however they come with side effects. Common side effects include <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">drowsiness, dizziness,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation"><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">constipation</span></a><span style="background: white;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-stomach"><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">stomach</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">upset, blurred<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/default.htm"><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">vision</span></a><span style="background: white;">, and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-dry-mouth"><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">dry mouth</span></a><span style="background: white;">/nose/throat. If you want to avoid these uncomfortable side
effects, there are plenty of other methods that will ease your symptoms.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-7h21LL9-nzMAyGD7JG7At5EbQBumjGWjylNP7VOgQlIcJBJnehbdFn8IfUeh_YbhZuUeCam6YcpjNkJSXdpHG0ZPKiwwBQIfWCmK9GljrKDYTDsw8FsZeMoiTnomW3nhyphenhyphen8m_3Yw8mc/s1600/honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-7h21LL9-nzMAyGD7JG7At5EbQBumjGWjylNP7VOgQlIcJBJnehbdFn8IfUeh_YbhZuUeCam6YcpjNkJSXdpHG0ZPKiwwBQIfWCmK9GljrKDYTDsw8FsZeMoiTnomW3nhyphenhyphen8m_3Yw8mc/s200/honey.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Local
Raw Honey<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since the bees were landing on
your local flowers, raw honey from your community will contain the pollens that
you breathe in every day. Start eating local raw honey 4-6 weeks before allergy
season hits. This will help your body build up an immunity towards your local
pollen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahV_RIrdCzczNPN54frGEnwgOllclsB1kT6T-i8QTflXIk3__LGgsgBUKplS2MSy7_HwUQZmbEc-yPCiSt4SkYZ2YE4_67lJBJ2h0JXFXEmUVNCDRei0nTxsf_jHKrJzbCkqcMijA7Tg/s1600/bragg+acv.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahV_RIrdCzczNPN54frGEnwgOllclsB1kT6T-i8QTflXIk3__LGgsgBUKplS2MSy7_HwUQZmbEc-yPCiSt4SkYZ2YE4_67lJBJ2h0JXFXEmUVNCDRei0nTxsf_jHKrJzbCkqcMijA7Tg/s200/bragg+acv.png" width="74" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apple
Cider Vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Apple cider vinegar is the ideal
home remedy for many conditions, including hay fever. It breaks down mucus and
phlegm in the body, which is helpful during allergy season. Holistic
practitioners recommend adding 2 teaspoons of ACV and 2 teaspoons of honey to
water. Drink this 3 times a day throughout the season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nettles<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIFEUntTePLOiYCoHMu5AtqALgV6pRIpsGyQ2NfUJlx7Fac_-e5PtqsDr7A1nWEqC3peTYXJzdt1tWsk1GAE3_lqdFCSPuaVAUaOgUorHL8UDzu3biE7gon6TdvsG5T-IoqJ5AKzkqIc/s1600/nettle+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIFEUntTePLOiYCoHMu5AtqALgV6pRIpsGyQ2NfUJlx7Fac_-e5PtqsDr7A1nWEqC3peTYXJzdt1tWsk1GAE3_lqdFCSPuaVAUaOgUorHL8UDzu3biE7gon6TdvsG5T-IoqJ5AKzkqIc/s200/nettle+tea.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nature tends to grow the plants
we need when and where we need them. Nettles are no exception. Although farmers
and hikers may hate their sting, nettles are vitamin powerhouses. Nettles are
rich in iron, calcium, potassium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, zinc and
chromium, just to name a few. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The best way to fight allergies
with nettles is to take the dried leaf in capsule form. You can buy them online
for under $10. If your more of the DIY type, you can take advantage of our Peninsula's
abundance of nettles. Pick and dry the leaves yourself, then grind them up and
put them into your own capsules. Just make sure to wear gloves!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-eWjnhfuhyTA8LCYvCTCCfOPpqezPmgfJkgB5OU5fY13JHhstwH0mdwpF5x3KhzXcOZircoGXsTRpfjq_M_og7vswK_mHIeX4kTMEy8goVUtUo9ITorp4wCzP9w4lqRzOg5VUoljNx4/s1600/quercetin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-eWjnhfuhyTA8LCYvCTCCfOPpqezPmgfJkgB5OU5fY13JHhstwH0mdwpF5x3KhzXcOZircoGXsTRpfjq_M_og7vswK_mHIeX4kTMEy8goVUtUo9ITorp4wCzP9w4lqRzOg5VUoljNx4/s200/quercetin.jpg" width="107" /></span></a><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Quercetin<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that
stabilizes mast cells to keep them from releasing histamine. Start taking this
powerful supplement 4-6 weeks before allergy season begins to prevent allergy
symptoms. Although you can find Quercetin in broccoli and citrus fruits, it is
difficult to consume the amount needed to prevent allergies. Try supplementing
with capsules. Take up to 500mg twice a day for up to 12 weeks. Avoid Quercetin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Neti
Pots<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Neti pots originally come from
the Ayurvedic tradition, and are now becoming mainstream here in</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8q5AqjsHkqMYTNLW9OrCi32D64vQ-026ufZtrjnt9GE5_P_ZeO7MUR3e6l4WPB4U7757TyF_yYBKMU_KxDHM92-hk_-fY6OZ7relNnLAW7Lxaq1AcCoa0U3ApajkuDfioXAZNpsfPKro/s1600/neti+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8q5AqjsHkqMYTNLW9OrCi32D64vQ-026ufZtrjnt9GE5_P_ZeO7MUR3e6l4WPB4U7757TyF_yYBKMU_KxDHM92-hk_-fY6OZ7relNnLAW7Lxaq1AcCoa0U3ApajkuDfioXAZNpsfPKro/s200/neti+pot.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">America. Neti
pots look like tiny tea pots and can be purchased at most drug stores for about
$10. The idea is to fill the pot with a saltwater solution and run it through
the nostrils. This flushes out the mucus and pollens from the nasal cavities. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To make the saltwater solution,
mix one teaspoon of salt with a pint of lukewarm distilled or previously boiled
water. Over the sink, tilt your head to the side and pour the liquid through
your top nostril. The fluid will run through your nasal cavity and out your
bottom nostril. Do this daily. When symptoms subside, cut back to three times
per week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The dreaded allergy season is on
its way. With some planning and preparation, you can ease your allergy symtoms
Nature's way and avoid the consequences of OTC medicines.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == "http://thenaturelifeproject.blogspot.com/2015/04/natures-way-to-beat-allergy-season.html"'>
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</b:if>Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-30824687971353728612015-03-04T00:06:00.001-08:002016-11-15T15:07:24.468-08:00The Top 5 Reasons to Grow Your Own Food <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring is
here and the sun is shining more often, which means many of us are spending
time in our gardens. </div>
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<br /></div>
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While choosing between flowers,
herbs, fruits and vegetables, I'd like to encourage you to plant plenty of your
own food this year. Even if you only grow
one tomato plant, there are many reasons to grow at least some of your own
food. Here are my top five:<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
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<b>1. Food from the Garden Tastes Better</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Aside from the many
health-related and socially responsible reasons to grow your own food, fruits
and veggies from the garden simply taste better. They are juicier and sweeter than anything
you will ever buy at the grocery store. </div>
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There is nothing like eating a
tomato ripe off the vine and warm from the sun, the juice drizzling down your
chin. A sweet onion will never be as
sweet as one grown in your garden. You
may even find that you like veggies you had previously written off, because
they are sweeter when grown in your soil.
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>2. Food from the Garden is Healthier<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br /></div>
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The nutrient and mineral content
of garden grown veggies is much higher than anything in the grocery store,
which will heal and prevent many medical issues. </div>
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</div>
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Food picked ripe from the vine is
full of digestive enzymes that help you digest your food properly. Food from the grocery store has been
irradiated, or zapped in a big microwave, to kill these enzymes so they don't
spoil as quickly, adding unnecessary stress to your body. </div>
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You will control which pesticides
are used, if any. You will decide if you
grow GMO or organic. The quality of your
food is in your hands.</div>
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<b>3. Growing Your Food Will Save You Money<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br /></div>
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The cost of living is rising, including
the cost of food. Sure, you can spend a
fortune on your garden, but you can also use sustainable gardening methods that
are close to free. </div>
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</div>
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By using practices such as composting, mulching with
wood chips, and saving seeds, you can eat delicious, healthy food that only
costs you the time it takes to grow them.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>4. Growing Your Own Food is Good for the
Environment<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br /></div>
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There is a movement to buy local
for good reason. Buying local reduces our
dependence on fossil fuels and eliminates the pollution created when transporting
our produce. There's nothing more local
than your backyard.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>5. Spending Time in the Garden Connects You
to Nature <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br /></div>
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I'm convinced the worst bad day
can be cured by spending time in the garden.
Putting your hands in the dirt and feeling sunshine on your skin boosts
your mood. Gardening quiets your mind
and grounds you. If you watch closely, nature will reveal
valuable life lessons while you watch your plants grow. Gardening connects you to your food, to
nature and to yourself.</div>
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So while choosing your seeds and
starts this year, try a few new vegetables you haven't grown before. Your body, spirit, wallet, and the planet
will thank you.</div>
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</b:if>Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332888379836538987.post-47567509903852163552015-02-07T17:53:00.000-08:002016-11-15T15:08:33.703-08:00Spring Gardening Tips for a Successful Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKtiB-ra3et4FAggkqS6_xQiBcWkvLTp-P_b6r-pvaCNEQxlwDW8EVLTZYltHpA-655ODUcZgOxled0ZvPosEObUdhhnc8qI7j20iJUd2-lsnQDdLWs_zb8GKcS_SuraTzEtZh7wpZS8/s1600/springgardentips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKtiB-ra3et4FAggkqS6_xQiBcWkvLTp-P_b6r-pvaCNEQxlwDW8EVLTZYltHpA-655ODUcZgOxled0ZvPosEObUdhhnc8qI7j20iJUd2-lsnQDdLWs_zb8GKcS_SuraTzEtZh7wpZS8/s640/springgardentips.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Get a head start by starting seeds under a grow light indoors</i></div>
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The sun is shining and spring has sprung. For many of us, this means it's time to plant
our gardens. Along with a bountiful
harvest, our gardens will provide us with some challenges throughout the
season. Here are three steps we can take
that will increase our harvest.</div>
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<b>Start Seeds Indoors</b></div>
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Whether you grow flowers, veggies, or herbs, a longer
growing season means higher yields. By
starting your seeds early under a grow light, your plants will grow longer in
their vegetative state. This means
larger root mass and more foliage. As
they say, the bigger the roots, the bigger the fruits! I recommend researching each plant you want
to start. Some plants, such as lettuce
and root vegetables, don't transplant well.</div>
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<b>Prevent Pests with
Neem Oil<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopeAPZW0Ultm_NOqD3HPpuJOw-ORWtf3f0K6O0w2CIU9ViOE7d0onz6B0GY7klxiPLLmXOvgYnNqlWIZv6rHsIekyF9xj_N-NSSgliY8woB87EY8tZUX67HHDVZyKGoeiJrG_2nKAtjo/s1600/neem+oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopeAPZW0Ultm_NOqD3HPpuJOw-ORWtf3f0K6O0w2CIU9ViOE7d0onz6B0GY7klxiPLLmXOvgYnNqlWIZv6rHsIekyF9xj_N-NSSgliY8woB87EY8tZUX67HHDVZyKGoeiJrG_2nKAtjo/s200/neem+oil.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Because our mild winter didn't kill off all of last year's
bugs, we can expect more pests than usual in the garden this year. As with anything, the best cure is
prevention. A foliar application of neem
oil is an effective way to repel pests before they make their home in your plot
of dirt. Mix a little bit of neem oil
with water in a spray bottle and spray your starts, top and bottom of the
leaves, before you put them in the ground.</div>
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<b>Use a Mulch to Conserve
Water</b></div>
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Our mild winter also equates to a hot, dry summer, which
means we will need to be on top of our watering system. Whether we hand water or use an irrigation
system, using a mulch will mean we need to water our garden less. Woodchips make an excellent mulch. Before you plant, add a layer of compost on
top of your soil, then add a layer of woodchips on top of the compost. When you water, the woodchips will retain water
until your soil needs it, and will prevent moisture from evaporating. Your watering schedule will be drastically
reduced.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXnRMcr_lxECJBXLCP4fLGF8r85KxM9NRqDCCddwsfG8CdaMpR8WoSFaQ8VQUuw-Cvk8KnZNKPdkGphXOfdUyreDK5C1g4kTp9F6LGmYCDafEj7wAjLZxigSV1M_wVe6DGF6DXnbpuKg/s1600/corn+in+woodchips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXnRMcr_lxECJBXLCP4fLGF8r85KxM9NRqDCCddwsfG8CdaMpR8WoSFaQ8VQUuw-Cvk8KnZNKPdkGphXOfdUyreDK5C1g4kTp9F6LGmYCDafEj7wAjLZxigSV1M_wVe6DGF6DXnbpuKg/s640/corn+in+woodchips.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Corn growing with a woodchip mulch to conserve water</i></div>
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It is important not to mix the chips in with the soil so
they will not leach nitrogen. Simply
layer them on top of the garden, moving them aside when you put your starts in
the ground. The benefits of using
woodchips go far beyond water conservation.
They will also prevent your soil from compacting, prevent soil erosion,
make weeds less frequent and easier to remove, and will feed your soil as they
decompose. Don't use cedar chips, as
they don't decompose very quickly. A
tree service will usually give you their excess woodchips for little or no
cost.</div>
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A lush garden is good for our body, mind and soul, and is so
much more enjoyable when the process goes smoothly. These tips will make this gardening season
your best yet!</div>
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</b:if>Monica Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14198350432336052767noreply@blogger.com0