Boho at Heart

Colorful Sundance Necklace

2014-04-11T17:07:00.001-04:00

Today when I was browsing Pinterest I saw the most beautiful fabric:

(you can find it here if you are interested)

I like the color combination of this fabric so much that I decided to make a piece of jewelry in those colors. I dug through my beads to see what I had, and this is what I came up with. What do you think?

I'm pretty excited about this one! It will be available soon in my Etsy shop.

If you have a dress or other piece of clothing that you would like jewelry to match, I will be happy to make something for you! Send me a message and let's talk!

Go here and click on "Request Custom Order" in the left hand column to contact me.

Quick & Easy Sangria

2014-04-10T17:28:00.000-04:00

Fruity, sweet, and refreshing - Sangria is the perfect cocktail for any casual get-together. It goes great with typical cookout fare such as ribs and burgers and of course, Mexican food!

The first time I had sangria it was homemade by the mother of a friend of a friend. I was spoiled for life: I never could find any that was quite as tasty as that first time no many how many recipes I tried or how many Mexican restaurants I ordered it in (it was usually disappointing sugary bottled stuff). I guess sangria is like meatloaf - there are a thousand and one recipes and everyone has their favorite, but theirs might taste NOTHING like yours.

Then, just yesterday I stumbled upon this super-easy way to make my version of the perfect sangria. And it is amazingly easy. My husband came home with some SanPelligrino blood orange soda. I don't usually drink soda, but I tasted it, and it was delightful. I was drinking a glass of red wine at the time, and thought it would make a good combination. As it turned out, mixing them half and half made an amazing sangria! I added some frozen berries to chill it a bit more (and for fun). That's it! Yummy!

1 cup blood orange soda (make sure it is sweetened with sugar - not high fructose corn syrup)
1 cup red wine
1/2 cup frozen fruit
lemon, lime, or orange slices for garnish (optional)

Stir soda and wine together; pour into glasses and add fruit.

Makes 2 servings.

I have seen blood orange soda in liter bottles that you could use if you are making a quantity of it for several people.

Cheers!

I Don't Want Earl's Baby Pie Recipe (from the movie 'Waitress')

2014-02-12T18:53:00.000-05:00

This pie is also known as 'Bad Baby Pie' and is from the movie Waitress starring Kerri Russell. It is a cute movie and it will make you want to make (or at least eat) pie!

This quiche-style pie is my favorite. I have seen a few variations of this recipe online, but this is the one I like the best. It is wonderfully rich and is delicious for dinner or brunch.

I Don’t Want Earl’s Baby Pie

1 pie crust*
4 Tbs butter
3 slices ham
8 green onions
1 cup brie or other creamy cheese (I used creamy Havarti)
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
4 eggs
1 1/2 cup cream**
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

*If you are on the GAPS diet use a grain free crust or make a crustless quiche
** If you are on the GAPS diet use sour cream instead

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover pie crust with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
Remove foil and bake 5 minutes more.
Remove crust and reduce heat to 325 degrees.
Julienne ham and chop green onions.
In skillet, saute ham until brown. Remove and set aside.
Saute onion until tender. Remove with slotted spoon and sprinkle on the bottom of the pie crust with the ha
Sprinkle the cheeses over ham mixture.
Combine eggs, cream and nutmeg; pour over cheese.
Bake 35 - 40 minutes or until set. (will be a little brown on top)

Cool slightly, cut into wedges and serve.

Makes 8 servings

52 Easy Steps to a Frugal New You

2013-11-13T09:26:00.001-05:00

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step
–Old Chinese Proverb

Like any other change in habit, the prospect of living a more frugal lifestyle can be intimidating. 52 Easy Steps to a Frugal New You will guide you through 52 weeks of small changes, one simple step at a time so you won’t be overwhelmed by trying to do too much at once.

In addition, the book includes a special resources section which covers:
• Saving electricity
• Frugal grocery shopping
• Leftovers recipes
• How to avoid dry cleaning
• Successful garage sale shopping
• Homemade food gifts
• Starting a babysitting co-op
• and much more

One reader calls this book: “…a light-spirited, easy to follow book that… can help anyone downsize a budget with empowering choices rather than fearful limitations.”

More Information or Download it Now for just $4.99

E-Book Sale: Get $450. worth of books Only $34.95!

2013-05-10T14:35:00.000-04:00

9 E-books about fertility and health

Fertilise Yourself by Natalie Kringoudis of Melbourne Natural Fertility ($19.95)

This ebook is all about priming your body for fertility, with plenty of tips and tricks for a wellness overhaul, and the ‘how to’ steps to set yourself up to win. If you’re struggling with your fertility, or even just your general health, this ebook can help you navigate your way to being fueled and fighting fertility fit!

Making Super Sperm by Bridgit Danner of Joyful Mammas ($29.00)

The genetics of your baby are 50% from the dad, and 30 - 70 % of
infertility cases involve male factor. Get a strong start for your baby by Making Super Sperm from the start!

Fertility Smoothies: Elixirs for Optimal Fertility by Hethir Rodriguez of Natural Fertility
Info ($19.95)

In this book Hethir shares with you how to create a wide variety of delicious superfood smoothies to help boost your fertility naturally.

Overcoming Infertility with EFT by Sarah Holland of Fertile Mindset
($20.00)

The ultimate guide and practical workbook using the cutting edge technique of EFT for emotional healing on your fertility journey. Includes detailed but simple to follow EFT instructions, and easy to use worksheets to recognize and reverse your own negative beliefs and self-talk surrounding trying for a baby, heal yourself from traumas and damaging experiences that may be harming your fertility and much much more!

Eat Your Way to Parenthood by Gabriela Rosa of Natural Fertility
Breakthrough ($35.00)

Gabriela Rosa reminds us how a balanced and nutritious diet provides
the building blocks for a healthy sperm, egg and baby. This book is both a guide to the process of
fertility and the basics of good nutrition, as well as a manual of recipes that cleverly combine the
scientific research with balanced, tasty and nutritious ingredients.

Maiden to Mother by Stephanie Brandt Cornais of Mama and Baby Love

The Mama and Baby Love Guide to a Conscious Childbearing Year, containing easy-to-understand information about everything you absolutely must know as you begin your journey to motherhood. Stephanie gives you all the juicy tidbits, and lessons she has learned from working with pregnant couples for the past decade and from her own experience with being pregnant and a new mom.

Zero in on Ovulation by Sally Moran of Get Pregnant Fast ($17.00)

Knowing when you ovulate shouldn't be a mystery, but many women struggle to understand when their most fertile time of month is. Learn about the different methods of determining ovulation, what can delay ovulation, what herbs help promote ovulation or cervical fluid, symptoms of ovulation, problems with ovulation (including PCOS and luteal phase defect), the effects
of using Clomid or Femara, and more. Bonus sections on male infertility, baby gender selection,
frequently asked ovulation questions, as well as one-on-one e-mail consultation with the author.

A Modern Girl's Guide to Natural Fertility by Marni Hotchkiss of Bridge to Baby
($15.00)

Natural fertility in today's modern world encompasses the foods we eat, our behaviors, and our thoughts. Take a deeper look into how tools/apps as well as the right foods and other holistic approaches can positively impact pregnancy success.

Cleansing for Conception by Donielle Baker of Naturally Knocked Up
($6.95)

There are times in our life where we need to simply slow down and allow our bodies to clear out the toxins we're exposed to on a daily basis. One of these times is when you're thinking about becoming pregnant. This ebook will show you the many ways that you can alter your diet and lifestyle so that your body naturally and gently cleanses in preparation for conception.
(pre-release copy - no one else will see it until late summer 2013!)

Three Strategies for Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Russell Davis of The Fertile Mind
($9.97)

Research shows utilizing mind-body techniques can double your chances of getting pregnant. This ebook contains practical steps to get off the emotional roller-coaster, find a sense of peace on your journey and actively utilizing your mind-body link to increase your chances of success.

2 ebooks that speak to the heart

Pain Redeemed by Natasha Metzler of NatashaMetzler.com ($4.95)

The author of Pain Redeemed takes you on a journey through her own walk with infertility and with honesty and raw truthfulness tells the story of God meeting her there, right in the middle."

Celebrating Pregnancy Again by Francesca Cox of so this is love ($8.00)

This book is to encourage any bereaved mother experiencing pregnancy again, and help her embrace this bittersweet journey.

12 real food recipe ebooks

The Food Healing Recipe Book for Endometriosis by Melissa Meyer of Cure
Endometriosis ($27.00)

Specifically chosen recipes to help women with Endometriosis. Having personally used these recipes and this way of eating, I decided to compile some of my favorite recipes. My partner, also happens to be a chef, so they are all tasty and nutritious!

Meal Planning Guide for Healthy Thyroid by Magdalena Wszelaki of The Thyroid Diet Coach
($17.00)

Struggling with meal ideas? No time to cook? Bored with the same menu each week? Confused what you can or cannot eat for thyroid health? Then this guide will equip you with tools to make cooking fun, easy and nourishing. Learn about evolving meals, 15-min meals, dressing ideas, get healthy snack lists and a meal plan.

Thrifty Food Plan Experience by Millie Cooper of Real Food for Less
Money ($8.95)

You can enjoy traditional foods while on thrifty budget. 67 pages of thoughts, tips and ideas plus a 2 week menu plan, over 40 recipes and links to many more.

Divine Dinners: Gluten-Free, Nourishing, Family-Friendly Meals by Lydia Shatney of Divine Health From
The Inside Out ($14.95)

A collection of recipes that can be paired together to make entire meals. All the recipes are lower in sugars/carbs than that of the standard American diet. Recipes are gluten free and tested time and time again on family and friends with great results.

Lacto-Fermentation by Wardee Harmon of GNOWFGLINS ($20.00)

A 155-page, 23-lesson digital book with detailed instruction on fermenting fruits, vegetables, beans, meats, dairy, and grains. The book will expose you to a variety of fermentation methods — using salt, whey, or other starter cultures. Recipes go beyond fermentation methodology and include spices and seasonings to improve the flavor of the final product.

Real Food Ingredient Guide by Kelly of Kelly the Kitchen Kop ($22.95)

Confused about which ingredients are good for you and which ones to avoid? Get a quick-reference list of what to look for at the store or farm, with many listings including a good-better-best recommendation. Also this newly REVISED edition includes bonus material: Bringing Your Family from Junk Food to Real Food!

The Everything Beans Book by Katie Kimball of Kitchen Stewardship
($8.95)

Fall in love with legumes because they're frugal and delicious. Kimball's recipes span everything from appetizer to dessert, and the introductory pages will help you cook dry beans like a pro, understand their health benefits, and even get ideas to reduce the...you know...flatulence often connected with beans.

Just Making Ice Cream my Marilyn Beard of Just Making Noise ($12.00)

Because we all deserve a special treat now and then - but it doesn't mean we can't choose to do it in a healthier way! It includes 113 pages and over 70 recipes to choose through all 4 seasons of the year... who says ice cream is only for the summer?!

Grain-free/Gluten-free Baking by Stephanie Brandt Cornais of Mama and Baby
Love ($9.99)

If you can’t cook and you can’t bake – this book is for you. I taught myself how to cook, and then I taught myself how to bake. You can too. 20 easy recipes, full of tips and tricks for beginners; recipes for cookies, cakes, pies, pizza crusts and more!

Simple Food for Spring by Shannon Stonger of Nourishing Days ($10.00)

Simple Food {for spring} is a grain-free cookbook that emphasize real food and sustainable living. This 80-page edition contains all of the freshness of spring with a focus on cultured dairy salad dressings, wild edibles, and using all of those fresh greens. Each of the 28 recipes includes full-color photos.

Simple Food for Winter by Shannon Stonger of Nourishing Days ($10.00)

Simple Food {for winter} is the first of what I hope to be four seasonal cookbooks that emphasize real food and sustainable living. This 58 page book contains 30 recipes, 10 full-color photos, and three essays.

Happy Mom, Healthy Family Meal Planning Workshop and eCookbook by Lisa Byrne of Wellgrounded Life ($29.00)

A practical, flexible and enjoyable way to make peace with the task that comes every day: preparing meals. This workshop equips you with techniques to make truly family-friendly, whole-foods recipes through a webinar presentation, meal planning templates & worksheets, demo videos plus a downloadable cookbook filled with 89 tried-and-true delicious recipes. Who could want more? (Besides a personal chef perhaps!)

6 pregnancy and birth ebooks

Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods by Kate Tietje of Modern Alternative
Mama ($8.95)

If you're struggling with how to eat healthy to prepare for and during pregnancy, simplify it with this book. There are only two rules: avoid junk, and eat super foods. Plus 30 healthy, super-food-filled recipes!

UnBound Birth by Jenny Yarbrough of UnBound Birth ($4.99)

Unbound Birth: How to Have a Natural Birth in the Hospital is an inspiring collection of natural hospital birth stories. With determination, information, preparation, and support, Jennifer offers women hope for the beauty of a natural birth within a hospital setting.

Breast to Bib by Kate Tietje of Modern Alternative Mama ($8.95)

Make feeding babies easier with this practical guide to healthy breastfeeding, introducing solids, and handling picky toddlers. The book also includes over 30 baby and toddler-friendly recipes.

My Buttered Life: Baby Edition by Renee Harris from MadeOn Skin Care ($5.00)

This ebook includes 5 recipes, each with 5 ingredients or less. The recipes include baby massage oil, baby balm, creamy baby lotion, diaper rash cream and oatmeal milk bath. Each recipe has an accompanying video, a list of where to buy ingredients and supplies, and a cost analysis to compare with store-bought products.

Forty Weeks of Pregnancy Development by Angela England of The Untrained
Housewife ($9.95)

What happens during each week of pregnancy? Now you'll hear how each week of pregnancy brings changes to both you and your baby! Enjoy the extra information about common issues such as morning sickness, back pain, and more!

Embracing Beauty: practical style for every shape and season of motherhood
by Trina Holden of trinaholden.com ($9.00)

A style guide that gets to the heart of beauty, and helps women identify and embrace their personal style through all the changes of motherhood.

Bonus Material

Six Tips to Enhance Fertility in Women with PCOS by Jess Pedersen CHCC of Be Mama Be Well
Top Food Myths by Dr. Marlene Merritt of Merritt Wellness
Break the Sugar Habit ebook by Lisa Byrne of Well Grounded Life
The introduction to Primal Moms Look Good Naked ebook, audio by Peggy Emch from The Primal Parent
Secrets of Stress Resilient Moms, audio teleclass by Lisa Byrne of Well Grounded
Life
Making Super Sperm, audio book by Bridgit Danner of Joyful Mammas
It Takes Two to Make a Healthy Baby (audio) with Dr. Erika Siegel of Nourish Me
Food for Fertility daily checklist by Donielle Baker of Naturally Knocked Up

7 week long meal plans

To help you get started on a whole foods diet, we've also included a variety of meal plans to fit your needs!

Jess Pedersen CHHC of Be Mama Be Well The Be Mama Be Well Meal Planner is an alkalizing plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free plan that excludes highly processed foods. The Be Mama Be Well Meal Planner is meant to help you detoxify your body, cleanse your liver, balance your hormones, eliminate food-induced mood swings, and boost your nutrient intake.
KerryAnn Foster of Cooking
Traditional Foods The Cooking Traditional Foods' Menu Mailer covers breakfast, lunch and dinner based on the guidelines in the Naturally Knocked Up Fertility Foods Checklist.
Mary Vance of www.MaryVanceNC.com Autoimmune plan for those who have Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis or other autoimmune conditions. Excludes the inflammatory foods most likely to aggravate autoimmune conditions: gluten, dairy, soy, grains (for the most part, at least corn), nightshades, nuts, eggs.
Jill Marks of Modern
Alternative Pregnancy Proper nutrition plays a vital role in fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. This meal plan is gluten-free with real, whole foods to optimize your health and give your baby a wonderful start!
Therese Asmus of Artistta
This menu plan does it's best to include a variety of meals that aren't only pleasing to the pallet, but are also excellent sources of the many nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy.
Amy of PCOS
Diva Spring Meal Plan (includes: Getting Started Guide, Recipes and Shopping List) is a whole food based, gluten-free, processed soy-free, and low dairy (or easily can be made dairy-free) plan. You don’t need a crazy diet to increase your fertility, you just need to get in the kitchen and start cooking delicious, nutrient-dense meals.
Joanna Steven, author of Well-Rounded. Plant based, whole foods based, with a mix of nourishing raw and cooked recipes for the vegan or vegetarian woman.

Bonus Offerings

One month meal ebook from My Humble Kitchen
Free Fertility Relaxation Program from Circle and Bloom
One month premium membership at Fertility Flower
one hour video seminar with Russell Davis of The Fertile Mind

Giveaways worth $1130.00!

But that's not all - it's $1130.00 times two!

There will be one grand prize winner who will receive each and every one of the following products/services.¹ All of which will help you on your way to growing your family. And then we'll be giving away each of the products separately to individual winners as well, so you get more chances to win these fabulous products.

$25 gift certificate to MadeOn Skin Care ($25.00) - Choose from Simply Soothing Rash Cream, or Beesilk Jr for your baby. Or, shop for you and buy Beesilk hard lotion bars or a pack of tinted lip balms. All products are made with safe and natural ingredients. (includes free shipping)

Fertility Detox Cleanse Program from Bridgit Danner
($125.00) - Get your body primed for baby with this professionally-led detox program (food supplies to
be purchased by recipient.)

Still Standing mug from Still Standing Magazine ($13.99) - Still Standing is an online magazine for those dealing with infertility and baby loss, offering resources and hope.

Making Babies DVDs from Bulk Herb Store ($75.00) - Three fun, informational,
and colorful DVDs include deliciously healthy recipes, remedies and herbal concoctions that cover the
fertility, pregnancy, and post-partum time in your life. At the Bulk Herb Store we want to teach you
what we know and inspire you to learn and research beyond that with our homemade herbal remedies,
our experiences, and the tested wisdom of others.

ibasal thermometer from FairHaven Health ($59.95) - The ibasal is a computerized digital basal thermometer that helps you maximize your changes of conceiving by accurately measuring your BBT and interpreting this data to produce a fertility prediction in advance of ovulation.

One bottle of FertilAid for Women from FairHaven Health ($28.95) - FertilAid for Women is a
fertility enhancing supplement designed to help restore hormonal balance, support reproductive
wellness, and optimize your chances of conceiving.

Femmenessence MacaHarmony from Natural Health International ($69.98) - Femmenessence
MacaHarmony is a natural approach to hormone balance and supporting fertility without introducing
hormones from outside of the body.

Medium Fertility Kit (LH and HCG tests) from Kisses from Above ($18.00) - Includes 30 ovulation and 10 pregnancy tests. Everything you need in one easy-to-order kit! Both the ovulation and pregnancy tests will come in the strip format, as shown in the picture.

Herbal kit from Mountain Rose Herbs ($56.20) - FecundiTea, Nurse-Me Rhyme Tea, “Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years” by Susun Weed, Evening Embrace Aroma Spray, and 4 oz. each of Red Clover, Dandelion Leaf and Raspberry Leaf.

One bottle of cod liver oil from Green Pasture ($44.00) - Green Pastures is dedicate to providing their customers with high-quality sacred-food oils just as they were made prior to the industrialized food and farming revolution. They are committed to providing the community with nothing but pure, unadulterated, non-industrialized wild-caught fish liver oils.

Set of six essential oils from Plant Therapy ($48.68) - Romance Set Includes 100% Pure, Therapeutic Grade of: Sensual, Peppermint, Energy, Headache Relief, Tranquil, & Invigor- Aid. 10 ml each

Natural Cycle Relaxation Program from Circle and Bloom ($59.00) - Start today to feel in greater control over your fertility success with our downloadable program which includes 28 unique guided meditations to support you in communicating with your body and tapping into your innate ability to create.

Year subscription to Fertility Flower (sympto-thermal charting) ($40.00) - Fertility charting is simple, effective and teaches you about your body. When you "chart", you learn to recognize when you're fertile and when you're not so that you can target your baby-making activities at the most fruitful time.

Complimentary consultation at the Metabolic Treatment Center ($100.00 value) - Dr. Schuler or another metabolic treatment specialist at Metabolic Treatment Center will review an individual's history, medication, supplementation, diet, and symptoms and provide an initial assessment review (phone, Skype, or at the Bloomington office).

SpermCheck Kit ($39.99) - The only at-home sperm test for men! Results in 10 minutes, 98% accurate, private and convenient!

Preseed lubricant from Baby Hopes ($21.50)- Pre~Seed lubricant replenishes your natural moisture while providing an optimal environment for sperm.

Fertile Soul of Yoga DVD from Nourish and Bloom ($25.00) - Fertile Soul of Yoga DVD offers fertility enhancing yoga, meditation, and abdominal and femoral massage demonstration.

What to Eat & Why audio program by Nichi Hirsch Kuechle of My Healthy Beginning

($197.00) - This program is set up with three modules: Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum with nearly two hours worth of content that you can immediately implement.

A Practical Guide to Children's Health ebook by Kate Tetje of Modern Alternative Mama ($17.95) - A well-researched ebook on raising healthy children.

The Woman Code book by Alisa Vitti ($25.99) - WomanCode by Alisa Vitti will guide you on how
to Perfect Your Cycle, Amplify Your Fertility, Supercharge Your Sex Drive, and Become a Power Source.

Naturally Knocked Up book by Donielle Baker ($18.95) - Your guide to increasing the odds of conception through natural living and nourishing foods.

Rebuild from Depression book by Amanda Rose ($19.97) - This book on depression describes the research basis for the nutrient-depression link, highlighting the nutrients with the strongest basis in research. With seven specific nutrients in mind, the authors review each of the food groups recommending how to improve the diet for the long-term.

Extra discounts for bundle purchasers

25% off ebooks from Kate Tietje at Modern Alternative Mama

25% off any purchase at Cooking Traditional Foods, including our renewable menu plan
subscriptions.

$3.00 off a large Simply Soothing Rash Cream from MadeOn Lotion

20% off products from Sarah Holland at Fertile Mindset

40% off any ebook from Katie Kimball at Kitchen Stewardship

20% off books by Millie Cooper at Real Food for Less Money

10% off essential oils and products at Plant Therapy

40% off all Making Babies products from the Bulk Herb Store

15% off products at Kisses from Above

25% off BeMama Fertility Cleanse Programs with Jess Pedersen CHHC of Be Mama Be Well

10% off at FairHaven Health (excludes OvaCare and Preseed)

25% off your first visit at the Metabolic Treatment Center

Receive 2 boxes Femmenessence MacaHarmony, 3 boxes of pH Quintessence, and 1 box Sole
Stones for only $99.00 (52%off) at Natural Health International

20% off all programs at The Fertile Mind

Important fine print to read
1) All purchases are non-refundable due to the short duration of this sale and no late sales will be offered.
2) All giveaway products are sponsored by the individual companies, most of which are limited to shipping within the United States. The grand prize package will be shipped by Naturally Knocked Up LLC and is available to US and Canada, excluding the consultation which is available only in the US. ¹To enter the giveaway without purchase send a 3x5 postcard to Naturally Knocked Up LLC PO Box 26 Burnips, MI 49314 by May 14, 2013.
3) All products are downloadable ebooks and audio files. You will not be shipped any physical goods with your purchase of the natural fertility ebook bundle, but will be sent a link where you can download all of the material.
4) It is your responsibility to download all the files before June 1th, 2013.
5) Bonus offers are only eligible once per purchase, expire at midnight on May 31, 2013 and are the sole responsibility of the sponsor.
6) The above links are affiliate links, thank you for supporting this affiliate partner.
7) Please understand the information shared through this natural fertility ebook bundle is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, but rather to encourage perhaps a new discussion or conversation with your own physicians and health care providers and to inspire you to continue to research healthy alternatives.

Crock-Pot SCCPLC200-PK 20-Ounce Lunch Crock Food Warmer, Pink

Paleo Breakfast

2013-01-13T13:59:00.000-05:00

Stir-fried kale & bacon

This morning I had the most delicious breakfast of stir-fried kale and bacon (recipe from Nom Nom Paleo), some avocado slices, and my usual morning beverage of hot Bengal Spice tea with coconut milk. It was so good that I felt inspires to share! :-)

Why am I eating greens for breakfast?

Starting January first (a very good place to start, right?) I embarked on a paleo diet in hopes of:

1) losing at least a portion of the spare tire around my middle,

2) finding out if I am eating anything that is causing me to have an allergic reaction like poor digestion, joint pain, etc., and

3) clearing up my skin - I have been battling rosacea for almost a year and I also have a lot of brown splotches on my face (and the rest of my body for that matter...).

After almost two weeks of eating this way I am starting to really get the hang of it and enjoy eating this way.

My diet plan includes NO

grains
legumes (beans, peanuts, etc.)
sugar or other sweeteners
nightshades (common allergens; tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, etc.)
eggs (common allergen)
caffeine

I am also limiting nuts and seeds to one serving or less a day (some diets recommend excluding them altogether, but I am afraid I will be too hungry!) and fruit to 3 or fewer servings a day so my fructose level won't be too high.

Here are some more paleo breakfasts that I have enjoyed:

fish stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables (you could use meat instead of fish, too)
sliced banana or berries with coconut milk and toasted coconut - very yummy!
dinner leftovers (this chicken stew made an especially good breakfast the next day)

Are you on or have you tried a paleo diet? What was your favorite breakfast?


Bengal Spice Tea

Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe

2012-11-30T10:49:00.000-05:00

The best pumpkin pie I have tasted was made with fresh pumpkin - instead of canned. It is a little bit more work, since you have to cook the pumpkin, but it is so worth it!

Actually, the hardest part is scraping the seeds out. After that it is pretty easy. Basically, you just:

Cut the pumpkin in half (use a small pie pumpkin - I don't know if all pumpkins are good for baking)
Scrape the seeds and membrane out
Put both halves upside down in a baking dish with 1/2 cup or so of water (to keep it from drying out) and
Bake at 375 for 40 minutes or until you can poke a fork into it (through the skin)
Let it cool a little and scrape the pumpkin out of the skin

But that is not what I wanted to talk about. Now that that is out of the way here is the good part! The PIE RECIPE! :-D

Oh, and also - since I can't eat gluten - it had a gluten free crust - which was AWESOME!

What you need:
FILLING

2 cups cooked fresh pumpkin
2 eggs
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/2 cup milk

CRUST

5 Tbs butter
8 oz. gluten free cookies or graham crackers - I used Trader Joe's Gluten Free Ginger Snaps

DIRECTIONS

Start with the crust:

Turn the oven on to 300 and melt the butter in a pie pan.

Crush the cookies. I used the whole bag and crushed then right in the bag. You can put them in a food processor to make them finer if you want.

Swish the melted butter around in the pie pan to coat it and then pour it into a bowl and mix it with the crushed cookies.

Press the cookie mixture into the pie pan to form the crust. Put it in the refrigerator to set while you make the pie filling.

Pie Filling:

Heat the oven to 425.

Beat all the filling ingredients together until smooth (I burned out my mixer a couple of weeks ago, so I used the blender. It worked fine.)

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared crust and bake at 425 for 10 minutes.

Lower the oven temp to 350 and continue to bake for 40 - 50 minutes or until the filling is set (stick a table knife into the middle - if it comes out clean, it is ready).

Take it out and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Top with whipped cream. Share with your friends and/or family and be prepared to be praised for your culinary prowess! :-D

Small Business Saturday Sale

2012-11-19T17:55:00.000-05:00

In celebration of Small Business Saturday (Saturday, November 24, this year) I am offering 25% off of everything at Holly&Sage!

This is an unprecedented discount - if you have been eying one of my items or are searching for a unique holiday gift, don't miss this opportunity to get a great deal!

If you have never shopped at Holly&Sage before, here are a few of the unique offerings you will find there:

Mommy Necklaces

"Mommy Necklace" is my name for my line of a type of necklace commonly called a 'nursing necklace'. Nursing necklaces can be worn by anyone, but are especially useful for mothers or other care-givers that spend a lot of time holding babies or toddlers. Young children are attracted to jewelry and like to yank on necklaces. Most necklaces are too fragile to withstand their strong little hands, but not nursing necklaces! Designed to be sturdy, they are made with simple stones on natural fiber cords (usually cotton or hemp). They can withstand pulling and the stones won't harm baby if they find their way into little mouths.

Recycled Button Jewelry

My most popular jewelry items are my recycled button jewelry. I got the idea a couple of years ago to make bracelets from the large stash of buttons that I had collected over the years. I love the casual versatility of these bracelets! You can wear just one or stack them up for a really cool and funky look! They are not delicate like a lot of jewelry is, so you can wear them to the beach, etc. and if they get dirty, no worries - just throw them in the wash!

and my latest passion is -

Recycled T-shirt & Sweater Scarves

This eco-friendly idea was sparked from a Pinterest board and I am having so much fun with it! Instead of throwing old t-shirts away they can be used to make wonderfully soft and colorful scarves. I only have a couple of scarves listed now, but expect to see a lot more very soon.

Come on over to Holly&Sage and see what you want to save on this Saturday!

Related posts:
Introducing My New Line of Button Jewelry
Custom Bracelets From Your Buttons

All My Links in One Place!

2012-10-26T15:43:00.002-04:00

I am excited to have all my links together in one place now - at Flavors!

Holly&Sage Designs: My own boho style handmade artisan jewelry, recycled vintage button jewelry & Earth Mama Organic Mommy Nursing Necklaces

You can set up your own Flavors page HERE

Have fun!

Type 2 But Not Into a Lot of Accessories?

2012-10-12T17:39:00.000-04:00

In a Dressing Your Truth video chat yesterday (Oct. 11) Carol Tuttle told one member that she was a type 4 instead of the T2 that the member - I think her name was Amy - thought she was. This was partly based on her lack of accessories. Amy was at home with 3 children and had on a simple shirt - like a t-shirt. I keep thinking that I don't wear accessories when I am at home, either, and my kids are grown - I certainly didn't when I had small kids climbing all over me.

If I understand correctly, Carol equates a lack of accessories as a sign of being a Type 4. So I have been questioning my certainty that I am a T2.

Apart from physical features, such as down turned eyes and mouth, I believe I am a T2 because:

I am a list maker. I have so many lists I can't keep up with them
I NEED a plan. Without a plan I am lost (and I hate when the plan changes)
I have always been detail minded
In school I was constantly being told to "speak up"
I am a slow and methodical worker

In my mind, I am less of a Type 4 than any other type. For one thing, I have never been sure of anything in my life! Well, not many things, anyway... I am not bold and striking.

I love the idea of accessories, but they usually seem to bother me. I need to be COMFORTABLE! I stay at home now, but even when I was working and wore bracelets and things to work (office work) the bracelets often came off before the end of the day. Some women take their bra off as soon as they get home - I take off my jewelry (and scarves, etc.)!

Are there any other T2s that can relate to this? Please tell me your feelings on it so I can understand!

Update:

After stressing and doing a lot more reading and researching, I dressed as a T4 today to post on the Dressing Your Truth forum for feedback. I got my first feedback from my husband when I asked him to take my picture. He said, "I don't know what you did, but you really highlighted all of your wrinkles!" He was right - when I saw my picture I realized I looked a LOT older - tired and washed out, too. That answered the question for me more readily than all that reading did! So, if you are wondering where you fit in, try a Type on and see how it feels!

Let me know what you think of my T4 look!

Learn to Let Your Beauty Shine by Living True to Your Nature

2012-10-08T13:16:00.000-04:00

Be your most beautiful self by learning how to live true to your unique energy type!

Before I discovered Dressing Your Truth I often struggled to find styles of clothing and accessories that I felt good in and expressed who I really was. Part of the problem was that I didn't truly know who I truly was. Since I joined the Dressing Your Truth program I have discovered how easy it is to be ME. And you know what? It is so exciting!

Do you have things in your closet that you never seem to wear? You know that when you put them on they just don't feel right? Those things, no matter how beautiful or stylish they are, are most likely not suited to your type! The Dressing Your Truth course will help you to learn how to clear those things our of your wardrobe and replace them with great choices that will make you feel like your true beautiful self!

One of my favorite things about Dressing Your Truth is how much easier shopping is. Now that I know exactly what colors and styles to look for I can save a lot of time and frustration looking at (and possibly buying) things that are wrong for me.

Right now you can get the entire Dressing Your Truth course and access to all the great instructional videos and the supportive forums for only $99 when you use this link. You will also get a $20 gift card for the Dressing Your Truth online store (great clothing and accessories for your type) immediately and another $10 gift card after your first order.

Hurry! This offer ends Tuesday, October 9!

Related posts: Ready to be Your Most Beautiful Self?

Custom Bracelets From YOUR Special Buttons!

2012-09-18T09:35:00.000-04:00

Now available from Holly&Sage - Custom Button Bracelets!

If you have a lot of buttons (or any) laying around and you like the idea of making jewelry, but you don't have the time (or the creativity or the desire) to make them yourself, send them to me and I will do it for you!

A friend of mine and the proprietor of Back Home, a quaint gift shop in Gold Hill, NC, had a lot of buttons that had been her mother's before she passed away. These were special reminders of her mother and she wanted to put them to use in a special way. Since she loves my button bracelets, she commissioned me to make some bracelets from her mother's buttons. They turned out great!

Aren't these pretty?

Thanks to Sandy's encouragement, I am now offering custom button bracelets from your buttons!

These make excellent heirloom gifts for family members: dig out Grandma's old buttons and have some made for aunts, nieces, sisters, cousins, etc. Think Grandma didn't have any buttons? Check that sewing sewing basket - I bet she did!

All you need is a selection of buttons - a 7-inch bracelet usually uses 10 - 12 buttons depending on how big the buttons are.
That's it! I will supply the cord, come up with a pleasing design, and put it all together for you!

See Holly&Sage for all the details.

Packing for Airline Travel

2012-08-11T18:02:00.000-04:00

... with three stops....

You know you have OCD when it takes you 3 days to pack! Seriously, I think I have a problem!

I recently signed up with Dressing Your Truth where I learned what my beauty style is. Not only do you learn the best colors and types of clothing to wear, it is something of a personality assessment. As a Type 2, I discovered that I am very detailed. And, in my case, that causes me to take forever to pack for a trip - especially a 9-day trip in which we will be changing planes 3 times (UGGG! Who chose this itinerary!?!).

I don't want to haul a large carry-on bag from flight to flight that many times (possibly running through the airport to make the connection!) so I am planning to check my bag. But I don't want to get caught spending a night at an unexpected stop somewhere without vital toiletries and at least something to sleep in, if not a change of clothes. Sooooo - I have a rather large purse that I bought specifically for this trip (in a suitable Type 2 muted color!) and I have packed everything in it that I think I might need in a pinch.

Here is what I have in this wonderfully spacious bag:

my makeup case plus a bottle of moisturizer and my powder which don't fit in the case
a large t-shirt and extra undies - for sleeping in if my other clothes (ie: my checked bag) is not with me
a mirror (for putting on aforementioned makeup)
Emergency 'medical' supplies: contact case and solution, assorted medications such as allergy pills, aspirin, cough drops, etc. (in the red checked bag)
reading glasses
my wallet with cash, credit cards, etc.
my camera
Rx eyeglasses
lipstick, lip balm, lip liner, compact with mirror
hand sanitizer and wet wipes
my Nook (smaller than a book! - more versatile, too!)
my phone (not in there now, but will be when I leave) ...should I try to cram my charger in there?
my passport
a pen(hmmm - do I need paper, too?)

So, if you are looking for suggestions on what to pack, this should cover it. Did I forget anything? Let me know in the comments!

Now that that is done, I need to stop procrastinating and get back to packing my other bag...

:-)

Ready to Be Your Most Beautiful Self?

2012-08-07T18:01:00.000-04:00

My experience with Dressing Your Truth

I have recently discovered a program that helps women learn to accentuate their own natural qualities by taking a realistic look at the hair, skin, and body that they were born with; see their own unique beauty and make the most of it!

That is a tall order! I have spent hours watching videos and reading articles and watched (what feels like) hundreds of before and after photos that have convinced me that this program truly works magic!

It is called Dressing your Truth. You can sign up for the free Learn Your Type e-course here.

I have spent so much time with this fascinating information the last few days that I see it where ever I look. Last night my husband and I were watching a documentary and one of the experts that was being interviewed was such a perfect example of a Type 1 that it was quite distracting to me! I wanted to say, "look at her ears that stick out in such an animated way, and her round face, and her cute upturned mouth!" but, of course, he would have thought I had completely lost my mind, so I didn't mention it. Ha! Ha!

Another place I am seeing "types" is in my jewelry! Here are some examples:

Type 1: Bright, animated beauty; light, airy, circles, fun

Color Pop Earrings


Pastel Button Bracelet

Have you discovered what your type is? What are your favorite type-specific accessories?

Let me know what you think of the program!

Banana Mango Smoothie Recipe

2012-05-22T12:25:00.001-04:00

This recipe makes a delicious breakfast smoothie, or you can pour it into Popsicle molds and freeze them to make a healthy frozen treat!

I have been exploring paleo foods lately in a search for relief from my digestive woes. I came across a recipe similar to this one and tweaked it a little to suit my preferences. This sugar-free, dairy-free treat will fit in with your paleo diet, gluten free diet, real food (traditional; WAPF) diet, or just about any eating plan you follow.

What you will need:

Mango
Banana
Coconut milk
Lemon juice
Almond butter
Egg (optional)

Make it:

To make 2 servings (warning: it tastes really good - you might want to drink both servings yourself in one sitting!) I used one whole fresh mango and one banana. I cut these up the night before and put them in the freezer because I like my smoothies to be nice and frosty. You can do this or you can leave them unfrozen.
Combine the mango, banana, about a tablespoon of lemon juice (I didn't measure it - smoothies don't need exact amounts), a blob of almond butter (about 1/4 cup), and a cup or so of full fat coconut milk (I made this the day before, too - Here's how), and the egg if you are using it.
Blend until smooth.
Pour into a glass and enjoy! Share some with someone else, drink it all yourself, or freeze the leftovers for a Popsicle later. Yummy!

What is your favorite smoothie? Leave a comment and let me know!

Book Review: Wheat Belly by William Davis

2012-04-29T13:33:00.001-04:00

This book changed my life. In fact, it may have SAVED it.

I had read some negative reviews about it, so I was skeptical about it's value. But I found it to be well written, easy to read, and very informative.

Davis uses a lot of light humor, which makes for an easy and enjoyable read, but he also includes a lot of excellent information. He explains the technical reasoning to support his positions in a way that is not difficult for a lay person to understand.

Wheat Belly argues that many of the health problems facing Americans today can possibly be caused by eating too many grains, and modern wheat in particular. These problems include obesity, heart disease, diabetes, accelerated aging, and of course, celiac disease.

I almost skipped the chapter on Celiac disease thinking, "I don't have that". But I read it anyway. I'm glad I did, because I now realize that I DO have that! That is why I say this book may have saved my life: It is estimated that only 10% of Celiac sufferers realize that they have the disease and if untreated it poses a hugely increased risk of abdominal cancers.

Cancer has been a concern of mine since I can remember. Nearly all of my family members that are no longer living have had cancer (and a couple of the ones that ARE still living...). I have also had a lot of abdominal and digestion-related troubles, so I was eager to "fix" these by giving up wheat and gluten.

The one complaint that I have about Wheat Belly is that it leads you to believe that if you give up wheat (and other gluten-containing grains) all your problems will be solved and your wildest dreams will come true (okay, so that is an exaggeration, but you get the picture). I am finding that this is just not true. Healing your 'gut' takes time, and it may be several months before you actually see dramatic results of your new gluten-free lifestyle.

I have had fewer problems with gas and bloating in the 3 weeks since I stopped eating gluten, but I can't say that it has stopped completely. I also have not lost any of the spare tire around my belly yet. But my DH (dermatitis herpetiformis - an itchy skin condition associated with celiac disease) has cleared up almost completely, and I have hope that my system is working hard to heal itself and repair the intestinal damage inflicted upon it by years of undigestible gluten exposure.

I recommend Wheat Belly to anyone who wants to learn more about the effects that eating grains has on the body. The last portion of the book also contains a sample menu and lot of good grain-free recipes.

Buy Wheat Belly at amazon.com
.

Using Pinterest for your Online Business

2012-03-12T13:57:00.001-04:00

I you have a website or online shop you should be using Pinterest. Is is an excellent and easy-to-use promotional tool. It is a great visual way to get more traffic to your site or shop. (Also a fun way to wile away the hours looking at beautiful photos of places you'd like to travel to or recipes that make your mouth water.)

Add a Pinterest button to your toolbar (so you can "Pin" things quick as a wink!

And now there is Pinerly!

Pinerly is a new application that makes it easier than ever to use Pinterest. Use it to follow/unfollow pinners, view popular pins, schedule pins, and get statistics to learn how to reach a larger audience. It will help you to optimize your marketing strategies so that you can focus on your content!

More about Pinterest and how and why you should be using it: http://www.inc.com/john-brandon/9-tips-boost-your-business-pinterest.htmlUse this link to sign up for Pinerly: http://www.pinerly.com/i/NabX9

Find me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/hollynsage/

How to Make Coconut Milk - So Delicious!

2012-02-03T14:13:00.013-05:00

I made coconut milk for the first time today and I am so excited about it! I had never tasted truly fresh coconut milk before so I didn't know what I was missing, but - WOW! It is so creamy and smooth.

I followed Jenny's instructions at Nourished Kitchen for making it, and it worked great. It was time-consuming (getting all that coconut out of the shell and peeling the skin off of it), but not hard.* (See my time-saving update below!)

PS - Get free shipping from Tropical Traditions with code 200212free - hurry, it expires midnight EST, Monday, February 20th.

Once you get it out you basically just put it in a blender with some water and blend it up. I was afraid that my blender would have trouble with it (it doesn't do well with ice, for instance), but it shredded it right up quite easily. After I squeezed the liquid out of it, the remaining coconut looked just like what you buy at the store! (Except it didn't have any additives.)

The instructions say to strain it through butter muslin, but I don't have any of that so I used an old (clean!) cotton pillowcase that was getting thin with wear. I cut a large square out of one side of the pillowcase and used it to strain the coconut. It worked perfectly and I felt good about putting something that I thought was 'worn out' to good use!

Jenny says to put the coconut in a dehydrator to use in baked goods, etc. just like any other coconut. I have a dehydrator, but I didn't want to go to the trouble of putting the coconut in it, so I just put it in a plastic container in the freezer. That should be just as good.

After I made it I drank a glass of it before storing it in the frige. It was still warm and indescribably delicious! Bonus: my hands were really soft from the coconut oil after I finished squeezing the milk out of the coconut.

CHEERS!

*TIME SAVING UPDATE! I just found a product that saves me from having to cut open a coconut and pry the meat out and scrape all the peel off - this is HUGE, believe me! And it actually saves money, too. I was paying from $2 to $4 each for coconuts at the grocery store until I decided to try to find some natural packaged coconut meat without sweetener or additives. I discovered Tropical Traditions Organic Dried Coconut Flakes (it is available shredded, too).

I ordered a 2.2 lb. bag, and it is a LOT of coconut. It looks to be the equivalent of about 6 coconuts. Since I only paid $8.50 for it (on sale - regular price is $10. - still a good deal), that is like paying less than $1.50 per coconut. PLUS it is organic AND saves a LOT of work! What could be better? :-D

Coconut Chips - 2.2-lb Bag

Order before midnight EST, Monday, February 20th and get free shipping - use code 200212free.

It's a New Year - What're You Gonna Do With It? My Goals for 2012

2012-01-04T16:59:00.007-05:00

I don't usually make New Year's resolutions or start any big changes with the new year. I don't know why, but this year feels different. Maybe it is the inspiration of several good blogs I have discovered this past year. Anyway, I seriously want to get my act together and start living the life I want to live! It seems like a good time to do it...

My 12 Goals for 2012

Goal 1: Simplify my life

This is a big one! I have been yearning to simplify my life for several years now, but I never seem to make much progress in that direction. It seemed so overwhelming that I never know where to start. Every 'simplifying' project that I undertook seemed to make my life even more complicated... probably because I always ended up trying to do everything at once and not finishing anything.

Tsh Oxenreider must have been reading my mind when she wrote One Bite at a Time because she presents a list of 52 changes that you can easily make one at a time. It seems like a no-brainer, but anyone can make one change - it is easy and do-able. I have always said I can do anything if I have a list in front of me. Now I do! (My task this week is #45, Set annual goals.)

(I also plan to break down my yearly goals so that I tackle one each month instead of all at once. That is why I choose 12 goals.)

Goal 2: Learn to use Nook and Springpad

I got a Nook for Christmas :-) I like it a lot, but I am really feeling my age - it is taking me a while to learn to use certain features of it. One of the main reasons I wanted to get one was so that I can consolidate all my lists. I am a list-maker, and I always seem to have lists all over the house. I spend a lot of time looking for missing lists.

My goal is to get all my lists onto the Nook so I will always know where they are. But first, I have to learn how to use it effectively.

Goal 3: Get up earlier and establish a morning routine

I have found that I have a happier and more productive day when I get up and take a shower and get dressed right away. If I don't do it right away I end up in my pajamas at 2:00 in the afternoon and I feel really lazy.

Goal 4: Get organized

This is another big one. Kinda like simplifying, but not exactly. Getting organized, to me, has more to do with my physical space - finding a place for everything and making my home a sanctuary instead of a temple of chaos...

Stephanie O'Dea of Totally Together Journal is one of my favorite blogger friends. Organization is her thing. I will use many of her tips to accomplish this one.

Goal 5: Quit coffee

Ann Marie of Cheeseslave is another favorite that I discovered very recently. I agree wholeheartedly with her food philosophy and she gives great nutritional advice in easy-to-understand language.

She gave up coffee a while back and she tells her reasons for doing it in 30 Reasons to Quit Coffee. I believe that if I give up drinking coffee I will sleep better (a big problem for me), digest my food better, have more energy, and just generally feel better.

Goal 6: Find out what my food allergies are and alter my diet accordingly

I have read a lot about going gluten-free, and I suspect that I might be allergic to wheat and/or gluten. I don't think I am allergic to dairy, but I want to test for that too, just so I know for sure. You can find an easy method for testing yourself at home in The Mood Cure by Julia Ross.

The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Take Charge of Your Emotions--Today

Goal 7: Clean out the attic

Our attic is a mess. There are things up there that have been in boxes for the whole 3 1/2 years we have lived in this house. Occasionally one of us will go up there to look for something and rummage around in the chaos which makes it even worse (and even harder to find something the next time).

My goal is to remove everything that we don't need and get rid of it. The rest of it needs to be organized so that we know where things are when we need them. (This goes for that closet in the garage, too.)

Note: This project needs to be done in the spring or fall. It is too hot in the attic in the summer and too cold in the winter. Better do it in the spring, or it may never get done!

Goal 8: Connect with the Earth

A little while back I came across an article on "earthing". I had never heard of it before, so I did some research and it really piqued my interest. Many experts believe that there are a lot of benefits to one's health and well-being from physical connection with the earth. I won't try to explain it; for information check out Earthing.com.

I hope to spend a bit of time each day (as weather allows) with my bare feet on the ground. The fresh air and sunshine won't do me any harm, either!

Goal 9: Unclutter my wardrobe - FINALLY!

I dream of looking in my closet and seeing only things that I love and that fit me well and look good on me. I think can make this happen if I set sentiment aside and clear out about half of what I own.

I feel stressed out when I see things in my closet or drawers that I don't really want to wear but I can't part with. If those things were gone, I would probably never miss them and I could avoid that stress!

There is a section in One Bite at a Time about this that should inspire me. Also, Frugal Living Now has suggestions for general decluttering.

Goal 10: Get some exercise

This is no surprise. Like just about everyone I know I would feel better if I exercised - I have experienced it in the past. I don't know why I fight so hard to keep from doing it, but I do. This year I want to finally stop talking about it, planning it, and researching equipment and just take the plunge and DO it!

Goal 11: Create an essential papers and information file

This includes passwords for my husband so he can have access to my accounts, etc. if something happens to me. He is going to do the same for me. We really should do a will, too - maybe I can convince him to stop procrastinating and do that too.

Goal 12: Make annual goals for 2013

Do this for next year. Hopefully BEFORE the new year next time. It is the 4th already and I am still planning. Oh, well - better late than never I guess!

Next week I am going to write about how I am customizing Tsh's 52 projects into a plan that works for me.

Real Food Recipe: Holiday Eggnog

2011-12-09T16:08:00.002-05:00

I always loved eggnog as a kid - it was one of my favorite holiday traditions. When I got older, though, it didn't taste as good. I eventually realized that it wasn't me that had changed, but the eggnog.

The eggnog I had as a child was homemade by my mother from real eggs and milk. The eggnog I had later came in a carton from the store. I haven't read the ingredients on these cartons of 'eggnog', but I am certain that I wouldn't be happy with what I saw if I did!

So, I have always made my own eggnog. Now that I am buying pastured eggs and raw milk from local farmers I feel especially good about drinking and serving this real food homemade eggnog!

If you would like to make some yourself, here is my recipe. Don't worry - it is really easy!

Ingredients:

1 egg
1 cup of whole, raw milk
1 Tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla
dash of nutmeg (optional)

Put all ingredients into a blender and blend for 1 - 2 minutes to mix thoroughly. Pour into glasses or mugs and sprinkle a bit of nutmeg on top.

Serves 2

What Exactly is Real Food?

Why Raw Milk?

Cheers! And Happy Holidays!

Is Skim Milk Making You Fat?

2011-11-01T12:37:00.002-04:00

I received this article today and thought it was worth sharing.

Is Skim Milk Making You Fat?
By Paul John Scott

You probably spend all of one second deciding what kind of milk to put in your coffee. What's to debate? If you want to keep the pounds off and avoid heart disease, choose skim. This is gospel, after all: It's recommended by the USDA and has so permeated our thinking that you can't even find reduced-fat (2%) milk at places like Subway—and forget about whole.

But is it true? Let's start with the question of what's fattening. Whole milk contains more calories and, obviously, more fat. A cup has 146 calories and almost 8 grams of fat, reduced-fat (2%) has 122 calories and almost 5 grams of fat, low-fat (1%) has 103 calories and 2.5 grams of fat, and nonfat (skim) has 83 calories and virtually no fat.

But when it comes to losing weight, restricting calories has a poor track record. Evidence gleaned from numerous scientific studies says that if you starve yourself for lunch, you typically compensate at dinner. And according to a 2007 report in the Archives of Internal Medicine, telling overweight and obese patients to cut calories led to only "transient" weight loss—it didn't stay off. The same goes for cutting saturated fat. In 2003, the Cochrane Collaboration, a respected source for unbiased reviews of research, compared low-fat diets with low-calorie diets and found that "fat-restricted diets are no better than calorie-restricted diets in achieving long-term weight loss." As Walt Willet of the Harvard School of Public Health wrote in theAmerican Journal of Medicine, "Diets high in fat do not appear to be the primary cause of the high prevalence of excess body fat in our society, and reductions in fat will not be a solution."

It's becoming widely accepted that fats actually curb your appetite, by triggering the release of the hormone cholecystokinin, which causes fullness. Fats also slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream, reducing the amount that can be stored as fat. In other words, the more fat in your milk, the less fat around your waist. Not only will low-fat milk fail to trim your gut, it might even make you fatter than if you were to drink whole, according to one large study. In 2005, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and other institutions studied the weight and milk consumption of 12,829 kids ages 9 to 14 from across the country. "Contrary to our hypothesis," they reported, "skim and 1% milk were associated with weight gain, but dairy fat was not."

But surely low-fat milk is better for your heart? We are often told to watch our consumption of dairy because it raises our bad cholesterol, the kind known as LDL. But LDL comes in at least four varieties, and only the smallest and densest of them are linked with heart disease. Dairy fat, it turns out, affects only the large, fluffy kind of LDL—the benign kind.

And here's a final thought: How would you feel if you opened a carton and poured a chalky, bluish-white liquid into your coffee? That's the color many nonfat milks are before powdered milk is added to whiten them—a process that brings its own problems. Any way you look at it, there's been a lot of whitewashing of skim milk's image.

THE SKINNY ON NONFAT MILK
To turn skim milk white, "some companies fortify their product with powdered skim," says Bob Roberts, a dairy scientist at Penn State. Powdered skim (which is also added to organic low-fat milks) is produced by spraying the liquid under heat and high pressure, a process that oxidizes the cholesterol. In animal studies, oxidized cholesterol triggers a host of biological changes, leading to plaque formation in the arteries and heart disease, Spanish researchers reported in 1996. "OCs are mutagenic and carcinogenic," they wrote. In 1998, Australian researchers studied rabbits fed OC and found that the animals "had a 64% increase in total aortic cholesterol" despite having less cholesterol in their blood than rabbits fed natural sources of the substance. (A 2008 Chinese study with hamsters confirmed these findings.) Roberts says the amount of OC created by adding powdered skim is "not very much," but until the effects on humans are known, it's impossible to say what's a safe level.

Also of interest:

What is Real Food?

I Drink Raw Milk: Fresh, raw, local, and full of fat

What Exactly is REAL FOOD?

2011-07-11T19:54:00.005-04:00

I am reading a book that might very well change my life! That is a strong statement, but I feel strongly that eating 'real food' will have an incredibly positive impact on my life.

In Real Food: What to Eat and Why Nina Planck does an excellent job of explaining complex scientific nutritional information so that a layman (me) can understand it.

I am a long-time fan of Michael Pollan. He presents the problem of eating industrial food (as opposed to real food) in a very readable way, but doesn't solve the problem, so to speak, as well as Ms. Planck does. Reading this book has prompted me to TAKE ACTION to change the foods I eat.

(This is where my husband and some of my friends roll their eyes and say, 'There she goes again...') time will tell if this is truly a life-long change or a short-lived fad. Time will tell. I am betting my health on it! (Okay, that was a bit dramatic! Sorry!)

So, what exactly IS real food?

Real food is traditional foods that humans have been eating for millenia:

Unprocessed traditional oils and fats: butter, coconut oil, olive oil, chicken fat and lard. NEVER hydrogenated!
Meat (chickens, cows, sheep, etc) raised the old-fashioned way - on farm pastures. Eating grass, bugs, etc - what they were meant by nature to eat.
Eggs from pastured chickens, ducks, or geese.
Fresh fruits and vegetables. Ideally locally grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Wild fish and seafood
Minimally processed whole grains
Full fat dairy foods, ideally raw from grass-fed cows
Wild game (rabbit, deer, etc.)
Traditional cultured and fermented foods: yogurt, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread
Unrefined sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, evaporated cane juice (in moderation!)

NOT real food:

Processed foods of any kind - cereals, industrial breads, etc.

Imitation anything - soy "meat" products, margarine (fake butter), non-dairy creamer or 'dessert topping', processed cheese, etc.
Light or low-fat products. Sugar is often added and these are without exception highly processed foods.
Powdered eggs
Bleached white flour and sugar

This list is probably not complete - I am a only a student of this and still learning. I encourage you to read the book for yourself. You will never look at food the same way again!

(See all Health, Mind & Body Books at Amazon.com)

Michael Pollan

Introductory Offer - New Beaded Wrap Bracelets only $15!

2011-07-01T00:00:00.003-04:00

My newest designs are these colorful wrap cuff bracelets. Made with memory wire, these bracelets are easy to put on because no clasp is necessary - they just wrap right around fitting any size wrist.

Elegant enough to go with your dressier outfits, but still light-weight, easy to wear, and affordable enough for every day! Try one with a sun dress for a casual summer party!

I have put them on sale for $15 for one week only - don't miss out! (Regular price will be $18.)

Send me a message if you would like a color combination other than the ones I have listed - I am happy to do special orders!

Not in the market for a wrap bracelet right now? Good news - All my other bracelets are $3.00 off this week, too! Sale ends at 11:00 pm Thursday, July 7.

Find me at:
Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/hollynsage
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/HollySage
Twitter -http://twitter.com/hollynsage
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/hollynsage/

Artist Collaboration with Petrillo Pottery

2011-06-16T11:47:00.001-04:00

I am excited to announce the collaboration of Holly&Sage and Petrillo Pottery! Rachel Petrillo is a sculptor and potter; she makes unique and beautiful porcelain creations including these adorable fruit and flower pendants.

She has made some especially for me, and I am busy making some new Mommy necklaces with them.

Now, not only are these necklaces lovingly handmade in the US, the beads are handmade in the US, too!

These are adjustable so that they can be worn long or short. Though Mommy necklaces can be worn by anyone, they are simple and sturdy pieces that can withstand pulling by the young hands of babies and toddlers, so they are ideal for caregivers of small children.

Note: Porcelain ceramic beads are fired and glazed to resist breakage, but they are breakable and should not be dropped.

Mommy necklaces are sold as jewelry for adults, not toys, and should not be given to unsupervised children.

Stay tuned to Holly&Sage or follow me on Facebook for news of new necklaces to be listed soon!

Meet Blaze Riley Beck!

2011-06-02T18:12:00.001-04:00

We picked up our new baby today! I am naming him "Blaze Riley". Blaze because of the blaze on this nose (I guess that is what those in the business call that white streak - isn't it cool!?) and Riley because I know he will have the life of Riley!

He is very sweet - I just love his sweet little face! He is only 10 weeks old - he is going to be a big boy!