Green Thumb Barbers

Lemon Balm

2012-03-16T21:44:00.002-07:00

Someone asked me at my herb garden party what Lemon Balm was?

Lemon Balm is really a children's herb.

Use Lemon Balm For:

Fevers
Colds/Flu
Coughs
Nervousness, Whining or Crying
Wounds and Sores

A very safe and mild herb for children.

As a Tea:

Bring water to a boil and turn heat off.
Put the lemon balm leaves in a teapot or stainless steel pot.
Pour the boiled water over and cover for 15 min.
Strain the tea and drink.

Nasty Caffeinated Black and Green Teas have given other herbal teas a bad name for years.

Herbal Teas are made with 1 ounce of herbs to 2 cups of water.

Lemon balm helps to break a child's fever. Next time you go to grab for the children's Ibuprofen or Tylenol, try Lemon Balm instead.

Lemon balm also helps teething infants.

C'mon, we have made it many, many years before all the crap they sell for kids colds and coughs.

Did you know that Native American Indians used to watch the habits of bears? They would watch what the bears would do when they were sick. The bears would eat different types of plants to get well again. Indians also watched deer that were injured. Often deer would go and find an area to lay down in medicinal plants or herbs.

Lemon Balm couldn't be any easier to grow and have on hand at all times. The herb helps children in so many ways. It's also great for adults. Once you have grown some lemon balm, bite into a leaf. Rub your palms together with a couple of leaves and then smell your hands.

Lemon Balm is just one of many fun herbs you can grow in your garden.

The benefits are endless.

My first herb garden

2012-03-15T23:39:00.007-07:00

I have wanted to have a fun party where kids learn, plant, eat, and have fun with herbs.

I started coming up with ideas last year.

The first was, I wanted to incorporate chalkboards somehow. All the herb tags, invitations, planter permits, and cupcake labels had this theme.

My first herb garden was a huge hit!!

The kids had so much fun.

When I sent out the invitations, I included another element of fun for the kids. I was driving by one of those student driver cars back in December and thought this could be fun for the party. So I sent planter permits for the kids with an exp. date that they had to bring.

The student driver/planter idea really made the kids feel special. One kid said

"I got a planter permit from GTB" hahaha!! Of course I don't make them wait in line for 3 hrs like the DMV.

You know I had to teach the kids right. All organic!! Everything! I started stocking up on seeds the first week of the year. Burpee, Seeds of Change, Sweet Garden Organics seeds. All USDA organic, cuz that's how I roll. Jiffy Pots were perfect for the kids. They were able to plant the seeds and take them home to water them. The Jiffy pots are to be soaked down and can be planted in the ground as they are, or in another planter. We put our seeds into organic seed starter soil that can be found at any local hardware, nursery store.

Just used popsicle sticks and stapled on the chalkboard herb label. It was chaotic but fun hearing the kids yell " I need a Chamomile! ", " Do you have lavender? " .

Some of the parents got into it too!! I brought bigger Jiffy pots for them.

We had the herb garden party at the park. 22 kids including little ones were there!! Huge turnout, glad I brought enough supplies.

Gardening Quote

No herb party is complete without food!!

We had two types of herb cupcakes...and no, we didn't have adult cupcakes with adult herbs (Elizabeth) ! Lol!

The first I was really apprehensive about trying. It was a Lavender cupcake, made with dried edible lavender and lavender water, w/lavender cream cheese icing.

I really loathe cream cheese, but these cupcakes were amazing.

Both Cupcakes were provided by the wonderfully talented TraylorMadeTreats aka my wifey.

The next cupcake was a Chocolate Mint cupcake with chocolate buttercream and mint cookie crumbs. Amanda used real mint in the cupcake. The kids ate these up fast!!

We had homemade herbal french fries with just about every herb and spice you could think of. So GOOD!!

Ice cubes with mint leaves frozen into them were included in our water.

The kids learned that you can grow your own herbs, and use it in a variety of different foods.

The clay pots I used as cupcake stands instead of putting them inside. The kids were able to take a clay pot home with them.

Who says a guy can't throw a good party for kids??

I did all of this, from the table cloth to the pot for the soil. Detail, detail, detail. I had other ideas I wanted to do with this as well, but just wasn't enough time.

One of my favorite pictures from the day

I was lucky to have two people taking pictures of the events. Thanks so much to Dawn Mackley for her expert photo taking skills. Also thanks to my wife for her taking over a 100 great pictures as well, and for putting up with how much time this event has taken up in my life.

Hours, upon hours of prepping, designing, editing, researching. It all paid off because the kids had fun and I know they learned too.

For Free Printables from this party Click Below

My First Herb Garden Printables

There is a fun book I used called a Kids Herb Book, by Lesley Tierra. It is packed with fun ideas for kids to learn about herbs. I will be doing more blogging in the future on the medicinal qualities of herbs. If you are interested in this book, click the link below to purchase at Amazon.com.

Green Thumb Barbers had a lot of fun hosting this event. I hope to do more fun things like this, where kids can learn about different things horticulture has to offer. I will be doing some fun earth day stuff next month with the kids at Brown's Valley Elementary, so check back here.

As always

BE DIFFERENT, BE GREEN

p.s. special thanks again to my wife for the cupcakes, and help with giving me feedback on my ideas. I am always able to bounce stuff off you, and come back with a new creative outlook. Love You!

Also thanks to Mindy @ Creative Juice! If it wasn't for you, I would never have had the courage to start blogging, and finding something I truly enjoy.

Winner of Get Lucky Contest!!

2012-03-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Dawn Mackley for winning our Get Lucky Contest!!

Only 8 people were entered. Hopefully we can get some more exposure soon.

Continue to watch for a next contest.

Get Lucky! GTB Contest #2

2012-02-23T16:23:00.001-08:00

Get Lucky this St. Patricks Day!!

Get as many friends as you can to like our Facebook page. Get one entry per friend that you referred when they LIKE and comment on this link on

Facebook.com/GreenThumbBarbers

You get one entry when you comment as well if you already like the page.

What your winning is above. A beautiful St. Patty's day arrangement w/glass vase. It doesn't matter where you live, because it will be delivered to your door.

A $50 value!!

Likes and Comment entries end on March 10th, 2012

This is my 2nd Contest here at GTB. The first person who won lived in Idaho.

Good Luck

Be Different, Be Green

The Top 20 Spring Movies

2012-02-23T10:23:00.001-08:00

The Top 20 Spring Movies

I thought it would be fun to share some fun movies to watch for Springtime. Classics, Kids, Chic flicks, Man movies, Epics, etc.

We will have a list of good ones here.

KIDS

Walt Disney Pictures

You have to admit, Bambi is the ultimate Spring kids movie. I still use the word Twitterpaited Sp?

Walt Disney Pictures

The flower singing scene, the caterpillar, it's a Spring favorite in my house.

Pixar Animation

I just watched this tonight with Isabella. This is what sparked me to write this article. It's a perfect Springtime movie.

CLASSICS

Paramount Pictures

I love this movie. Audrey Hepburn is brilliant. The end always kills me.

I don't know why this is a Springtime movie, it just is.

Walt Disney Pictures

Pollyanna is Haley Mills best movie in my opinion. My district manager I had at Starbucks and good friend, always quotes this movie. Find something to be glad. Fun movie

Universal Pictures

Ok, this is pretty much a good movie anytime of the year. I had to plug Alfred Hitchcock's best movie in my opinion and one of my all time favorite movies.

Enjoy in the Spring, Summer or Fall.... or Winter.

Warner bros.

Yes, I do love Jimmy Stewart. This is such a fun movie, and it's very much a Springtime movie.

Warner bros.

Just to show I am not playing favorites, this is a Classic Chick Flick!!

My mom loves this freakin movie, and I have the stupid song memorized from torturous views. This is about some girls who leave a snow college campus and go to Ft. Lauderdale for Spring Break. Believe me it's no GIRLS GONE WILD or anything like that. It's a Classic Spring movie though.

COMEDY

Universal Pictures

Tom Hanks is so hilarious in this movie. So many funny cliche's about neighborhoods, and people mowing their perfect yards. Fun cast of people in it.

Warner bros.

" Your numbers still 911? Alrighty then! " Jim Carrey is so funny in this movie!! It's hokey and corny, but really funny too. Great Spring comedy.

Columbia Pictures

When Amanda and I lived in SoCal before the days of kids. We got to see a couple of movies and screen them for future audiences. This was one of them. I loved Jennifer Garner on Alias, that's why this movie is so good!! It's so different for her. This is a fun Spring comedy.

Columbia Pictures

Easy A is such a clever and fun movie. This movie really put Emma Stone on the map. Lisa Kudrow is also in this. It's hilarious. If you haven't seen it, you need to.

Touchstone Pictures

Patrick Dempsey before he was Mc Dreamy on Grey's Anatomy. He plays a High School student that mows peoples yard. 80's classic.

CHICK FLICKS

New Line

Ok, yes this is a Chick Flick. I love it though. I honestly have only seen this once, but I think Amanda and I went through two rolls of toilet paper. I hadn't cried this hard since Tom Hanks died in Saving Private Ryan!! LOL!! This is a great love story, perfect for Spring.

Columbia Pictures

This is another Spring Chick Flick!! A lot of stars in this one. Based on the book by Jane Austin. This is one of Kate Winslet's first movies. Hugh Grant doesn't act like Hugh Grant in it either. It's pretty good for a girlie movie.

MAN MOVIES

Warner bros.

THIS IS SPARTA!!! I had to jump right into guys spring movies with this one. I love 300. So many fantastic lines in the movie. I quote them constantly. A truly epic guy movie for the Spring.

Warner bros.

A lot of people hate on this movie. I think it's one of the best!! Eric Bana, Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, Peter O'toole (my favorite) ! Based from the Homer Iliad and Odyssey books. Troy is another epic Spring guy movie, and girl movie I guess ( cuz they like Brad's short skirt ) .

Columbia Pictures

What a great job Ridley Scott does with making this movie so real. If you like war movies, this is one of the best. I can't believe how many stars are in this. A total Bad A$$ movie for guys!!

INSPIRATIONAL

Universal Pictures

You gotta have a baseball movie for the Spring. Field of Dreams is wonderful. If you build it, they will come!

Universal Pictures

I actually like this baseball movie better than Field of Dreams. I know I am probably crazy, but Kevin Costner does such a good job in this. It's gut wrenching for players at the end of their prime to quit doing what they love. A great Spring movie for everyone.

Well there you have it. My top 20 Spring movies. I know some have nothing to do with Spring, or gardening. I just always find myself watching these movies this time of year. Hope you get a chance to watch some of these.

When life gives ya lemons, eat em!

2012-02-22T20:55:00.003-08:00

Planting lemon tree + Eating Lemons =

Great Health

I am going to combine two of my favorite things in this article. Planting something and the health benefits from eating it.

Did you know ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against poisons? Recent studies have confirmed this to be true!!

We will get into more of the health benefits later. Planting a any kind of citrus tree couldn't be more easy. If you live in a warm climate it's even easier. You could honestly just buy the tree, dig a hole, toss the tree in, and water weekly and have success. If I told you that then I would be out of work, and wouldn't be able to write this fun niche article. OooopS!

Choose Location: A warm, sunny southern or western exposure is best. Choose a place with soil that drains well. Avoid putting citrus tree directly into lawn if you can...( it won't hurt it if you do ) . If you get a dwarf tree and put it in a pot, a patio is perfect.

Buying Tree: If you live in a cold mediterranean climate, look to cultivars

bred for cold resistance. Try dwarf lemon trees if you are short on space. A couple of large lemon trees can give you a good hedgerow. Just depends on how much citrus you plan on eating... which is hopefully a lot.

Dig a Hole: Dig a hole until you hit China! Haha just checkin to see if you're

paying attention. 3 feet in diameter and as deep as the container. Plant the tree

slightly higher than the surrounding soil, this allows it to settle in. A lot of places

use organic matter that will decompose causing the tree to settle lower and cover

the root crown. For a dwarf tree, select a large pot. If you have any worries about

drainage, fill the hole the night before. In the morning check to see if the water is

gone the next morning.

Refill & Water: Use some fresh organic soil and add a little of the

existing you dug up. Make sure there is significant support in the middle for the

root crown. You can buy the new tree citrus fertilizer sticks or any citrus fertilizer

will do. If you apply mulch, apply a layer 3 to 4 inches thick. Doing this will keep

weeds out and water in. Keep the mulch a fair distance away from the base of the

trunk. Trees need to breathe too!

Prune Occasionally: Lemon trees don't require a ton of pruning.

Remove the occasional sucker that grows around the root stock.

Moderately thin the foliage if it grows excessively dense, to promote air

circulation. Train citrus trees like shrubs or hedges. You don't need to over do it.

Harvest: Lemons should be free of green before picked. They will not ripen

off the tree. Enjoy!!

Health Benefits

Lemons have been known to have great health benefits for centuries. Two of the biggest are Antibacterial and Antiviral. They have immune-boosting powers and are a great weight loss aid. Lemons contain citric acid (duh), calcium, magnesium (no one gets enough of this), vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene. All promote fantastic immunity and infection fighting super forces in your body.

So many things Lemons can do for you. Here's a list:

1) Abolish Acne - citrus acid can treat acne. Vitamin C is also vital for glowing skin. Drink some lemon juice water in the morning. You can also apply lemon juice to your face the night before with a cotton ball. Wash off the next morning.

2) No more Anxiety - Lemon balm has a calming effect. It can help eliminate fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. Inhaling lemon oil can help concentration and alertness ( good tip for students in long lectures ).

3) Eliminate the Fever - Lemon in a cup of warm water is great for a fever and chills.

4) Fight Fatigue - If you run or long distance walk, pop a straw in a lemon. Small amounts of lemon provides more thirst quenching power than water. I have seen NBA player do this before.

5) Constant Funky Breath - Chew on a lemon peel after meals. natural breath freshener.

6) Hypertension - The pectin helps high cholesterol and hypertension. Lemons help the body metabolize faster which also helps to lower cholesterol.

7) No More Bug Bites - Rub some lemon and honey on a bug bite. Also citrus scents repel insects as well.

8) Get Sleep - Several studies have listed lemons as a help with insomnia. Lemon Balm like I said earlier helps to calm and soothe the body.

9) Stomach Aid - If you have acid reflux, then drink some lemon water. It has a natural agent against excess acid in the body. The powerful alkaline effect is wonderful.

10) Kidney Stones - The citric acid in Lemons help dissolve kidney stones.

When life gives you lemons, make lemon water!! It's healthier!!

Lemons have such great vitamins and minerals our body needs. Most of what I have written about in my health section can be combined. A rooibos herbal tea with honey and lemon is like a fountain of youth cocktail.

Lemons will help to fight off heart disease, cancer, obesity, arthritis, flu, etc.

So, get yourself a small lemon tree. Reap the benefits. Get rid of scars, stained nails, fight off wrinkles... I could go on forever.

Green Thumb Barbers wants you to squeeze the life out of a lemon.

Save some Green, and stay Green

2012-02-19T22:53:00.001-08:00

http://www.hunterindustries.com/

Water Conserving, Efficient, and Money Saving Sprinklers!!

Hunter MP Rotators are not only amazingly efficient, they save you money on your water bill.

I first installed these sprinkler heads last spring on my very first clients yard. A huge difference was noticed right away. I love these rotating heads, they remind me of water shows at Disneyland.

This spring Green Thumb Barbers is going to push the envelope to many of it's new and prospective clients. The MP rotators work by dispersing water at a slower rate, therefor allowing more absorption. These dancing waters use 65% less water than standard heads.

As you can see above water is delivered at 0.39" per hour more closely matching what lawns can absorb.

NO MORE RUNOFF!!!

Nothing drives me more crazy than seeing tons of water from sprinklers just pouring off into the streets. You will save so much money from better and less watering.

Different heads with different rotations allow you to meet any weird yard requirements you might need. Two simple adjustments change the arc and spray patterns.

http://www.hunterindustries.com/

I love these and can't say enough positive things about Hunter Industries. Rain Bird makes something a little similar but Hunter owns the market in my opinion for quality.

Video on the MP Rotator

I am excited to be using nothing but Hunter sprinklers this 2nd year in the business. I hope you get the chance to have us install or install these yourself. I bet your yard is overdue for some sprinkler love.

Save Money, Water, and get your yard greener than ever.

BE DIFFERENT, BE GREEN

GREEN THUMB BARBERS

Deadly killers have you surrounded

2012-02-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

Are you even aware?

King Arthur and his knights could not save you from the moat of poison that surrounds your home. I am going to draw on medieval times for fun comparisons. I'm going to share with you some scary stories. No, not the kind you tell around a campfire...even though you should. This blog will be fairly longer than most other ones. Hopefully the length will show my passion for how important this message is. I will get very angry in this blog as well, best beware. In the end, I hope you realize the importance of my business. In the end, I hope you will call on me and my Green Thumb Barber Knights of the Environment.

Ignorance is something that invades over 80% of American homes. Blindly many sleep behind what they think is a fortified castle defense. I currently know some very real, and ignorant people who dump Round up and it's harmful chemicals all over their land. Desperately trying to fight off the fiendish and villainous weeds. The weeds that rob them of what they have in their mind of a perfected yard. The only thing it will rob them of is the life expectancy of their family and pets.

Round up is bad mmmm K!! Here are some facts that evade the mightiest of men.

According to the EPA, 95% of the pesticides used on the residential lawns are possible or probable carcinogens. In 1989 the National Cancer Institute reported children develop leukemia six times more often when pesticides are used around their homes.

1 Green Generation

The link right above shares a story about the damage pesticides can do to a pet. It's a must read.

Another story below:

For the price of green lawns, our children are also being poisoned. In 1985 a married couple in Sarasota, Florida, felt pressured by their neighbors to get their lawn treated. They hired a Company, never thinking their 2-year-old daughter would be jeopardized. The Company declared the yard would be safe about an hour after the toxic chemicals were applied. However, soon after playing barefoot on the grass, the couple's Daughter developed a rash all over her body, her urine turned dark brown, and she ran a high fever. Her Doctor prescribed antibiotics, but her condition grew steadily worse. Her hands and feet swelled to twice normal size, blistered, and peeled. Her lips turned black and bled. Years later she is still permanently prone to headaches and has 40% hearing loss in her right ear.

It's scary to say the least. People are applying nerve gasses and carcinogens to their yard for the sake of aesthetics. Ridiculous! Get off your lazy butt and pull a freakin weed if you have one. Research organic methods. If you have an infestation of ants, google safe alternatives to toxic sprays.

Here's another couple of stories:

Sharon Malhorta, a registered nurse from Pittsburgh, would get so sick from lawn and tree spraying that she had to leave her home every spring. Otherwise she would suffer headaches, paralysis in her hands and feet, and muscle seizures. Repeated exposure caused blurred vision, speech difficulties, and severe stomach cramps. Her husband, a doctor, suspected early on her symptoms were the result of nerve damage from organophosphates, which are widely used nerve-gas type insecticides, like Diazinon. After questioning lawn companies about their poisons he was told they were "practically non-toxic", registered by the EPA, and not harmful to people or pets. He later discovered that the poisons his wife was exposed to were in fact neurotoxins, and was shocked to discover there were surprisingly few EPA studies on their health effects.

Karen James, a Michigan postal worker, successfully sued ChemLawn in 1988. While walking past one of their trucks, a hose ruptured and she was drenched with chemicals. The employee of course told her not to worry, that only fertilizers were in the spray. But soon after she became seriously ill, and her eyes and skin burned. When her symptoms of fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced vision didn't clear up, her Doctor called ChemLawn to find out what chemicals she had been exposed to. He also was told no pesticides had been involved, but after tests on Karen's body tissue detected high levels of Dursban, ChemLawn finally admitted the truck contained pesticides. Many other suits against lawn companies are settled out of court. Frequently the settlement restrains the victim from talking about the incident, so the public is not informed. Sounds like Monsanto to me.

MONSANTO

Monsanto is an evil version of Robin Hood in our days. Makers of Round up, and Round up ready seeds that are genetically modified. Corn, Soy, Alfalfa are now genetically modified by this outlaw Monsanto. Monsanto robs from the poor, rich, middle class to feed their over inflated bottom line. FDA won't touch them. Why?? Monsanto has used that hefty bottom line to pay lobbyists, and gain control of the FDA. Placing many of their own former execs in charge of high level governmental positions. Our past Presidents have known for a long time about the dangers Monsanto and their chemicals pose to the American public. How do you think many of them get elected? Where does their campaign money come from? Monsanto!!! Just google Monsanto and find out the horror stories. How many small farmers Monsanto has sued and threatened into hiding. Market control over the seeds that our planted is their main goal. Meanwhile they are destroying our American soil and creating super weeds that can not be destroyed. I sure hope if Romney is elected he will make changes and bring back integrity to the White House. We haven't had integrity in my opinion since JFK. Please don't mistake my hate for Monsanto as hate towards former Presidents. I voted for Obama. I was mesmerized by his speeches just like a lot of other Americans. After seeing some of the Monsanto staff he appointed to the FDA in the past two years, my respect for him was lost. Someone needs to bring back medieval hangings for execs, and their cover ups over at Monsanto.

WE NEED TO EDUCATE OURSELVES

There is no excuse these days to not know about the dangers out there. We can fight off many diseases today by being a little more educated and cautious. Pesticides have recently been studied and found to cause miscarriages in many women. Just minor exposure to pesticides can be harmful.

One of the primary characteristics of the Medieval garden was that, large or small, it was always enclosed. While there isn't clear delineation between gardens for pleasure and utilitarian gardens, orchards, etc. it's certain one thing... They didn't use ROUND UP... and they were perfectly fine. The only time poison was used back in those days was for assassinations. Poison in drinks, on tips of arrows, not around their gardens and pets. Funny how a much more uneducated group of people in the dark ages understood what poison is for, and yet we don't. I mean the Round Table didn't have Ipads for Knights to google best formations for attack. LOL!!

So many safe solutions out there for many of our yard and gardening problems. We just have to make more of an effort. Certain pests like aphids are eaten by lady bugs. In order to have lady bugs you can't have a yard full of pesticides. Everything balances it self in the CIRCLE OF LIFE!!! Weeds can be pulled, and avoided all together with proper maintenance.

You can use baking soda for crabgrass. Vinegar and salt for heavily weeded areas where there shouldn't be any growth at all. Boil dried Chrysanthemum petals and put into a spray bottle to help rid roses of aphids and help them flourish.

Alright, I think you have had enough now of my pleads to educate and eliminate pesticides from your yard and life. I hope these stories and information shed light on the dangers Round up and other pesticides can cause.

I Sir Jason of Vacaville promise and vow to defend off all evil of poisonous chemicals for use around our homes. My Knights of the Environment will always wave our GREEN Colors proud.

Be made of STEEL

2012-02-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

Steel Cut Oats

Superman ate steel cut oats!!! He had to right? Man of steel hello?? He grew up on a farm hello again?? Superman's one achilles heel? Kryptonite!! Luckily for us, no one has found any Kryptonite that I know of. We have a few other things out there that weaken and kill us though. Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes! Those are our kryptonite of the 21st century. Superman didn't worry about those killers, because he ate steel cut oats for breakfast every morning.

It's been awhile since my last nutritional blog. I thought I would do something on what we should be eating as the first meal of the day.

What are steel cut oats?

Steel cut oats are the inner part of the oat kernel cut into pieces. Whole grain goodness at it's purest form. Golden in color and come in different grades depending on size of the pieces. Of course I like the organic kind that has been cut minimally.

The Irish and Scottish first used these in their porridge. I love Irish cut Steel Oats.

Have you ever seen a skinny small frail Irish or Scottish man? Nope! Cuz they eat their steel cut oats.

Steel cut oats are chewy and a little crunchy. Anyone new to eating these might be thrown off by the texture.

How to cook?

You have gotta watch this you tube video. I always find the most random, goofy you tube videos to show with my blog. This one is funny.

This guy does some other ones that are even funnier.

Really no wrong way to cook these bad boys. You can start the night before and leave em on the stove covered with some tin foil.

The key is to make enough to get you through a few days. You can always heat em back up on the stove with a little milk or more water. I say the longer they cook the better.

So many different things you can do to steel cut oats. In the video they added peanut butter. You can add fruit like blueberries, or strawberries. Nuts, honey, milk. The point is these are healthy so don't go overboard and make them not healthy to eat by dumping a ton of sugar on them. I have seen them made as a brûlée with cinnamon and apples, YUM!!

Health Benefits

The health benefits of steel cut oats are never ending.

Oats, like Superman are also part of an American history. George Washington sowed over 580 acres of oats in 1786. Oats today are not what they were back then unfortunately. You can still get great organic oats full of nutritional value.

Rich in B vitamins, calcium, protein, and fiber!! Low in sodium and unsaturated fats. They take a little longer to digest than rolled oats which is a good thing. We will feel a lot fuller longer. The USDA says that whole grains, such as steel cut oats can reduce cholesterol, high blood pressure, prevent heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Steel cut oats flush fat and cholesterol out of your system and provide antioxidants that help you stay healthier, look younger, and live longer.

Google fun recipes for Steel Cut Oats.

Be made of steel! Help your body to run at it's maximum potential. Eat Steel cut oats to help to make yourself a Superman, Supermanwoman, or Superkid.

Bringing back the Reel Deal

2012-02-12T01:34:00.000-08:00

Scotts Classic Reel Mower

This spring, Green Thumb Barbers is going to go back to basics with our service.

Well as most of you all know, we are an Eco Friendly business. We are different from our competitors. We actually care about you and your family. You are not just another quick 10 minute stop to us. We differ in equipment we use and services we provide.

We started out in this business being one of the first to use propane equipment for residential yards. We now use Lithium ion equipment from STIHL as well.

We care about the emissions caused by horrible unmaintained gas equipment. It's a scary fact of how much oil and gas you can find on your yard left by traditional landscaping services. Unsafe for you, your kids, and your pets... not just the environment.

People are getting smarter and thinking outside the box these days. I talk to many customers who just want to be able to talk to the guy in charge of their service.

I may be old fashioned, but that's not a lot to ask. I'm not knocking all other landscapers. I know quite a few who are tremendous at what they do, and honest in how they treat their clients. Many are not as chivalrous as they could be.

Time is Money!!

Why do you never see your landscaping service? In 10 minutes with three guys, bam, they are outta there and ON TO THE NEXT ONE- a little Jay Z for ya there.

Time is money, sure it is. In today's economy people have to hustle to keep ahead. I get it, I understand. I will say it again, I'm old fashioned. I like barber shops where it may take an hour to get your haircut. In an hour, you will learn something about the person that is cutting your hair if you listen, it's called humanity. We lack a lot of common courtesy in the world today. How often do you see someone hold the door for you? Ok, other than at church? We live in a 4G wifi world. Our service and how we treat people shouldn't be as fast , and treatment of customers shouldn't be as robotic.

I am not saying I am going to spend an hour at everyones house I maintain. No, please don't misconstrue my soap boxing. It's ok to be efficient at what you do. It's not ok to never communicate with the people who are paying your salary. It's not ok to spill gas or oil on customers yards. It's not ok to not inform your client that you are spraying "Round Up" (uggh it's like saying Voldemort to me) all over the backyard where kids play. It's just not ok.

Bringing back a Classic

Spring is already here. The winter never came and went. Green Thumb Barbers customers will have the option of their yard being mowed with a classic reel mower. Quiet and efficient this 20 inch reel green chopper will be bringing sexy back to yards.

The Scotts reel mower has a 20 inch wide cutting path and height range of 1 to 3 inches. 3 inches in height is an inch higher the competitor reel mowers. It's about 30 lbs and very light for a mower of this size. Simple and easy to push. I will be using a grass catcher bag on the back too, unless asked not too.

Reel mowers cut your grass like scissors on a flat top at the old barber shop.

Rotary mowers unmaintained and unsharpened (cough.. like most of commercial lawn care businesses out there..cough) tear the grass instead of cutting it.

Torn grass turns yellow, like snow when peed on. lol, sorry had to throw that in there. 3 of my favorite sounds are: 1) The sound Sprinklers make just as they come on. 2) Wind Chimes 3) The sound of a reel mower cutting the lawn.

Ok, enough of my preaching about the olden days ... I really am only 34 I promise.

Just miss the days where society was a little more friendly.

So do your part!! Go hold a door open for someone, go support a local barber shop and remember the story they tell you. Call me up and get service and quality you deserve.

All I know is at GTB we will be giving golf course style lawn cuts to our customers. Quiet, still efficient, and safe for our environment and your family.

Be Different, Be Green

No lawns were harmed in the making of this blog

No snow was peed on either

To compost, or not to compost ?

2012-02-07T19:41:00.000-08:00

To compost, or not to compost...

that is the question.

Hmmm, not sure if my title is clever enough. I was going to attempt at writing this blog in sonnet form... but I'm rusty on my poetry skills.

I have been wanting to do a blog on compost for awhile. I just always seem to find another topic. It could be because of my lack of experience in composting.

Someone who reads my blog asked me recently about composting. I am going to try and simplify composting for you.

You can google a lot of different information on composting.

What is compost?

A mixture of decayed organic matter used for fertilizing and conditioning land.

1) Grass Clippings (Be sure to not over do it on the clippings)

2) Leaves (run over piles of leaves with mower to break them up)

3) Shredded cardboard & paper (These brown materials help a lot if shredded properly)

4) Weeds ( I don't recommend weeds personally. Sometimes the bin doesn't get hot enough and the seeds don't die.)

5) Food scraps (Egg shells, Banana peels, Apple cores, potato peels, etc.)

6) No Meat or Pet droppings

7) Avoid all pesticide or herbicide treated material

8) Tea bags, Coffee Grounds (These work great!! Starbucks gives out grounds)

So now we know what compost is and what it does and does not consist of.

Shakespeare said " All the world is a stage " from As you like it Act II Scene VII .

Your Garden is your yards stage, and a great compost will ensure a fantastic performance.

Keep your compost damp but not wet. The leaves you add will help keep moisture down, grass clipping add moisture. Turn your pile as often as you can. I will show you my favorite bin that everyone should have here at the bottom.

Add your compost a few weeks before you plant. It helps if the compost has a chance to work into the soil. Don't worry if you get bugs and worms in your compost after it's laid.

Thou doth need a proper mixture for the morrow

Ok, don't hate on me! I got a Shakespearean compost thing goin on.

Proper Green and Brown mixture makes the difference in your compost.

It's carbon to nitrogenous materials. Too much brown will take forever to break down. Too much green ends up a nasty slimy mess. Keep a balance of what you add. Watch the consistency. Air and turns to your pile will help.

Another tip for beginners like myself, start in summer months to compost. Composting works best in 120 to 150 degrees.

And yet another tip to speed up the process. Add an activator such as alfalfa meal. Alfalfa meal gives a nitrogen and protein boost.

Ok here is the best spinning compost bin.

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/

Clean Air Gardening is a website I highly recommend. They have several compost bins, but this one above is the best.

Now you can use different methods for your bin. I'm just one of those people who has to use the coolest new invention. You know one of those people who is already trying to find the 90 inch 4D T.V.'s before they are out. lol!!

The spinner just is perfect and saves you a tremendous amount of trouble.

Air is key in whatever you decide to use.

I hope this was informative to you. I know I learned a lot.

Parting is such sweet sorrow!!

Peace Lily an Indoor purifier

2012-02-05T23:27:00.000-08:00

Peace Lily

I broke down and bought two indoor house plants over the weekend.

I wanted to do some research on a couple of well known plants and their indoor benefits. I also wanted to work on my Aperture photo editing skills. I will be attempting to take more amazing photos for the blog.

The Peace Lily is plant of tropical origin and found on the forest floor of tropical America. The long green stems our captured by a beautiful white sail, and pale yellow spadix. If you are new to the plant and flower world and unfamiliar with what a spadix is click here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spadix .

The fact that this exotic plant is found on the forest floor, explains why it deals so well with indoor shade.

Do not place in direct sun!

Placing the peace lily in direct sun can damage the foliage. If the leaves begin to yellow it's an indicator that the plant is receiving too much sun. Now that being said, don't feel afraid to let sunlight in on this plant. Just keep it 5 to 8 feet away.

Water is key to the caring of your peace lily.

I have found many different theories on when, and how much to water.

The key is to keep the soil moist. As with almost any plant, flower, or fruit tree drainage is key. Water it once maybe twice a week. The plant will let you know when it needs water, you will see it droop down. Do not let it get to the point it droops significantly. Once watered it will spring back into action.

Humidity is something that all indoor plants can use more of. Our homes could actually use more humidity as well. Misting has always been the traditional way of keeping humidity around the plant. I have been trying another technique I really like. I use a small humidifier. I put both new indoor plants in my bedroom and added the humidifier I had.

Amanda and I have had colds recently, and the room actually feels much better now with all the humidity.

Top 10 plant in removing indoor toxins.

The Peace Lily is a living air purifier. As much as politicians like to avoid this weird and strange concept " Life on Earth does depend on plants " . I get so angry at the neglect our environment gets, in order for filthy money grubbing lobbyists to continue padding their bottom lines.

Ok, now that's off my chest, where was I?

The peace lily removes harmful indoor toxins that we don't even realize are present. Toxins that could potentially cause the big "C" . Toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, ethyl acetate, methylene, acetone, and chloroform.

You may say " I don't have any of those in my home!! " . The chances are you probably do, and they are dangerous. It's not really that hard to understand. Chemicals we use to clean with, bathe with, paint with, etc. . Our homes our more polluted than outside air.

NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America discovered that there are several houseplants that can keep household air clean. The plants absorb pollutants, scrub harmful gases out of the air, and fight pollution. For 10 bucks... that's the air purifier I want in my home.

The Peace Lily is just one of a dozen really great indoor houseplants.

Remember my tips on how to keep this bad boy thriving and producing the glorious H2o.

I hope you go out and get some of these wonderful, and beautiful plants.

One warning before I close. Keep these plants away from small children who might want to eat the petals. Peace Lily's are poisonous, not to the point of death. Vomiting and mouth ulcers will be the extent of it, but that's bad enough.

Stay tuned for my next indoor plant blog. Hope you enjoy the images above... ugggh photo editing takes forever.

Cheers

Go Green Valentines!!

2012-02-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

Xocolatl Chocolates

Eco Valentines Day

Go green Valentines day!! I had a blog written by my mom back during Christmas with green ideas for the holiday. I thought why not do another for Vday.

I will give you some great sites to check out for eco friendly gifts. I am new to the ETSY world. I just recently started checking out some Etsy sites and I'm impressed. These creative ladies have some great stuff.

I really encourage people to shop ETSY!! It supports small business owners in a new and exciting way.

Green Vday #1

Organic Bath Salts

Garden Apothecary ETSY Site

Jennifer Lee Segale lives in Half Moon Bay (the place of my favorite horseback riding ranch) . Jennifer is a horticulturist who started her product line from constantly having her hands in the dirt. Organic botanicals and great scents is what you will find on this site. I failed to do justice to what Jennifer does. After posting this blog, I came to find that she also has a blog and Facebook page as well. Her blog is amazing!!! Photography captures what she is passionate about. Love it all. Here's a link to the blog that you need to check out. Jenn has also had her products featured in Vogue, People, and Apple!!

http://dirtygirlgarden.com/

Facebook Dirty Girl Gardening

Gentlemen listen up, women love bath salts and great scrubs.

Bath and body works is garbage!! You gotta try this shop. Striving to be an herbalist myself, I recommend both the Rose Petal and Salt bath tea, and the Botanical bath powders available.

Great products, great ideas, all eco friendly for your valentines at Garden Apothecary.

Check out Jen's site, blog, and Facebook page.

I'm excited to be able to follow her and learn.

Garden Apothecary

Green Vday #2

Soy Candles

Frisky Bumblebee

The Frisky BumbleBee is another great Etsy shop.

Soy candles are all the rave these days. Soy candles burn cleaner, and throws a scent further than traditional petroleum candles. Soy candles are more affordable and actually burn slower. Soy beans are grown in American fields, so you are helping farmers too.

The Frisky BumbleBee has some great soy candle options.

I love the packaging and labeling on all these great Vday gift ideas. Salted Carmel is great!! The Goddess candle they sell is perfect for your Valentines Goddess.

Make sure you go check out all there items over at

The Frisky Bumblebee

Green Vday #3

Organic Lingerie

On The Inside ETSY Site

Lingerie is the most bought gift next to flowers for Valentines day. On the inside is another great Etsy page I came across during my research for this article.

Elise Olson from Asheville, NC handmakes all this lingerie you see here. Organic cotton is getting more popular these days. Elise does a great job with her site and is very talented. Elise will take your measurements to ensure your handmade items fit perfect. I like the fact that she offers gift certificates, makes it easy. All of her items take about 2 weeks without shipping days. So if this is an item you want to get for your sexy bride, order quick.

Go and check out

On The Inside

Green Vday #4

Organic Chocolates

Organic Chocolates!! Dark Chocolates are the healthiest... if there is such a thing. Actually Dark chocolates with more Cacao is great heart healthy, mood enhancing, and rich source of antioxidants food.

I found this great ETSY page scanning through the sites. I came across the fantastic photographs up above.

Esther Aguirre owns this decadent chocolate boutique.

Xocolatl Chocolates is the name...remember it because she is doing big things in upstate NY. Xocolatl actually means bitter water or bitter drink in Nahuati (maya). Esther gives a great background on her ETSY page that is very intriguing.

Esther also has a great blog that you have to check out

xocolatlbyesther.blogspot.com/

Take the time to go over to her ETSY page and order something. I love the packaging and everything about her site.

It's easy to go to Sees candy and get something. On the other hand, the thought your significant other will see when you've taken time to find something original, fresh, and new is priceless.

Click this link and you won't be sorry

Xocolatl Chocolates

I have given you some great places to shop this Valentines day.

Do something new! Victoria Secret, Sees Candy, Bath and Body works are so played out, boring, and tired. Take the few extra minutes to support small business owners. Take the time to be Green this Valentines. Remember to read my Valentines Flowers blog as well.

Stop the Valentines Boredom

Winner of GTB #1 Orchid Giveaway

2012-02-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

Winner of the Orchid Giveaway is

drumroll.......................

Jillian!!!

Congratulations Jillian

I only had about 18 entries this time, so hopefully we can get more fun prizes and more followers here.

Continue to watch for more great giveaways.

Jillian, shoot me your Idaho address so we can get your orchid ordered and mailed to you. Thanks for being a great follower of Green Thumb Barbers.

7 ways kids, veggies, and fruit can coexist

2012-01-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

My Izzy B eating her Veggies!!

Kids,Vegetables, and Fruit

Tale as old as time...

Kids and their veggies.

Today it's so much more expensive to buy healthy fruits and vegetables, than bags of chips and candy bars. Believe me I know. I try and buy organic which is even more expensive. It's important to feed our kids healthy foods. I hope this blog gives some great ideas to help get our kids excited about fruits and vegetables.

Let's get to it...

1. Be an Example:

Let's really be honest with ourselves, when is the

last time you ate vegetables? No, not just pizza...

that doesn't count. Kids watch everything we do.

Kids want to emulate what we do. Filling half our

plates at dinner time with vegetables is key. Have

fun with vegetables and fruit when you eat them in

front of your kids.

2. Be Creative:

If you grab a bag of frozen peas, throw em in a

pot, then roll em out onto the plate for your kid,

the chances are slim they will eat them. Same with

giving them an old brown busted banana.

Can you say Brown Busted Banana 3 times fast?

Kids are pure in heart and want to have fun with

you. Make eating vegetables and fruit fun!! I don't

mean you still have to make airplane noises when

they're 8 and 9 to get em to eat. Broccoli with

cheese is fun. Home made salsa is fun. Get them

involved with dinner, let them help and pick the

veggie of the night. Another creative idea is get

kids their own recipe books. Have them help make

a fruit or vegetable dish that they can draw pictures

of in their books.

3. Shopping with kids:

It can be a nightmare if you have several children.

It can also be the best time to introduce your kids

to new fruits and vegetables. Spend more time in

the produce section. Let them pick out a veggie or

fruit. How much time and emphasis you spend with

them in that section will help them understand the

importance. Take your kids to a farmers market as

well. This is fun!! I usually visit Davis, Ca farmers

market and we get lunch there.

4. Display:

I promise I didn't stage this, this is really our kitchen...see the flour around the mixer?

Keep fruits out where kids can see them. It gives off

an importance to them. No other food we can show

off quite as well as fruits. Get a variety of color in

there too. Kids love colors!

5. Blend it up:

My wife does a great job at doing this. In our

scrambled eggs we have blended up spinach.

Add some blended up broccoli to meatballs.

Crockpot meals are great for adding nutrient

loaded vegetables like kale, fennel, or squash, and

you can add pureed cauliflower to just about

anything and your kids will NEVER know!

You can add tons of veggies and fruit to foods that

kids eat. After they eat it, tell them what they just

ate. It's fun!!

6. Color and Education:

Color can play such a huge part in getting kids excited about

Vegetables and fruit. I was working the other night on a

Design for a white flower garden. I wanted to incorporate

a small vegetable patch of nothing but white fruits and

veggies. I had Jordan, my son, help me and he had sooo much

fun learning. I didn't even think about it but he asked

" What about white corn? " I was like " yea that's a great

idea " . The color wheel of what we should be eating is a lot of

fun. Have different colored foods on different days of the

week. Monday is red day!! Radishes and red delicious apples

with lunch, Strawberries and tomatoes with dinner. So much

you can do with it. It falls back into being creative. Educate

yourself and your kids.

7. Grow a Garden:

Alright, you knew I was gonna go here. There is absolutely no

better way to get your kids to enjoy fruits and vegetables.

Start slow with herbs, then a small garden of strawberries.

Show kids how to grow and where our food comes from. It's

not only educational, it's healthier and cheaper! Growing a

a garden with your kids is honestly magical. I know I sound

cheesy, but I loved gardening when I was little with my

grandmother. It's what made me passionate about what I do

today. It's not hard to do, just hard work.

There ya have it. Some food for thought.

If anyone has ideas that I have missed, email me and I will

post em here.

Earth Day 2012

2012-01-30T23:03:00.000-08:00

Earth Day 2012

I thought I would get a jump start this year on my theme and ideas for Earth Day.

April 1-22 will be Earth Month here at Green Thumb Barbers Blog.

22 days of Green tips!!

I will be partnering with local places in Vacaville, Ca all through the month of April. Our goal is to spread the 2012 message.

Plant Something

Clean Something

Do Something

GREEN!

Plant a tree in your own yard.

Take time out with your family and clean a local park

or school.

Make changes in your life to be more GREEN.

We will give you tips and Ideas the whole month.

I will be doing some cool stuff with kids.

It will be called "my first earth day"

Fun and Educational for kids.

Stayed tuned... Green Thumb Barbers is your hotspot for Earth Day activities.

Miniature Garden Wonderland

2012-01-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

Images property of MiniatureGardenShoppe.com

Fortunate for me I found a very fun and unique site the other evening. Every now and again, google can really help you find great sites.

Miniature Garden Shoppe is a fantastic website of unique customized mini gardens. I was caught off guard when I first came across the page. They look like arial views of real outdoor landscapes!!

Family businesses are truly the best. Miniature Garden Shoppe is owned by Kathryn and Ben Newman. Kathryn designs these wonderfully crafted intricate gardens, Ben is the entrepreneur/computer genius. The beautiful photography is taken by Ben's mom. Kathryn is a garden designer and horticulturist by trade, with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Illinois.

One of the things that Kathryn talks about is how the ideas are unlimited but materials were difficult to find. The Miniature Garden Shoppe was born from this. You can find everything you need for your very own micro garden here.

Images property of MiniatureGardenShoppe.com

The first garden I looked at was the One at the top with the tire swing. I love this one, and it's my favorite. The small picket fences, watering cans, wheel barrow are all so cool.

You can find things for fairy gardens (my daughter loves), furniture, pottery, garden tools, and fun seasonal decorations too!

Images property of MiniatureGardenShoppe.com

I am showing just a fraction of what this site has to offer. I am not going to give away the farm. You need to visit this page. If you don't know where to start, no worries, they have some layouts for you on the ContainerScapes page. The Tuscany one is my favorite there.

These are great for centerpieces during all the fun holidays. I have a pumpkin patch idea I want to do this fall for my miniature garden.

Did I mention the plants used are Real??
Everything is planted by hand. The rosemary trees add such a creative touch to many of them.

Watch Kathryn in action on this video.

Property of MiniatureGardenShoppe.com

So effortless in the video. Great idea for gifts for friends and housewarming presents.

I love how peaceful some of them look.
If only I could shrink myself and a hammock, I would be laying in between two rosemary trees right this second.

I wrote Kathryn the other evening and asked her permission to write a blog or use images from her site. Just a few days later she responded to me with such a warm and friendly email. I am thankful she allowed me to share with all of you her wonderful world of miniature gardens.

Please go to their website to check out much, much more. Click the link. I promise you will love this site as much as I do. I also promise you will want to google shrink ray guns after you visit this Miniature Garden Wonderland.

MiniatureGardenShoppe.com

Kids organic vitamins that work

2012-01-25T15:24:00.000-08:00

When you have kids it's hard to fight off every little germ they pick up. My son has the horrible habit of constantly chewing on his fingernails. My wife and I were constantly dealing with runny noses and coughs from both kids.

Our kids are picky little eaters too. We are fairly strict and don't allow them any soda at all, and juice maybe once a day. Amanda is an amazing baker and cook, so we actually eat home cooked meals. Dinner time is always one of the most stressful times of the day. It's challenging as a parent to ensure your kids are getting the vitamins they need.

We became more organic in 2009. Luckily during one of our visits to

Sprouts.com

we found a kids organic brand of vitamins.

Irwin Kids

Irwin Kids Multi Vitamins Work!!!!!!

My kids say they don't taste good at all, translation... they are actually good vitamins. lol!!!

Wow, what a significant drop we had in coughs and colds. It actually kept Amanda and I from getting sick as well.

A couple of these vitamins are gluten free.

This is the back of the Berrylicious Super Multi vitamin. My son says these are too soft and have a sweet taste??? Picky, Picky, Picky!!

No artificial sweeteners. Evaporated cane juice, organic agave. Good stuff!

We also give the kids the Immuno-Zappers.

Please know, we are not crazy health addicts. Our kids still get to eat the occasional Mcdonald's Happy Meals, and they love Taco Bell Tacos. We just try and eat as organic as possible when we eat at home.

Too many vitamins out there today contain artificial sweeteners and all sorts of junk our kids don't need.

Irwin kids does a good job at making healthy vitamins for our most precious treasure, our children.

Price at Sprouts and other health food stores is really kind of ridiculous to be honest. We spent like 50 dollars for like 50 days of vitamins. Amanda found them on Amazon.com

Check em out here. Best prices.

Hopefully your kids will like them even though mine don't. You won't be sorry you started using these. Too many germs going around these days, and having good vitamins is a way to keep our kids healthy.

2012 USDA Hardiness Zones

2012-01-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

image courtesy of USDA.gov

The new USDA zone map is out today.

Great way to check out what zones you live in and what will thrive.

Go to the link for more info.

2012 Plant Hardiness USDA

Characteristics of a good blog??

2012-01-24T13:53:00.000-08:00

image by Kristina b

What are the characteristics of a good blog these days?

Please don't tell me something with the Kardashian's or Seal and Heidi Klum's recent separation.

Celebrity tabloids should cover all your needs in that department. I am honestly looking for some feedback on what would interest you in reading and following a blog?

Food I know is probably a number one thing. Deserts, Cupcakes, Cookies. I understand we all have a fascination with sweets and the common denominator that is sugar. What else?

I have been looking at a ton of good blogs and bad blogs lately. Some people just steal stuff and articles from other sites and have a bunch of links. Ok, I guess that works for some.

Some people want ideas and that's why Pinterest has become so popular. Does style format of the blog make a difference? I usually space out my blog and don't lump huge paragraphs together. I do this so the reader doesn't feel like it's a novel and lose interest.

Pictures seem to make a huge impact am I right? The blogs I have seen that our successful have beautiful photography.

Engaging and thought provoking. I have struggled to make some of my blogs engaging. I want the readers to feel like they are a part of my world... no little mermaid pun intended.

I am limited on this blog, but have found creative ways to get new readers. I try to combine worlds of landscaping, gardening, and health. Broadening my traffic base of viewers with new provocative stories.

On this blog I try and share useful everyday information without being dull, boring and heavy winded. I've come across some blogs where I felt like I needed an instructor to help guide me through the lecture.

Do you need more humor in your blog? I have to say, 70% of blogs out there are lacking on making a person smile. I'm naturally a sarcastic person, so I like to have fun and add wit to articles.

What are truly things that matter to you? Maybe you don't know how to follow a blog. It's funny because I bet 99% of people who use computers, click on google information daily that leads them directly to a blog.

Please feel open and honest. Provide me some clarification to what would spark an interest, or what matters most to you when reading. I could use some feedback to create a better blog.

I don't monetize this blog anymore, so it's not about the money. I do still use Amazon so that people can have quick resource to items I mention. I won't monetize again until I am sure on the quality I am providing to my fan base.

Leave me comments...Share links to great blogs and why they are great blogs.

Thanks!!

Organic rooibos herbal tea heals

2012-01-23T22:30:00.000-08:00

ORGANIC ROOIBOS TEA

Rooibos tea has made a significant difference in my life.

I have struggled lately with topics that will intrigue and get more people to follow. I always try and provide substantial information in a way that is fun and thought provoking. I love to write, love to share any wisdom or knowledge that may have come my way.

I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder back in the spring of 09. The same time I was diagnosed with acid reflux. The two I was told work like a perfect storm in the body, feeding each other. I had to really change my diet. No more late night snacks, doritos, Ice cold dr. pepper, mexican food, anything with tomato sauce, etc. .

It was challenging and I lost like 20 lbs due to the medication they had me on for anxiety and acid reflux. It was probably a little of the change in diet too. I started looking like I needed a 1-800 number underneath me, and a phrase like " please feed this hungry person " !

A few months later I decided to get off of the meds and look for holistic methods. I learned a lot in my studies on nutrition.

I suffered another huge spell of anxiety at the end of 2010 due to enormous amount of stress, and poor treatment from dr.'s . I must have been given 5 to 6 different medications to deal with the anxiety. One of which got me addicted to it so bad.

Endless sleepless nights, panic attacks, and wondering if I would honestly live to see my kids grow up.

You see when you have anxiety and low seratonin reality slips away and fear takes hold.

I started making a comeback again and had to ween myself off of nasty medication. Chamomile tea really helped to aid me and help me sleep every night.

I started drinking a lot of tea and got bored of Chamomile.

Sorry to get so personal, it's the only way I can express why this tea is so helpful.

I went searching the internet again like I normally do to find something new. I can't drink caffeine of any kind anymore because it just doesn't agree with me. No caffeine limited me. I came across a secretive little South African tea.

Red bush, Rooibos, this little miracle I like to call it is simply amazing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooibos

Rooibos is grown only in a small area in the region of the Western Cape province of South Africa. There is actually a green rooibos as well that is not fermented or oxidized. The plant has needle like leaves.

Let's not mistake this bad boy for green tea or black tea. This is 100% herbal tea and much, much more healthy for you.

The problem with traditional tea and coffee is the acidity and tanic acid. Coffee and tea eat at the stomach lining and cause over production of stomach acid. Overproduction of stomach acid leads to GERD and burping and all sorts of fun stuff.

Health Benefits

1. Polyphenols- Polywhat?? Polyphenols are anti-carcinogenic,

anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral activity. Boosts your immunity level and slows aging.

2. Lowers blood pressure naturally

3. Naturally caffeine-free!! It's such an ideal drink to have before bed. So incredibly relaxing to the nervous system.

4. Kid Friendly Too- sleeping problems or stomach cramps. Add some milk and a little sugar to the tea and poof!! Symptoms disappear.

5. High in Calcium, Manganese, and fluoride!!

6. Alpha hydroxy and Zinc- Sick of acne? You drink this and it's amazing what it can do for your skin. You can even use on a sunburn to help.

7. Kidney Stones- This tea can actually decrease the chance of kidney stones due to there is no oxalic acid.

8. Vitamins Galore- Copper, Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium, Zinc.

9. Hypertension and STRESS relief- This is why I love it.

10. Allergy fighter- It's used to treat allergies and hay fever.

I know I sound like I am selling a car. I just can't praise this tea enough. I honestly drink tea 3 to 4 times a day now. I drink peppermint tea, honeybush, chamomile, and my favorite rooibos.

If you suffer from stomach problems this is a great tea for you. You don't need to be suffering from anything to gain the tremendous benefits of this tea.

I recommend Numi Organic Rooibos, or Davidson's Organic Rooibos. You can order from Amazon, or typically find it in a higher end supermarket like The Nugget or Whole Foods.

Here are the links for Numi and Davidson.

NUMI ORGANIC TEA

DAVIDSON ORGANIC TEA

After you read this, go google health benefits of rooibos tea.

Hope you can calm your nerves, sleep better, and ease your tummy ache with the knowledge you now have.

P.S. I do eat Mexican food and Spaghetti again!!

Scary news for California cattle farmers

2012-01-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

Cattle farmers in California are receiving some unfortunate news today.

Duke University published a recent story about the sunny state's climate change.

The result of this climate change will effect the rangeland that we see going down I5 on our trips to Disneyland. Decreased grazing will hike up the expenses of central valley cattle companies. There is a great article over at the Environmental new network. Declining Rangeland in California

This will surely effect the economy of California and our already empty consumer pockets.

Time to get your own cows...

GTB Giveaway #1

2012-01-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

Free Indoor Orchid Giveaway

http://www.proplants.com/

You can get this great Indoor Orchid delivered free to your house from Proplants.com .

All you have to do is follow the blog, comment below, and vote on our poll to the right on which flowers you would want most for Valentines day.

Get more entries by sending a friend over to follow. All they have to do is say who referred them and you both will be entered.

The Winner of this Orchid will be announced on Friday January 27th.

I have posted some information recently on two blogs about orchids.

Stop the Valentines Boredom!!

and

Indoor Orchids help H2o

Good Luck