Homemade Healthy Chocolate

Coconut oil is VERY healthy for you. About 3 Tbsp. per day is the required amount you should try to ingest for optimal health benefits.

Chocolate, an all time favorite, is a great way to eat coconut oil.

Coconut Chocolate Almond Bark

3/4 cup virgin coconut oil
3 tsp. dutch cocoa
1/4 tsp stevia, to desired taste
1/2 cup sliced almonds (use whole almonds if desired -- or other nuts)

Mix until smooth. Pour into a wax paper lined pan/container. Freeze for 30 minutes. Remove, break into pieces. Enjoy!

Another Smoothie

Breakfast for me is easiest when I make it a smoothie ... and the health I can pack into it is unbeatable.

It tastes good too!

Check out the secret ingredients posted on my Klasse Garden blog.

Health Habits - Oxygen

Oxygen is necessary for life - our life. In fact, without it we die! I know, that's not news to you ...

But did you know that cancer causing free radicals DIE in the presence of oxygen? Since every body has free-radicals, it is in our best interest to give our bodies the optimum edge in the battle to stay on top of that internal situation.


So, how can we get more oxygen into our bodies so that they can function with better efficiency, sustaining quality life and eradicating those pesky errant cells that threaten to take over?

One simple, inexpensive way to get more oxygen is to breathe deeply. Most of us use only about 10% of our lung capacity, there is lots of room to expand that:

- inhale a huge breath slowly through your nose. Let it fill your lungs and then take conscious note of filling your abdomen with air as well.
- exhale slowly, blowing through your mouth.
- try to exhale for longer than you inhaled.

Why? Because when we exhale we are not only releasing carbon dioxide, but also the extra, unused oxygen ... AND TOXINS. The toxins are what you really want to discard.

- once you've noticed how much more air you can get into your lungs try holding your breath for 10 seconds or so.
- when you've mastered that, try increasing the length of your hold.

Why? Because we breathe out so much unused oxygen - this is a conscious plan to use as much as you can. While you can't do this with every breath, the extra oxygen you do get each and every time you do this exercise will promote your good health.

Make your lungs work FOR you.

Do this exercise before you rise and when you retire - and whenever you think of it in-between.

Make it a daily health habit!

Walking with Mama

... makes me tired!

Cold Feet?

Did You Know? I found this little idea on a page at the Bulk Herb Store:

"Cayenne powder has been used by researchers in Antarctica to help them bear the extremely cold temperatures. The cayenne powder is sprinkled into their boots before putting them on. As the powder slowly comes in contact with the skin through the socks, it will draw blood to the feet, thus bringing much needed warms to the extremities. The one draw back is the red powder stains light colored socks. From our readings, it seems the stained socks were a small price to pay for the great benefit of being able to feel your toes after a little while out in the blistering cold! After trying this on a number of occasions during the winter near Lake Superior, I'm also convinced the stained socks are worth it."

Since we live, work & play where we have extreme temperatures, it just may be worth a try?!

Curbing a Cough

Most of us can testify to struggling with a persistent cough. You know the kind that keeps you and your spouse (if you have one) awake at night.

Well, two of my Aunts have given me a suggestion that seems to have worked for at least three of us at various times these last two months. So I figure I'll share it with you -- in case you too can find relief.

Oil of Oregano -- one drop under the tongue stops the cough. Yup, one drop does it! That said though, it is HOT stuff and burns for a bit. I followed the drop with a big drink of water, but it still does the trick.

For administering to little ones? I put the drop of Oil of Oregano onto a quarter teaspoon of honey and followed that with a drink of water. Again, it helped to curb the coughing. PTL! Of course, honey by itself is said to curb a cough, though I find that the duo is even more effective.

Such an easy, healthy fix! I hope someone else finds this useful too.

Swing, Swing

The warmer Fall days are back, tenaciously holding Winter at bay for a bit ... we took advantage of it with some time on the swing. Soaking in some of that all important vitamin D from the waning sunshine.

Our active little girl has not spent much time in her swing because she always manages to wiggle herself out of it -- until today! I discovered this wonderful solution to that problem: put her into the swing in her carseat ... perfect! It's safer for her -- and probably more comfortable. Thank you God for inspirations!

Like It Used to Be

My bread hasn't been turning out nice for the last two years. I've only had a couple batches that formed nice high loaves.



This week though, we had some success. Yes! Thank-you Lord! Just in time for tomato sandwiches for quick easy yummy lunches -- always a welcome delight for this gang!

What do You do with Chives?

Chives are ready early in spring. Though this year we're already into summer ... can you believe it??

Chives is something I look forward to using lavishly in our meals. They add color, nutritional health benefits and taste to our diet, waking up the taste buds to summer selections.

Chive cheese was introduced to us by some dear friends a few years ago. It is now a staple spread at our house throughout the summer:

Chive Cheese

1/2 cup chives, chopped
8 oz. cream cheese, softened

Use chive cheese: on bread, crackers, veggies, in egg, fish, or meat sandwiches ... and it is super good with a burger - it can even redeem a lowly hotdog!

- add chives to salads: green salads, macaroni salad, potato salad or egg salad.

- add to soups, sauces & casseroles.

- chop & freeze for use later in soups, sauces & casseroles


Did you know that the chive flowers are edible? Not only edible, but decorative as well. The chive flowers can be torn & tossed in salads adding a delightful color along with their delicate taste. Or use the whole blossom to garnish a dish.

Piles of Opportunity

There are piles of opportunity everywhere.



Five of our young men are back in action catching gophers - that perfect enterprise for little guys.

AND ... its multi-tasking!

They're:
- earning pocket money,
- helping us and a neighbor improve the pastures and hay fields,
- feeding the cats & dog
- learning business "skills"
- getting extra exercise 2x/day
- learning money & math (at least the littlest guys are)

Gotta love that!

Ready? ... Set? ... LAUNCH!

Click on the banner or click here to view our farm website.

Thanks to Corbyn for a job well done!

I'm Learning to Walk, Part 2

The second little tidbit of information that I'm learning about walking is that, contrary to what I've always thought, taking regular, shorter 10-20 minutes walks at a moderate pace is actually better for your health than longer endurance. Hard to believe? I know, but I've read about this in more than one place.

Amazingly, I find it easier to get myself motivated to get out to do a couple shorter walks than one 30-45 minute walk.

Yesterday my dear hubby measured the distance of my regular walk - the length of our driveway & back is almost exactly 1/2 mile. So, if I go out two times a day for two trips to the road & back I'm putting on 2 miles. Whoohoo!

And getting fresh air to boot ... and often spending time with Ken ... benefits galore.

I'm Learning to Walk, Part 1

Ok, so I'm not learning to walk right from the start, but I am learning about a fitness way to walk known as Nordic walking.

What's that? Basically, you go for your regular walk, but carry a walking stick in each hand - and get your arm swing technique in sync with your step.

Unwittingly, I started Nordic walking last Fall when I started going out to the pasture - through the bush, up & down the trails and over tree roots - with our youngest three boys. Being pregnant I wanted walking sticks for stability. I just used walking sticks that our older boys had fashioned out of sticks they'd found in our bush.

Somehow, during the winter I googled "walking" and discovered "Nordic walking", an exercise that is well known in some countries. For an excellent website to check it out further go here.

Apparently, Nordic walking increases the cardiovascular workout one gets. It makes sense because your arms are working as well. Another benefit - and there are others - is that this method is easier on the joints of your back, knees and feet.

"2 for 1" Deal on Shampoo

We choose to use an expensive shampoo from our local Health Food store. The expense is our decision, but I still find it hard to pay so much for shampoo.

We like it though and feel good that the ingredients in it are not as harmful to our family health as that in many other shampoos readily available for way less.

One way that I have found to make it lather and last - longer, is to divide one bottle of shampoo into two bottles.

Then fill each bottle with water.

Shake and use as usual.

The result is great. Perhaps even better than before.

And the shampoo lasts longer. I promise.

It's like getting two bottles for the price of one.


Ah, spoken like a true frugal twofer lover, don't you think?

Snack ideas

The question arose at Crystal's blog about healthy snack ideas. Evidently ours are not the only littles that graze all day ...

My 3 yr. old twins are the same - always hungry, even just an hour after a meal ... go figure. It has been this way since they began on solid food at six months.

We use much of what Crystal has mentioned and the apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon too, but here are some other ideas we use:

- pretzels
- nuts & bolts - which is really just a mix of pretzels, peanuts, organic squares (like Shreddies), cherrios, raisins etc. - whatever you have on hand.
- homemade croutons - Check out my earlier post. I rarely make a batch that lasts until the salad it was intended for. I always use wholegrain bread and toss with extra virgin olive oil.


- a glass of water will sometimes satisfy temporarily (if I need just a few minutes till a meal time)
- frozen cherries, thawed (frozen fruit "pops" go over anytime with our guys, but are especially nice in summer ... cherries, grapes, cantaloupe, mangos - use some discount bin finds for this purpose)
- Quaker granola bars that have been B1G1 for a long while now - though not totally healthy ... it's been processed!
Check out more ideas at Crystal's blog.

Do you, my faithful readers, have anything to add to the list?

Time for Tea?

This past week our family fell ill with a flu bug. In a large household it takes time to make the rounds.

About a month ago, I tried making "Ginger Tea", steeping fresh pressed ginger for the flavor & health benefit. The adults and older sons enjoyed it sweetened with honey, but the littles found the taste unappealing and a bit too much on the "hot" side for their liking.

Even the standard gingerale was not to their liking this time around. I kept trying new liquids to offer them after each unpleasant episode, hoping that something would be palitable and stem the tide for them. Bland foods & water were not the answer either.

Finally, I tried:

Homemade "Sparkling Cheery Gell-o"
1/2 cup cold water
2 Tbsp. gelatin
1 can frozen concentrate juice (I used McCain Raspberry)
3 cups gingerale
Mix the gelatin into the 1/2 cup cold water and heat until dissolved, stirring constantly. Cool & add the juice concentrate then add the gingerale and place in fridge until set.

The sparkling gello settled stomachs, was palitable, and gave the necessary energy our littles needed to pull out of the slump.

Praise to God - Jehovah Rapha - God Who Heals!

As an after thought, some of my ginger tea was left over and cooled giving me a new idea to try ... using fresh ginger tea to add to the gell-o using mineral water as the "sparkle". Look for an edit to this post at a later date, after I've tried this out (the fresh ginger may impede the gelling of the gelatin - wait and see!)

How do you battle a flu bug?

Nothing Like ... Homemade Croutons

Not only are homemade croutons a great frugal trick they're a delicious gourmet treat! A healthy snack! An easy meal-maker!

Cube a couple slices of your favorite whole wheat bread. Toss into a pan with extra virgin olive oil. Add some of your favorite spices - ours are garlic salt, oregano leaves and chili powder. Toss and stir regularly as the croutons toast gently on low heat until the cubes are dried and toasty. Use immediately or store in closed containers until needed. Freeze in zip-locs if you're storing more than a week.

A big bowl of cesaer salad seems to be a repeated request - at home and to take along to gatherings. It is so easy & so good! ... and always gone!

Our favorite cesaer dressing is "Rene's".

"2 for 1" Deal: Spry Gum

Here is another "2 for 1" deal that I have come across: Spry gum and/or mints. Spry is sweetened with xylitol which is a 100% natural sweetner that is endorsed by the Dental Association to also be an anti-plaque agent inhibiting the formation of cavities.

The gum is in chicklet format and made without color. Therefore all the flavors are white. They use oil to add the flavors of cinnamon, spearamint, fruit flavor (much like "Juicy Fruit") and peppermint. Both the flavor and texture are lasting.

Our family has been without gum and candy for nine years - ever since one of our ds came down with Diabetes Mellitus, Type I. However, the xylitol sweetner, in small amounts at least, does not affect blood sugar levels.

So there you have it, Spry offers a treat that is good for your teeth and good for blood sugar levels - how cool is that?!

Oh, and speaking of cool ... xylitol itself has no after taste, but rather a pleasant "cool" taste/feeling in your mouth.

Spry can most often be purchased in local Health food stores.