The Green Life

by Jena Sanders

The environmentally-friendly buzzword used over the past couple of years is commonly referred to as "Going Green" or "Green Living" or simply "Green(ing)." 

At its core "green" living is really living holistically.  Holistic, defined by the dictionary, refers to something "characterized by comprehension of the parts of something as intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole."  On a broad basis, holistic living views society as a whole, intertwined by understanding of past generations, and considerations of those to come and applies such knowledge to actively enrich and manage present lives.  However, as our society becomes increasingly ego-centric and individualized, less thought is given to a broader picture of mankind.  For man was created to live wholly; a multifaceted life, striving for a broad base of knowledge resulting in skills and aptitude in multiple fields or disciplines, i.e. a renaissance man or polymath, relying on family and local community to fill in the shortages.  Unfortunately, as our society becomes increasingly compartmentalized and specialized, negative results occur: the loss of time-honoured art & craft traditions, decreased quality of life and the inability to live in harmony with the natural world.

To bring in holistic living on a personal basis, we must take control of our personal health and well-being. With the exception of trauma and truly amazing technical advances, standard medicine and the SAD (Standard American Diet) are incomplete paths to well-being and can even be harmful.  Industrialized nations have become dependent on synthetic medical treatments for ONLY the symptoms of an illness or targeting a specific gene while fully neglecting the WHOLE body. Assess and evaluate all medical treatment options at all times. The human body is composed of a web-like matrix of interconnected and entwined parts.  Such a whole body requires optimal nutrition that can be obtained by raising your own food, or knowing personally who is growing what you are eating.

Although there are numerous parts that make up a green life, two crucial aspects are sustainability and seasonality.   These principles are part of the reason Green Streets Market, a food & arts festival was estabilished in Lawrenceburg, TN.  Allison Baker, Jill Poston, Pat Adams and yours truly, embarked on a mission:

"Our objective is to enrich our community through encouraging growth and the revitalization of Lawrenceburg's economy by promoting a monthly food and arts festival during the harvest season.  We hope to sustain a vibrant and flourishing relationship between consumers and local farmers and artisans in a family friendly environment.  We also encourage local business participation by sponsoring our monthly markets.  Our desire is to utilize local resources to educate the Lawrenceburg public about the benefits of living a healthful, "green" lifestyle."

We believe knowledge is key to action, and understanding and ability comes best from personal experience.  Ideally, plant and grow your own food.  Or take advantage of your own local farmer's market.  Wouldn't you rather purchase strawberries (with noticeable and actual flavour) from a local patch in May, than getting a questionable product from a chain grocery store in December?  Who knows from where they have shipped and what chemicals have been sprayed on them?  Eat seasonally and locally.  Likewise, why not support local artists to enhance your community's culture and shop local businesses to the stimulate the local economy?  As our tag line for Green Streets Market states, "Live Green. Buy Local!"

www.greenstreetsmarket.com

Spring '11 Jewelry: "Flight of Fancy" Takes Off...

by Jena Sanders

Well, y'all, I have been busy, with gardening season in swing, SoJoy Spa's new product launch (coming very, very soon!), and finishing Spring's 2011 Jewelry collection (...not to mention full-time mothering).  But, the collection is finished!  Lots of turquoise, feathers, and bird-esque components, with pops of peridot and purple.  Here is a glimpse of highlights from the collection.

Spring 2011, "Flight of Fancy"

fun, flirty and light statement earrings.

Malachite, feather, crystal & suede larait necklace.

navy gold stone necklace and turquoise nest necklace with coordinating earrings.

spring peep wine charms.

peridot swarovski crystal and sterling earrings.

Stay tuned with more pictures to come from this collection on facebook and available for purchase soon at www.southernjoyonline.com.
 
Southern Joy's Jewelry collection will premier at First Fridays Art festival in Florence, Al, this coming Friday, April 1st 2011.

Wellness Wednesday: Wonderful Watercress

by Jena Sanders

Freshly picked watercress from our spring.

An aquatic plant with a peppery flavour, watercress is one of mother nature's most nutrient dense and medicinally powerful foods.

Loaded with 15 essential vitamins and minerals (i.e. micro-nutrients and antioxidants) watercress in modern times has come to be considered a cancer-fighting super food.

In fact, did you know watercress contains more vitamin C than an orange, more calcium than milk and more absorbable iron than spinach??

That's not all, it also contains vitamins A, K, and B1 & B3, along with magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc and more!

In 400 BC, Hippocrates, The Father of Modern Medicine, is said to have founded the first hospital near springs filled with wild watercress that he used to treat patients with blood conditions.  

An abundance of watercress.

In the 1600s, herbalist John Gerard touted watercress as a treatment for scurvy, as it was much easier to come by than the elusive orange at the time.

Watercress was even recorded in the first American Thanksgiving dinner with the Pilgrims and Indians...So how can you enjoy it, too?

My family is blessed with our own spring that has an abundance of watercress.  Harvesting it before flowering buds appear,  I will toss some in a salad with some olive oil and vinegar, or make a cream based pureed sauce, or even chop it up and toss it in a warm potato soup.

If you are not as fortunate to have access to your own watercress, now is its harvest season, so try finding some at a local farmer's market or a store such as Whole Foods.

And who knows, at some point it might be a anti-aging, super-nutrient in SoJoy Spa products, you'll have to stay tuned...

**Medical Disclaimer:  The information contained in this article is intended to provide helpful and healthful advice from traditional, home-health & well-being practitioners (Not medical doctors) and should not be construed as medical advice.  Please consult your primary health physician if you have or may have any pre-existing medical conditions.**

Wellness Wednesday: A CUP O’ TEA, ANOTHER REASON FOR GOING GREEN

By Janet Poston

In green tea, leaves are dried or slightly steamed but not fermented.  Green Tea is rich in Catechin Polyphenols (also known as Flavonoids), very powerful anti oxidants. The health benefits from green tea are primarily due to its anti-oxidizing properties.

. . . So, what are some health benefits of green tea?

•  Anti-Aging:  The anti oxidants in green tea neutralize free radicals present in the body.   (The free radicals are responsible for corrosion within the body).

•  Stimulating: Green tea is ideal for countering sleepiness, laziness, fatigue, and lack of energy and to improve blood circulation. 

•  Immunity Boosting: The Catechins present in green tea prevent bacteria and viruses from attaching to cell walls and infecting them.

•  Astringency:  Green tea triggers contractions in muscles and tissues and thereby helps to tones up muscles and skin.

•  Anti-Carcinogenic:  Free radicals are also responsible for causing certain types of cancer.  Drinking green tea can help reduce the chances of cancer.  Green tea is now being used clinically in prevention of cancer, particularly those pertaining to colon, rectum, pancreas and intestines.

•  Reducing Cholesterol: Green tea has been shown to be effective helping reducing cholesterol levels, probably due to its alkaline nature.

•  Cardiac & Arterial Health: Green tea helps prevent thickening of blood, thereby reducing chances of arterial sclerosis and strokes. 

•  Anti-Diabetic: The alkaline nature of green tea helps reduce the blood glucose level.  Plus, better health helps the pancreas function like it should. 

•  Weight Loss:  Green tea also helps in weight loss  by enhancing the rate of metabolism and thereby eliminating some stored fat in the body.

•  Stamina & Endurance Booster:  Green tea gives you an extra boost, and it effectively counters muscular pain due to over exercise of muscles.

•  Deintoxicating: Green tea is a great cure to get rid of hangovers and fatigue caused by consumption of alcoholic beverages and lack of sleep due to late night parties.

A favorite green tea of mine is Yogi organic Green Tea Kombucha.  The ingredients in the tea bag are:  organic green tea leaf, organic lemongrass, organic spearmint leaf, natural passion fruit flavor, natural plum flavor, organic kombucha (aiding in digestion).

Now instead of tossing your used tea bags in the trash, you can go green yet again:

Try using a cooled tea bag as an astringent.  Wipe away residue from your face or place cooled bags (from freezer or fridge) over your eyes as you take a 10 minute rest.  This will help . . .

Erin Go Braugh!

. . .  and Go GREEN!

Me-Time Monday: The Winner is...!

Drum roll, please...

And the winner is...

The winner of SoJoy's Cherry Vanilla Body Butter is Angie!  

Congratulations! 

Angie happens to have her own blog, http://angiesbigloveoffood.blogspot.com/
Check her out >

Thanks, y'all, for participating.  

All participants, and previous customers, will receive 15% off their next Southern Joy Jewelry or SoJoy Soa purchase for the next month until April 11, 2011.

www.southernjoyonline.com 

Farm-Time Friday: Poem and Pictures.

Pretty daffodils add a pop of yellow to all of the brown.

Springtime's Painter

by Jena Sanders

His canvas nearly bare, save stark silhouettes

of lifeless limbs in varying shades of gray.

He rests thru the season of, oh, so dreary days.

Yet the Sun doest reign triumphant--nourishing,

rejuvenating, by warmth; awakening those asleep.

The painter, once more, brushes new life that peeps.

Stark figures still remain, soon to be transformed.

With each stroke He adds a colour and then one more,

creating a beautiful masterpiece, weaving springtime's lore.

Weeping willows leaves appear first.

Watercress galore.

Me-Time Monday: For YOU! Pamper Yourself Giveaway.

Hey y'all!  For today's Me-Time Monday, we thought to make it all about YOU!  Helping provide you with the care your body deserves, healthily and naturally. 

We are offering a  Pamper Yourself Giveaway from SoJoy Spa:

 one 8 oz. tin of Cherry Vanilla Whipped Body Butter 

This limited batch has almost sold out, but we are reserving some for this special opportunity.  Indulge and nourish your skin with pure, all natural ingredients packed with antioxidants, naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. This body butter will moisturize, protect and heal; leaving your skin rejuvenated and healthy.

Our handcrafted products are petroleum free, sulfate free, paraben free.  Great for you!, AND good for the environment.

Use body butter anywhere and everywhere on your body!  Best applied after your shower or bath (when skin is still slightly damp) which helps to lock in moisture.  Your skin will stay quenched ALL day long. 

We've even noticed it works GREAT as hair pomade to "scent"ually and naturally control frizz (especially good for wavy to curly hair). 

Here's to a gift for you!

Giveaway Rules.  To enter this contest, you will receive one entry for each of the following tasks completed:

• Become a follower of this Blog.
• Share on Facebook (copy & past link back).
• "Like" Southern Joy on Facebook.
• Follow on twitter @EcoChicSojoy
• ReTweet giveaway
• Leave a comment here on this blog
• Sign the guestbook at www.southernjoyonline.com

Winner will be chosen at random.  Contest ends next Monday, March 14th, 2011 @ 5:00 pm central time.  

Thanks for your participation!  Good Luck!

Wellness Wednesday: Do You Know Cocoa?

Butter That Is.

by Jena Sanders

Recent studies have indicated cocoa butter may reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis while maintaining a neutral effect on cholesterol.   Known as "the ultimate emollient" cocoa butter helps keep the skin moisturized and supple as it aids the skin in fighting off free radicals which cause wrinkles.   

Who doesn't like the smell of chocolate?  Whether you are eating it (in the form of chocolate) or applying it to your skin (to prevent stretch marks) cocoa butter smells heavenly.  For ages, cocoa butter has promoted health and well-being. 

For optimal health benefits, cocoa butter should be and unrefined.

Cocoa butter is a natural fat extracted from the cocoa bean.  Cocoa butter contains the active ingredient, cocoa mass polyphenol.  CMP is a substance known to to inhibit the growth of immuno globulins that contribute to skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and other skin allergies.  As an added bonus, cocoa butter's rich chocolaty aroma is therapeutic, contributing to a sense of contentment.

Cocoa butter is considered a "healthy fat,"  almost a third of which are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.  Cocoa Butter also contains Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, both necessary for human health that the body cannot make itself. 

Rich in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant) cocoa butter makes the perfect addition to your skin care regime.  Vitamin E is known to neutralize free radicals which helps the skin to maintain elasticity.  Repeated application also improves the quality and texture of the skin.  That's why cocoa butter is very effective in preventing and reducing stretch marks.

Cocoa butter is solid at room temperature.  Here @ SoJoy we have developed a way for your body to absorb this healing butter in a synergistic combination with other natural healing ingredients.  Our lip and body balms contain pure, organic cocoa butter.

Pamper and nourish your skin and you'll nourish whole body, mind and spirit.

www.southernjoyonline.com

Me-Time Monday: Just Breathe Vlog

Here is my first attempt at vlogging.

Please excuse my lack of makeup.  At least there are no screaming boys in the background.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

by
Janet Poston

Spring is right around the corner.  “Yes!”  It’s time to start tilling the soil for our garden.  In the past we have used our draft horse, Cash (pictured below).  He is an awesome Percheron horse who actually trained to be in an ad for Southern States before we bought him ten years ago.  However, he did not dapple out quite enough and was never included in the ad.  Who cares about a few extra spots, we don’t.  Ol’ Cash actually has lost more of his gray over the past few years.  He now is more white than gray. 

Will riding Cash; me holding Rett.

The nearby Amish still do all their tilling using draft horses.  To save on time, we no longer use Cash.  We now use two different sized gas tillers; a Troy-Bilt & a Stihl.  Up until last summer, Stan* tilled frequently to keep the soil in good shape.  *(My beloved husband of over thirty-five years, Stan, passed away last July 24.  He was, by no stretch of the imagination, a master gardener). . . So, needless to say, Stan is sorely missed (for a thousand different reasons), and our gardening skills won’t be nearly as sharp.  Tilling will have to be taken over by the rest of us.

Why till?

• Tilling breaks up the ground into fine particles, making it easier to plant seeds and pull weeds, and of course the roots of the plants can grow quickly and easily. 

• Tilling works in the added fertilizer.  We use only natural/organic fertilizers (from our chickens and cows).  We do use green-manuring, too.  This is simply tilling in leftover pea and bean vines, etc. from the summer/fall garden or tilling in cover crop such as rye grass, buckwheat, and alfalfa.  All this fertilizer is mixed up and stirred around in the dirt.  Hey, we know what’s in/on our food. -- We know our farmers!
  
• Tilling also fights those dreaded weeds. 
  
  

Wright tilling in the background.

We know Stan will be smiling down from heaven as we continue on with something that was so dear to his heart!

The ground is still damp from our most recent snow, thunderstorms, and flash flooding.  Hopefully, it will be drying out soon.  The weatherman indicates that we should be drying out next week so that we can begin to till within the next few days.  If the soil is too wet, it won’t till right and the dreaded soil lumps will hinder plant growth.  But, as soon as the soil is ready, we’ll be ready to do our part.  The gardening is just beginning!

Even if you can only put out a small garden patch, it’s better than no patch at all and just think . . . while gardening, the sun will provide you with a source of much needed Vitamin D and you will be Toning your Mind, Body, & Spirit.  Hopefully, this is an activity you can share with your family or neighbors.  You'll not only grow your veggies/herbs/fruit you'll know what they don't have--say E-coli for example.  Best of all, your produce will be Fresh, Nutritious and Delicious! 

Wishing you happy gardening days!

Oil That Squeak!

by Janet Poston
There is a reason for oiling.  Cars, doors, machines, tools, etc. function much better.  We do, too.  For us, oil is a necessity in life.  There are many essential oils, dating back to Biblical times.  As a matter of fact, there are 188 references to oils in the Bible.  Oils are the oldest form of medicine known to man and were considered more valuable than gold.  Remember frankincense and myrrh?  Frankincense oil contains very high immune stimulating properties.  Myrrh oil combats fungal and viral infections.

An assortment of Essential Oils.

Here @ SoJoy, we are launching new spa products in March taking into account the properties of many essential oils.  All oils have a very high frequency (the measurable rate of electrical energy flow that is constant between any two points).   A human body also has electrical frequencies, and much about a person’s health can be determined by its frequencies.  When the frequency drops in a person, the immune system is compromised.  Here’s where the essential oils can help fix the squeak.

According to Dr. Royal R. Rife (inventor of the Rife machine) every disease also has a frequency.  He found that certain frequencies can prevent the development of disease and that others would destroy the disease.  So, an important question is:  Can we make a difference and avoid disease by what we eat, breathe, and absorb through our skin?  Clinical research shows that essential oils have the highest frequency of any natural substance known to man, creating an environment in which disease, bacteria, viruses, and fungi cannot live. 

I have used many oils or combined them for:  relaxation & stress (citrus & lavender); stimulation (lemon, melaleuca, rosewood); anti-inflammation (basil & bergamot); infections (melaleuca & oregano); complexion (sandlewood, rose, geranium, grapefruit, lavender); digestion (peppermint);  muscle soreness & tissue repair (lemongrass), concentration (basil, black pepper & cypress), etc.  Some high-grade theraputic oils can be taken orally (please consult with your doctor first) or rubbed into the skin.  They can also be diffused into the air.  They freshen the air with natural fragrances, eliminating the need for synthetic, harmful air fresheners.  

Non-toxic cleaner that smells wonderful.

I have used oils for cleaning as well.  I simply make a spritz using spring water, distilled vinegar, steeped cloves, steeped cinnamon bark, lemon oil, rosemary oil, eucalyptus oil, and a few drops of food grade hydrogen peroxide.  I add a little to my dishwasher, laundry cycle even my mop for cleaner floors.  This combination also makes an excellent spray to repel insects on flowers and plants.  Nothing synthetic or harsh with this cleanser!

Each of the essential oils we are using in Sojoy spa products has health benefits.  We’d like to introduce Sojoy’s new body balms available in March: Balance, Flourish, Confidence, and Timber (for men); Sojoy’s new toners: Blossom and Vigor (aftershave for men); and Sojoy’s new hand sanitizer: Clean.    All new spa products are handcrafted with many essential oils and other natural-ingredients for excellent health benefits, AND the largest organ (skin) in the body will benefit by feeling cleaner and softer.  It’s time to eliminate that squeak!

Happy Wellness Wednesday!

**Medical Disclaimer:  The information contained in this article is intended to provide helpful and healthful advice from traditional, home-health & well-being practitioners (Not medical doctors) and should not be construed as medical advice.  Please consult your primary health physician if you have or may have any pre-existing medical conditions.**

Me-Time Monday: Style File, "Flight of Fancy"

by Jena Sanders

An excerpt of Flannery O'Connors using her words to describe the beautiful majesty that is the Peacock.

"The cock stopped suddenly and curving his neck backwards, he raised his tail and spread it with a shimmering timbrous noise. Tiers of small pregnant suns floated in a green-gold haze over his head. The priest stood transfixed, his jaw slack.... “Christ will come like that!"

Peacock, Turquoise Magnesite and Suede

My own love of the peacock's beauty grew when I drew a portrait, for my sister-in-law Mercy, of a peacock with its tail fully expanded.  Such a magnificent creature! 

For Southern Joy Jewelry's Spring 2011 line, the peacock feathers and colours are my muse.
In addition to the peacock feathers, I am incorporating other bird-esque components.  Spring Peeps wine glass charms, Turquoise Magnesite (known for its calming properties and known to aid in visualization and creative imagination) will become necklaces juxtaposed with warm, earth toned brass bird/nest pendants.

Fanciful Flight.

All different types of feathers make for light fashion, especially as earrings.  Inspired by Gwenyth Paltrow's pretty pink feather earrings in her performance at the Grammys, my sister, Jill came to me with the idea of creating our own feather earrings.

Fashionable feathers, neutral and bright, fun earrings will make.

Me, modeling my peacock feather earrings.

Lastly, I enjoyed making this Larait necklace with Malachite (known to help absorb negative energies by clearing electromagnetic radiation and creates harmony and balance in the body) clear swarovski crystals, feathers and camel coloured suede.  Great movement, a little native americany.

Complete Spring 2011, "Flight of Fancy" coming soon!  Stay tuned by becoming a fan of Southern Joy on Facebook and sign up for SoJoy's newsletter @ www.southernjoyonline.com for well-being information and exclusive offers.

My Father's Gardens

Homage to Dad

by Jena Sanders

As the long, cold winter months give way to warmer and slightly longer days, new life emerges.  Any among us who have ever gardened begin to feel the itch of planning for the new season.  Whether space permits only a few potted plants on the back porch, or we have a whole acre devoted to sowing seeds and planting, our efforts are rewarded by reaping fruits brought forth from our labour.

As springtime looms in the not so distant future, the comig spring is a bittersweet time.  This is the first year without my beloved father, who was and will remain forever in my heart as "The World's Best Gardener (and Dad)."

Dad and his helpers, Wright, Jack and Weaver

Like Thomas Jefferson, my father advocated an agrarian society; a community subsiding primarily by agriculture:  defined as the science, art and practice of farming; concerned with cultivating land, raising crops, and feeding, breeding, raising livestock and families. My father was an agriculturist; an artist, scientist and practitioner of farming.  By God's grace he was able to become an excellent one.

Dad tending his annual Asparagus, Blackberry bushes on the left.

As long as I can remember, my father enjoyed gardening.  I was born and lived my first two years of my life on a farm.  Our family would move 12 times thru seven states.  Residing in cities, suburbs, or rural country, my father would, while still working a full-time government job, make time to plant and tend a garden.  The gardens would range in size and in produce depending on where we were living at the time.  There always was a garden.   There was never an excuse for him not to have one, although there were plenty of excuses my siblings and i had to get out of the gardening chores.  Picking up rocks from the soil, and pulling weeds, someone has to do it, fun times or not.  And, besides, that's what children are for, little helpers, no? :)

Jack in the Beanstalks

As my father worked in the soil, he approached the gates of heaven in a communion of sorts.  There exists an intimate metaphor between God and the earth from which He made man and man's own creative work in the soil.

Mom and her three grandsons, Will, Jack and Rett

For my father, whether or not he fully understood the full effect of his actions, was able to nourish the ones he loved the most with more than just physical nourishment.  By his blood, sweat, tears and loving energy he provided nourishment for our souls.

 Rett enjoying fresh English peas off the vine.

By my dad showing us how to cultivate the land, he cultivated our minds; forever shaping the way we think and the way we strive to live.

 Community Garden Night '10

During the past three years, we (my three other siblings, my mom, husband and my three sons) wanted to help in his endeavors and established a family gardening night (after work hours).  This past year we had additional help from friends interested in learning gardening skills.  On these garden evenings we would come to be his helper bees, whether in the fields or inside preserving the harvest by canning.  We worked for several hours into the darkening evening, often sweaty, tired and dirty.  Together we rejoiced at the supper table for God's gracious provisions, sharing a meal freshly picked from the garden.

Simple, nutritious meal (for the boys)--Homegrown Sausage & Fresh Veggies

This year our garden will be quite different.  We amateurs trying to produce the beautiful majesty that was Dad's garden is a tremendous challenge.  But, as my father strove to provide the loving nourishment found uniquely by the fruit of one's own labour, we too, shall continue on.  Picturing my father cultivating a perfect garden within the gates of heaven, looking down on his legacy, I pray our efforts will be blessed.

Wellness Wednesday: Komubucha, A Health and Beauty Elixir

by Jena Sanders
Kombucha is heralded as an ancient "elixir of life" originating 2,000 plus years ago when the Korean doctor named Kombu, treated the Japanese emperor with fermented tea; "cha" meaning tea.  This elixir spread through Asia and many parts of Eastern Europe, particularly, Russia where it is still a traditional beverage made in many households.

Kombucha, for Well-being and Beauty

 Kombucha is making a resurgence in popularity as part of the green/whole foods/real food movement and with this post I invite you to partake of this detoxifying, energizing, living beverage. There is a lot of information on Kombucha, and if you are so inclined to read any books on the subject, I recommend Kombucha: The Miracle Fungus.


A synergistic combination of B vitamins, healthy organic acids and live enzymes, Kombucha boosts the immune system, detoxifies the liver, promotes a healthy balance in your digestive system, and calms the central nervous system, leaving one with sense of wellbeing.  It is panacea for ailments including (but not limited to) cancer, HIV, digestive problems, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, eczema, aids in weight control, diabetes and more.

Besides numerous health benefits, it also has several beautifying effects (especially when applied topically), including: clear & luminous skin, thicker hair, wrinkle reduction, tighter pores.  Kombucha extract is cropping up on the beauty aisle as it is being used as the latest health tonic for skin.  Personally, when I have applied masks of a pulverized scoby, I have had excellent results; my skin looked radiant and felt tight with pore size diminished. 

My sister-in-law, Liberty, along with introducing me to Kefir years ago, more recently supplied me with a Kombucha starter.   It has become a staple in our household, with my three little boys asking, "Can I ("may I", as I gently correct them) please have some Kombucha?"  They love it!  Of course, I am thrilled to provide them with a delicious (think carbonated apple cider) beverage that is truly healthy for them.  On a side note, to date they have never been on an antibiotic, which I attribute to whole and fermented foods in their diet, and mild silver protein for any infections that may occur.

Fermenting Kombucha

 Kombucha is a fermented tea made from sweetened green and/or black tea.  To ferment, one places a SCOBY, an acronym for a symbiotic colony of beneficial bacteria and yeast, that looks  kind of like a flat mushroom pancake, along with a little bit of liquid starter into a glass or ceramic pot.  In This contained ecosystem, the scoby will replicate itself leaving the "mother" and new "baby."

To make one gallon:

• Boil water and add 15 green and/or black organic tea bags.  Let steep, covered, for at least 15 minutes.
• Add 1 cup of sugar*.  Stir to dissolve.
• When tea has cooled to room temperature add scoby and 1/2 cup of starter (kombucha tea).
• If this is your first batch it is recommended to add 2 Tbs. of distilled white vinegar.
• Cover with a porous, breathable material (I use unbleached coffee filters w/ rubberband)
• Let ferment keeping out of bright light for 7-10 days.  Depending on the weather, it may take a shorter amount (warm weather) of time or longer amount (cooler weather).  The best way to gauge is to taste test during the process.  The longer it is brewed the more sour tasting it will become.  
• After fermenting pour into air tight containers to maintain effervescence.
• ENJOY!
• Pass on the "babies" to family and friends, so they, too, can enjoy this healthy elixir.

*White, refined sugar is recommended for optimal fermenting.  I personally use organic, raw turbinado sugar.

Scoby replication

 Remember this is a living process, so each batch, scoby duplication, may vary.  I would recommend getting the basic recipe down before experimenting with herbal teas, and or various flavours.

**Medical Disclaimer:  The information contained in this article is intended to provide helpful and healthful advice from traditional, home-health & well-being practitioners (Not medical doctors) and should not be construed as medical advice.  Please consult your primary health physician if you have or may have any pre-existing medical conditions.**

Me-time Monday: The Valentini, Essie and Avett Bros.

Happy Valentine's Day! 

by Jena Sanders

  Martini

Chocolate covered cherries, anyone?  Well, how about the next best thing (or quite possibly even better)?  I stumbled across this delicious, super-easy recipe while experimenting in the kitchen.  Definitely worth sharing with your sweetheart, especially if they like cherries and chocolate.

Chocolate Cherry Valentini

Begin by pouring the following into a martini shaker or large glass filled with crushed ice.

• 2 Jiggers (shot and a half each) of eco-friendly, 360 Double Chocolate Vodka*
• Heavy pour (about 1/4 cup or to taste) of R.W. Knudsen Organic Just Tart Cherry Juice

• Shake until the martini shaker becomes too cold to hold.  If you prefer stirred, stir until arm becomes tired.
• Strain into two chilled martini glasses.
• Get creative with your garnish.  I tried to garnish with chocolate chips, but they sunk.
  Perhaps Chocolate syrup around the rim?

This Valentini is the perfect balance sweet and sour--sweetish, chocolatey vodka juxtaposed with unsweetened tart cherry juice.  Yummy!  It really does taste like chocolate covered cherries.
 
*360 Vodka (plain, double chocolate and other flavours), relatively new on the market, has become one of favourite vodkas.  The company is committed to eco-friendly practices, even including a pre-paid postage envelop for the purchaser to return the Grolsch-style flip top.  However, I have personally been recycling the bottles to hold my homemade Kombucha.  The flip top is perfect for keeping the effervescent, healthy, live, pro-biotic beverage.  (Kombucha post coming soon.)

Manicure

The pretty Valentini Martini colour matches this new Essie shade, Wicked, borrowed from my sister, Jill.  Perfect shade for Valentines day and to round out the winter months.

Music

My first thought for a music pairing for Valentines day was the Avett Brothers' I and Love and You off their new album.  Mr. Right suggested the song below by the Avett brothers with their sister performing in this one, Swept Away.

Worth the download time.  Very sweet song, perfect for your sweetheart, today on Valentine's Day.

X~O~X~O~X~O

 

Farm-time Fridays: Mind Your Beeswax!

Beeswax is an All Natural Ingredient
by
Janet Poston

Here on our farm we have our own bee hives.  Bees are indeed very unique insects.  Each hive contains one queen bee and hundreds of worker bees.  I would like to give you a glimpse of why SoJoy's whipped body butter and lip balm contains beeswax (aside from being an all natural emulsifier) but first a little segment on how beeswax is made. 

Some of our beehives.  Photo by Jena Sanders.

Production of Beeswax

Bees are busy and efficient workers.  They are responsible for the production of beeswax to create or repair their honeycomb.  Bees feed on nectar then convert it into honey.  Worker bees consume honey.  The youngest bees cluster in large numbers to raise their body temperature. Wax producing glands under their abdomen slowly secrete slivers of wax about the size of a pinhead.  Other worker bees collect these wax scales and take them to the part of the hive requiring the new wax. Bees then chew the wax, and the secretion from this process makes it soft.   The colors of the wax change (including white, yellow, orange, red and brown).  Bees use about six pounds of honey to produce one pound of wax.  Beeswax is just one of the fruits of their labor from which we benefit.

I heart Beeswax.  photo by Jena.

Benefits of Beeswax

Skin Softner --  Beeswax (containing vitamin A) is beneficial in soothing, softening, and rehydrating dry skin and in cell reconstruction.
Protector  -- Beeswax when blended into body butter and lip balms, forms a protective barrier on the surface of the skin. This barrier provides a film of protection against irritants while still allowing the skin to breathe. 
Skin Healer  --  Beeswax offers anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial benefits.  Beeswax inhibits the growth of the bacteria and fungus, making beeswax beneficial in the treatment of diaper rash and other bacterial skin conditions.

  {fun fact: Did you know Romans used honey instead of gold to pay their taxes?}

**Disclaimer:  The information contained in this article is intended to provide helpful and healthful advice from traditional, home-health & well-being practitioners (Not medical doctors) and should not be construed as medical advice.  Please consult your primary health physician if you have or may have any pre-existing medical conditions.