Saying Goodbye to the Homestead

Saying goodbye to the homestead was not easy, This week I said goodbye to; the forty-acre farm we owned for over sixty years (since 1952) located in Elsie, Michigan. Across the forty acres included our three-bedroom, bathroom farm house that held all eight of us. We also had a barn, garage and chicken coop.  At one time we raised chickens, pigs, cows, rabbits, cats, dogs, and even a pet raccoon. Our chickens were original free-range, long before it was chic to eat organic.  Free-range back then meant dodging chicken poop in the backyard, along with the fun of being chased by a couple of overly aggressive roosters.  The…

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Saying Goodbye to the Smalec Family Farm

Saying goodbye is never easy, whether it is a person, place or thing.  This week, it was a place that I said goodbye to; the forty acre farm we owned for over sixty years (since 1952) located in Elsie, Michigan. Across the forty acres included our three-bedroom, one bathroom farm house that held all eight of us. We also had a barn, garage and a chicken coop.  At one time we raised chickens, pigs, cows, rabbits, cats, dogs and even a pet raccoon. Our chickens were the original free-range, long before it was chic to eat organic.  Free-range back then meant dodging chicken poop in the back yard,…

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Six Signs That The Body Needs Enzymes

Before we look at the six signs of needing enzymes, we should review exactly what enzymes are. What are Enzymes? The three types of enzymes include those made in the body, those found in raw food, and metabolic enzymes responsible for all biochemical reactions in the body. Enzymes are protein substances produced by living cells.  Besides performing all of the biochemical reactions in your body, they also digest food and allow a healthy inflammatory response. Healthy inflammation is a normal function that allows the body to protect itself from foreign invaders and repair injured tissue. Food enzymes are found in all living substances, including raw foods.  However, most…

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Basil Pesto with Cashews

Basil Pesto with Cashews. It's vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. According to WebMD, basil has numerous health benefits. So Basil Pesto with cashews is a perfect addition as a complement to a salad or get-together appetizer. Basil is a powerful antioxidant Basil contains antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil’s health benefits come not only from these antioxidants but from its essential oils. Basil is simple to grow inside or out. Growing indoors is one way to enjoy it all year long. Garlic is a Superfood Of course, garlic is a powerhouse antioxidant as well as antiviral, antibacterial food. I always recommend buying organic when…

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Vegan Basil Pesto with Cashews

A large bunch of basil (about 3-4 cups of leaves) 3 cloves of garlic (add more or less depending on taste) 1/3 to 1/2 cup roasted or raw cashews 1/3 cup Nutritional yeast 1/2 cup good quality olive oil Dash of Sea salt Place all in a Vitamix or food processor and mix until smooth.  Serve with gluten-free crackers or bread. Store in the refrigerator as it will keep 5-7 days.  You may freeze as well and keeps for 3-4 months.

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Fudgy No Bake Chocolate Almond Butter Oatmeal Cookies

I found a couple recipes while looking to satify my chocolate cravings, combined them and added some of my favorite healthy ingredients.  These are delicious! 2/3 c pure maple syrup 1/4 c coconut oil 5 T cocoa 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 c almond butter (or other nut butter) 1 c gluten-free oats 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 c ground flax seeds 1/2 c unsweetened cococnut flakes (optional but I LOVE coconut) Mix all together and scoop by tablespoon on wax paper and refrigerate. Caution...highly addictive and healthy.  

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Is Your Dream Dust in the Wind?

You created that goal to realize your dream. You signed that agreement and made a commitment. You were so excited (as my friend Chris says, “running around like your hair is on fire” excited) and then one day it died.  Kansas (the musical group, for the young people) said it best, "All my dreams pass before my eyes...like dust in the wind." My first question is, why did this happen? Why did the dream fade?  You pictured yourself finally out-of-debt, in the convertible sports car or on the beaches of a remote island, and the dream suddenly became dust in the wind. Well, “why” is the question, but…

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Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

  4 cups of cooked chickpeas or 2 cans (drained and rinsed) low-sodium chickpeas Juice of one lemon 2 heaping tablespoons sesame tahini 4-6 cloves of minced garlic 3/4 tsp teaspoon raw sea salt 1 teaspoon of ground cumin 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 1 small jalapeno pepper (option if like extra spicy) 2 roasted organic red peppers (roast yourself or buy organic in jar) Approximately 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Blend in food processor or blender and serve with assorted organic vegetables or gluten-free crackers/breads.

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How to make a green smoothie

How to make a green smoothie I want to teach you how to make a green smoothie. Why? Because this is my number one secret to health and energy.  They are a great way to get the nutrients your body needs, you can add what fruits and vegetables appeal to you (or that contain the nutrients you need) and enjoy a tall glass anytime. It really is super easy! Here is a demonstration video to get you started: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was reported in the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice & Research (2004). Subjects who received a green drink daily for 3 months had significant improvements in…

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Video demonstration: How to make a simple green smoothie

Video demonstration: How to make a simple green smoothie A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was reported in the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice & Research (2004). Subjects who received a green drink daily for 3 months had significant improvements in energy versus those who received a placebo. Statistical trends were observed for improvement in mental health, vitality, well-being, and overall health among the green drink users. Ever wonder about green smoothies? They are a great way to get the nutrients your body needs, you can add what fruits and vegetables that appeal to you (or that contain the nutrients you need) and enjoy a tall glass anytime. It really…

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