What's up with wheat?

I can really hardly believe it.  Last fall I had a meltdown about all the food do's and don'ts that bombard the innocent civilian; dairy is terrible for you, go vegan, sugar is inflammatory, gluten free, organic for the dirty dozen but other produce are ok, juicing, smoothies... and so on.  I had had enough and quit reading any article or list about food for a long time. 

Earlier in the year I suspected that something I was eating was making me feel foggy, drowsy, and sluggish.  I'd come back from outings exhausted and lie down in bed for up to 2 hours on a weekday. Yes, two hours!  If not that, it would be lying on the couch around 11am just to give me a boost to keep going for a little bit longer till I could go take a proper lie down in my bed later.  And I *always* felt extra sleepy after lunch no matter what.

Well, after one particularly bad day, my mom recommended I try dropping one food and see if I felt better, and so I decided to eliminate wheat from my diet temporarily to see if anything changed.  I started that towards the end of April (2014) and now it's been almost 2 weeks.  I am astonished at my energy level and clear headedness.  Today I realized that I haven't had to lie down and 'rest' for many days now.  That is worth its weight in gold right there!  Two weeks ago, when this started, I came back from a morning outing of getting haircuts and lunch.  I collapsed in bed and was out of sorts with a headache the rest of the day.  I was so sad about that; about my physical self not being able to just enjoy a simple outing and then carry on with the rest of my day.  That was the day of change.

So, while I am not into following these trends, all I can say is that the proof is in the pudding.  I noticed that from Tuesday through Friday of last week I did a lot of tasks, back to back, without that "I'm losing it feeling" and with a good mood!  Looking back at all the things I did today, I can say that I wouldn't have held up this well 3 weeks ago without my afternoon bed rest. During this time I've continued to take my daily iron and vitamin D supplements as I always do.  I was sure to change only one thing at a time to see if it had an effect on me.

Alhamdulilah, all praise is to God, for this discovery, but at the same time I wonder why is it that wheat has me feeling like it does.

Foamy Handsoap I Put Together At Home

I've recently learned about a line of essential oils called doTerra and was interested in their oils because of the effort they went to to get their oils labelled as therapeutic grade and that they've gotten a nutrition label on some of them that you can put in your food.  I already am a user of essential oils in my home, so I was happy to find a good use for the oil blend called OnGuard whose oils are antimicrobial/bacterial/fungal in nature.   They suggested we use OnGuard in a foaming soap!  I fell for this great idea and set up three bottles in my house using some distilled water, liquid castile soap, and a couple of drops of the essential oils.

I filled each bottle with the distilled water nearly to the top.  Then I squirted a bit of castile soap (on the internet you can find some recipes calling for up to 1/3 cup but I am happy with about 2 tablespoons if I had to estimate).  To that I put 3-5 drops of the essential oil.  I was happy to use the blend On Guard for health reasons, but you could always use an oil of your choice suitable for a soap... lavender, geranium, peppermint, lemon.

I give the bottle a gentle swish back and forth before I use it just to disperse the oil in case it has settled on the top.  Whether it is necessary or not, I don't know.  In the meantime, I'm happy with a very inexpensive, easy to make, and enjoyable to use handsoap!

My Uses with Coconut Oil

It's no secret that coconut is a great oil and fat to have in your diet.  A simple google search will yield enough articles and blog posts to support and affirm the goodness.  I had fun this afternoon going through this lady's blog reading how she makes lotion bars and deodorant bars.  (I personally just apply the coconut oil directly on my skin for deodorant and am not sure why I'd need the baking soda and arrowroot powder).

I've been trying to have a teaspoon or two daily, and I'm mostly only able to get it into my coffee.  And one batch of popcorn. 

I've bought mine from amazon.com and it is this kind.  That is a good  price and better than what I found locally.  I keep one in my bathroom and one in the kitchen.  I've also scooped some out into a little container to keep next to a bathtub. 

So here's my short list of how I've been using it and how I hope to use it in the near future:

1.  as a deodorant straight out of the tub
2.  as a facial moisturizer
3.  on my hands, arms, and legs as a moisturizer
4.  a tiny bit on my palms and then smooth down frizzy hair
5.  one teaspoon in cup of coffee
6.  use to pop popcorn
7.  spread on toast
8.  stir fry vegetables
9.  fried an egg in it (not so good)
10. one teaspoon in a cup of tea
11. oil pulling see here for tips and sources

How are you using it?

I've tried homemade cleaners before.  Some work just fine and others don't work so well.  I 've found myself saying there's a reason why cleaners, deoderants, shampoos, and soaps have been commercially produced (and with harsh chemicals).... because they work!

However, I'm willing to try, again, a very basic recipe for an all purpose cleaner I can use to spray my kitchen countertops and bathroom counters, too.  This one I found today is a little bit different than most of the others as it has a teaspoon of borax in it.

I found it on this website and have just mixed it up.  I also made sure to write out the recipe on an adhesive address label and have stuck that to the spray bottle so that I know what is in there for easy reference.

Here is the recipe:
Homemade All Purpose Cleaner Recipe
Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon borax
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 30 drops essential oil blend (see below)

Directions

1. Boil the water. Pour it into a large glass measuring cup or pitcher with a spout.
   
   
2. Add the borax and stir until dissolved.
   
3. Add the vinegar.
   
4. Let cool, then pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
   
5. Drop in the essential oils.

Handy Hint: Add the essential oils AFTER you pour the cleaner into the bottle because the essential oil's scent can "stick" to your measuring cup or pitcher.

Crispy Kale!

I'm sure you've heard about how good kale is supposed to be for us with its calcium and super nutrients.  It's not a leaf I buy.  It's very thick and curly.  I'm just scared of it, to be honest.  I haven't seen it used in a recipe where I've thought it would be something we'd eat.  Until now.

I was watching the show Parenthood last week, and it was in the show twice!  Kale was in the show two times.  I grabbed one bunch at the store yesterday, and I fixed 'em up nice and crispy just a little while ago.  So so good.  I'll definitely make it again, insha'Allah.

Here's a pretty straight forward recipe from allrecipes: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/baked-kale-chips/detail.aspx

Try it out! Tip: you don't need too much oil or too much salt!! Yikes.  A little goes a long way.

update on previous diet/health topics

Assalamu alaikom wa rahmatullah,

Whenever I look at who's been looking at my blog, I see that one particular entry gets a lot of views.  The one about using baking soda for washing hair.  Someone must be coming back over and over for some reason, so I felt like I had to update on my little trial.

I was enjoying cleaning my hair using the baking soda wash and following it with apple cider vinegar until I went for a haircut one day.  My sylist told me my scalp didn't look so good.  She said it is dry and flaky (although I hadn't had any signs of this), and of course she asked what shampoo I was using.  Too embarassed to tell her I'd been using baking soda (lol) I told her it was a natural shampoo.  She said I need a moisturizing one that will take care of the scalp. 

I ditched the soda and used a shampoo that was moisturizing.  I try not to wash it too often, so I usually can go 3 days without shampooing.  It does feel cleaner and my scalp does feel more normal, come to think of it.  Last week I bought Jason brand shampoo hoping it has changed since the first time I used it several years ago.  So far, so good. Today was my 3rd wash with it and I think I'm ok with it.  I've heard from some women who've been using the baking soda wash for years now and I wonder how their scalp feels.  Maybe it's just not for me!

Ok, moving on.  I've been drinking apple cider vinegar a lot. I dilute it in a mug of water and add a spoon of honey.  I personally enjoy this drink, but everyone in my family can't stand the stink of the vinegar!!  I'm told it smells like armpits and like feet.  So if I do make a mug, I have to drink it in the kitchen and drink it FAST!!!  It's ok.  While there aren't any hard proofs that it does any one particular thing, there are many theories that this drink helps your skin, your heart, cholesterol, and weight loss.  I haven't lost any weight, but maybe if you drink it in the morning it would help more than how I drink it which is at night.

My mornings are reserved for my other favorite drink: green smoothie!!!  LOVE IT!  I still make them, and now my kids are starting to drink them too.  I put a date (always have a tub of those in the house), a banana, a cup or more of frozen fruits (we love the tropical mix), a cup or so of organic baby spinach, and enough water to make it smooth.  Sometimes I add an apple or something else.  We like to have it as a mid-morning snack around 10:30am.  Talk about invigorating!  It just gives you a CLEAN feeling like you just got a boost of energy without any of the downers of caffeine or sugar.  The calories are pretty low and oh-so-good for you.  You will feel the benefits right away if you start having these.  Your skin will have that special glow, too, from the fruits.

Of course no one eats perfectly all the time, but I find that incorporating these little things as often as is convenient makes me feel better, more balanced, and healthier.

Green Smoothie

Assalamu alaikom folks,

I've been feeling too full these past two weeks, and, alhamdulilaah for all the food that I have, but I feel like I've been eating the wrong foods.  I've gotten used to eating within a certain range of calories, and not only that but eating well.  This means less refined and packaged foods and more fresh foods and veggies.  So tonight I decided not to eat any of the leftovers in the fridge.  I made a green smoothie instead.  I normally make them with spinach, but tonight I didn't have any so I used some red and green leaf lettuce.   All in all this is what I used:
2 dates (pitted of course)
1 banana
1 red apple, peeled
frozen peaches
frozen strawberries
1 cup of red and green leaf lettuce
1-2 cups water

I pureed these till nice and smooth.  It turned out pretty good even though it was different since I'm used to spinach.  There was a touch of bitterness.

I searched a little bit and found a recipe I'm curious to try with kale.  Not a big fan of it.  It is, however, very healthy.  So I might pick some up IF it is convenient for me b/c as you know, after menu planning on Friday, we buy our weekly groceries over the weekend.  Otherwise it will end up on next week's grocery list :)
Check this recipe out:

Kale Banana Smoothie:

Put 1 banana, 2 cups chopped kale, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1-2 tbsp flaxseeds (optional) and 1/2 cup brown rice milk into a blender and blend! (I like to add a few ice cubes for summertime refreshment).
It will take a few minutes for everything to puree so be patient. It ends up being a lovely vibrant green colour - very fresh and uplifting!
Taken from Here!

Let me know what you think if you try this kale one out.

follow up to 'new warm drink'

Alright, if the smell of vinegar has you running for the hills, then skip the 'tea'.
Just mix two tsps vinegar in a little hot water. Sweeten with a bit of honey.
Chug.
The end.

Or get the caplets of apple cider vinegar.

:)

new warm drink

Ok, so if ditching your beloved shampoo routine doesn't sound appealing to you, I'll give you something else to think about :) 

Apple cider vinegar has been used for ages for its health benefits.  After a quick search on Mr. Google,  I was so anxious to start chugging it by the gallon! 

Well, for now, I'm putting 2tsps of Organic undiluted apple cider vinegar in a mug of hot water with a bit of local honey.  It's quite refreshing and somehow filling.  My kids even had some and liked it!!

Give it a shot.  I plan on having this at least once day.  Maybe twice.  I read it was good to drink this half an hour before eating, but I am not that organized so I'll stick to having it in the evening after the kidlets have gone to bed.

Here are just a few health benefits of consuming apple cider vinegar courtesy of webmd.com:
reducing cholesterol
reducing weight
heart health
reduce some cancer risks
lower blood pressure
clear up acne
alleviate arthritis
... and more!

green topic: baking soda and hair

I've blogged about this before; I talked about not using shampoo to try to get healthier hair and reduce toxins being absorbed in the body.  I quit cold turkey at one time and washed my hair using a baking soda rinse followed by an apple cider vinegar rinse.  It was really hard at first.  My hair never felt clean.  It stayed oily.  I continued for a couple of months, and then I just had enough and felt like my scalp needed a good shampoo.

Several months later I, once again, was dissatisfied with shampoo.  My hair was falling out like crazy, moreso after a wash.  Tons and tons of hair.  And it was getting oily and thin feeling.  I decided to take another break from shampoo and got the baking soda out again.  Well, this time I did something right b/c I'm getting much better results!  One tablespoon to about 8oz water.  I pour it carefully on my scalp then rub and massage my head to be sure it got all in there :)  Of course this is followed by a good rinsing out.  Sometimes I put the apple cider vinegar rinse, but recently I've tried finishing off with a bottled conditioner.  I do that b/c my main complaint about using the soda wash is having dry hair.  So putting conditioner has been a good compromise.

At first I decided to use my organic shampoo once a week and use the baking soda on other days when I needed washing.  I did that for almost two months, and now I haven't used the shampoo in a couple of weeks. It's working out much better this time 'round so I'll be sticking with it.  My hair is coming out in normal amounts, and the conditioner is keeping it soft.

Using the soda has also made me aware of how many products one could use on a baby.  Considering our skin is our biggest organ and absorbs everything on it, I was motivated to clean the kids' heads/hair with soda as well.  There is absolutely no need for harsh shampoos for little ones.. they don't have as much oil production and hormone issues as grown ups do!  Give it a shot :)

Beginning of December

Assalamu alaikom wa rahmatullah,

We've got one week left of our first trimester of homeschooling.  It's come along really well, alhamdullah, and we're all looking forward to a break ( in a good way, not because we're sick of school).  I'm still giddy each time a new perk of homeschooling comes my way.  They keep rolling in!  In general, the attitudes are improving, stress is decreasing, enthusiasm for learning for the sake of learning is growing.  They're finding teachable moments on their own and are acting out on what they learn. Masha'Allah, it's been an eye opener for me because I had never given education this much thought before.  To suddenly have taken matters into my own hands has widened my scope of knowledge about learning, about my own children, and about how things can/will work out in life.  And all of that blends perfectly with something I've learned about myself in the past few years.  I've learned that I enjoy questioning why we do things or follow any given trend, and I've felt liberated by realizing I don't have to follow the expected or 'normal' way.  The beginning of that was when I looked into my faith and decided to start practicing.  I learned about the true religion and learned how to set old cultural habits aside.  The religion is pure, culture is not.  And now with education, family, growing, shaping, learning. It's great.  It feels more natural.

I was expecting a period of 'detoxing' from the old way we were used to doing school. Happily, we didn't have any rocky moments.  I think we transitioned into homeschooling easily, and they're eager to work in the mornings, alhamdullah. 

I'm also very appreciative of 'quality' toys and books that have been gifted to us over the years (many from Mom; thanks Mom!).  Wooden blocks, wooden puzzles, classic readers, and hand puppets are on such a different level than the commonplace plastic out there.  I can say this with confidence after 4 children and 10 years of experience.  I now refuse to get 'junk' books for the littles to read and opt for quality storylines and language.  Sure, an occasional one comes home from the library, but I will not buy them. 

We've added two huge items to our homeschool.  The first is a set of bookcases I've been dying to have for almost 10 years.  We bought three of them and lined them up in our schoolroom.  Books are organized by age level including a whole section for preschool activites (like the wooden puzzles, lacing blocks, board books, and hand puppets).  There's a whole shelf for library books since we bring home about 30 each week.  The Arabic reader books are visible and look more inviting than being tucked away in someone's room.  Maryam has even pulled some out and started to read them! Great addition to our Arabic curriculum.

The second item is a Listening Center I set up.  We've had this CD player with speakers (looks like an old fashinoned tape player, but it's not) for years, and I've used it off an on, mostly in the kitchen.  Well it took up a lot of counter space so I banished it to a storage cabinet for a few months.  Till yesterday!  I set it up in the corner of our TV room that has the lounge seat and side table.  It is easy to use and has a remote.  We brought home about 5 Audio Books (books with accompanying CD) from the library and set them up there.  The girls fell in love with the idea!  They can now sit down with a book and CD and follow along!  It is downstairs which is away from the schoolroom  in case anyone wants to use it during the day (which Maryam will).  I don't forsee any conflict with having the TV in the same room b/c we only watch the TV for one hour a day.  So I'm looking forward to using the Listening Center! (I wish I did school sitting on the couch under a blanket!)

Thanks for reading!

Green Smoothies!

Assalamu alaikom y'all!

I stumbled across a link to green smoothies and their benefits the other day.  I was hooked instantly!  I ran out and bought some fresh greens, a few extra fruits, and borrowed a blender (b/c I don't have one).  I'm hooked, and I can't wait to try a new combination each day :)

The ideas is to drink your greens if you're having a hard time getting enough fresh fruits and veggies each day (which I know I am).  You put about 60% fruit and 40% greens.  It is not very overpowering that way, especially if you include banana or avocado.  Those tend to 'cream' up the smoothie.  And I use water: no milk, no juice.  The calories are low, the fiber is high, and the overall benefits are fantastic!

I'm going to put some of the article below with a link at the end:

Green Smoothies?


Yes – these are simply smoothies that are made with fresh organic greens blended in to them with a a fruit or two and a couple other tasty ingredients.

Green smoothies provide a concentrated amount of fresh greens in quick and convenient drink. Plus blending greens and fruits together breaks down the cells of these plants which improves digestibility and makes it easier for your body to assimilate.
What Exactly Are Greens?
“Greens” are Leafy greens, the green leaves of edible plants. Some of these leafy greens are grown specifically for the leaf itself like lettuce, spinach, kale and parsley. While found as the green leafy tops of root vegetables like carrots greens, beets and turnips.

The Most Popular Greens For Smoothies

- Baby Spinach

- Kale

- Collard greens

- Mustard greens

- Dandelion greens

- Turnip greens

- Beat greens

- Parsley

- Arugula

- Romaine lettuce

Benefits Of Green Smoothies

This is what you can expect if you drink just one smoothie a day.

1. Increased Energy
Powerful boost of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients without bogging down your digestive system. Drinking your greens in the most optimum form for your digestibility and nutrient absorption leaves you feeling more energized.

2. Mental Clarity and Focus
With a healthier foods come greater mental clarity, focus, alertness and the ability to better handle stress and reduce anxiety.

3. Increased Fiber Intake
While juicing can also give you a powerful punch, it just cannot give you the whole fruit and vegetable like green smoothies can. Fiber is essential for good colon health and keeps you regular.

4. Clearer Skin
High in fiber which allows your body to eliminate toxins the right way instead of through your skin. Plus you are getting that concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that fight the aging process!

5. Reduced Cravings
Easily fight those cravings for junk foods, unhealthy sweets, salt and fats. When your body receives adequate nutrition, you no longer feel hungry from a lack of nutrients in the typical, dead processed food. You will find that after a couple short weeks of drinking green smoothies, you will crave healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables and greens.
6. Rich With Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is like the blood of the vegetable which natural health experts state enhances the immune system, purifies the blood and rejuvenates the body.
7. Alkalizing
Fruits and vegetables are alkaline foods and many natural health experts claim that consuming these foods helps maintain a proper alkaline balance in the body. Cancer does not grow in an alkaline body. In fact, most disease grows in an acid environment.
~ Bonus Benefits ~
Green Smoothies are EASY to MAKE and are a Natural Source of Fat Loss.

Read the whole article for recipes, and more information!

http://www.getfitandyummy.com/green-smoothies-rock/

 

time flies.. is that a good thing?

So we're getting done with our homeschool work remarkably easily and quickly.  It is making me wonder if  we're doing enough.  After reading some homeschooling forums and comparing our curriculum with that of others, I do think we are on track.  We're covering all the major subjects, so maybe just that it's only 3 of us it's getting done quickly.  Today I found a nice little Writing workbook (by grade level) that I picked up for Musa.  It will help him sort ideas and practice writing.  I think he could use that enrichment.   What I've gathered from all my reading is that it is an ongoing process.  You're constantly tweaking and looking for the next thing.  That sounds right to me... you do have to keep doing that.  Eventually you learn how each child learns and what specific things they learn best from. 
So, for any homeschoolers out there or for whoever is interested, here is what we are up to:

Musa (4th Grade): Saxon Math 5/4, Learning Language Arts Through Literature Orange Book, GUM Drops Grammar, LLATL Spelling, REAL Science (Life), The History of the World, Vol I, Quran Classes, Islamic Studies, Spectrum Writing Grade 4, Arabic language

Heba (3rd Grade): Saxon Math Grade 3, Learning Language Arts Through Literature Yellow Book, GUM Drops Grammar, LLATL Spelling, REAL Science (Life), The History of the World, Vol I, Quran Classes, Islamic Studies, Arabic language.

Maryam (KG): Saxon Math KG, Horizons (Alpha Omega) Phonics KG, Quran Classes, Arabic language, and lots of library books and nature study.

Finally, we do spend time outside plus in some sporting activities.  The kids are already showing more eagerness in learning things on their own and in playing better together.  Looking forward to a nice fall, insha'Allah.

first week of homeschooling

Assalamu alaikom

Alhamdulilaah (all praises due to God) I am so happy that we started homeschooling and that we made it through our first week so well. Musa and Heba were very ready to start school. Their time off was getting boring, finally, 3 months into it! I, too, am feeling very happy with the way things are turning out and that I am part of something called 'homeschooling'. I'm now meeting other homeschoolers, reading their blogs and discussion boards, and am feeling stronger and happier about the prospective advantages my children will have due to it.

I'm basically covering 4 core subjects: Math, Language, Science, and History. The books I have chosen for this year cover all the details included under each major subject (grammar, writing, spelling, labs, geography, timelines, etc..) We're also doing some Quran and Islamic Studies (well, I need to figure in the Islamic Studies part but they're going to a private tutor for Quran reading and memorization). They're all in some type of sport, plus we have that Gymnastics every Thursday if we want to go. All in all, I think it's a great start. I am not overwhelmed. I know I can add to our core if I want to, and I probably will sometime, just not now.

I've also decided to work in trimesters, so we'll go from mid-September through mid-December, then take one month off. I like that b/c we can enjoy the cooler months here in TX and go to the zoo and other field trips.

As I expected, I have to run now and get lunch ready... at least I got some blogging in! Thanks for reading.

Pink and Green Homeschooling

Assalamu alaikom
MissPink has turned so Green that she is now a homeschooler! No, I'm not homeschooling because I think it is good for the environment haha, but I'm sure I could find some arguments for the case :)

I wish I could make an awesome blog that is organized and full of printables, links, and articles like other cool homeschoolers, but I just don't know how and don't feel like learning how right now. Any free time I have is spent poring awesome homeschooling resources, saving them, printing them, or figuring out how to use them.

I've spent Ramadan teaching Islamic Studies, Quran, and Salah (praying), to the kids. It's been a great transition for all of us. They are getting used to sitting at our table and doing work. I am getting used to my new role, and little Aisha is getting used to seeing us busy in a new way. She will be the biggest challenge, I think, because she wants me all for herself, but I hope with time she will get used to our daily routine.

Our first day of school will be Tuesday September 14, insha'Allah. I have all the books lined up and have lesson planned for a month ahead. I am impressed with how the Math books are designed to complete one lesson a day. Each lesson builds on the previous one. All the subjects have a similar logical approach. This makes it easier for the child to pick up and start rather than wait for Mom to sit and talk talk talk.

I'm learing about various local businesses who have special programs for homeschoolers. Canyon Creek Gymnastics has a 2 hour class for homeschooler every Thursday. You pay $5 per child and they get to play with an instructor. The kids loved it yesterday when we went for the first time. It was also fun to be in a room full of other homeschoolers!!! I found out about other similar places, so next Thursday we'll be going to the Heritage Farmstead Museum to learn about pioneer living!

Hopefully I'll be able to come and blog about our new adventure. I would love to link up all the resources I've been using. I'd love to talk about curriculum and stuff like that... we'll see how much time I'll have!