It is time to wake up- Our oceans are dying!

Green Peace and all the other organizations get a big fat F for their message these days.  All they scream is the polar ice caps are melting and anyone living along the coasts are going to go under water.   What they are missing is we have a much worse problem going on that will kill life on planet Earth way before New York City and Washington DC disappear. 

Industrial Agriculture is the problem, not oil, not cars.  If you kill the soil you kill the oceans.  It is all tied together.  Every time you cut into the earth you are killing it.  Agriculture must go to no till farming to start turning this around.

Ok I will make this easy for you.  You go grow a garden and when its done you go yank everything out.  You just killed the earth.  If you grow your garden  and instead of yanking everything out, you instead cut it off at the ground level and leave the roots in the ground.  You plant your next crop in the ground and repeat.  You keep all bare earth covered with mulch or more plants.  You no long till,  You don't yank things, You keep the earth covered.  Your earth becomes a rich loam full of minerals and heals in a few years.   When we get acid rain it gets soaked deep into our ground that acts as a sponge that cleans it up and heals our earth. 

I have been doing a lot of research and most of my information comes from 2 other researchers John Roulac johnroulac and Walter Jehne walter-jehne . 

Next you might be telling yourself that Agriculture won't be profitable growing this way.  So I will post a picture showing the average gross revenue per acre in California.  The bottom entry "Singing Frogs Farm" grows all their crops using this method.

So now that we see how they are much more profitable, they next thing you should know is how rich their land is doing this.    http://www.singingfrogsfarm.com 

There is something going on but the "Global Warming" stuff wasn't making sense.  Listening to these guys, things are making sense and they have solutions to fix it that makes sense. 

The oceans are losing oxygen as they warm up.  Between California and Hawaii in the next twelve years if things don't change will be so deoxygenated that any wildlife that swims into it, will suffocate. The tiny snails along the California are already showing signs that they are slowing dissolving.

I wanted to pass this along so others can research and maybe we can save planet earth after all!

Blessings,
Cherlynn

Frankincense oil not essential oil!

I used frankincense essential oil in diffuser to fight cancer and other problems along with diet changes and exercise.   But if you really have cancer that you can't beat this is info that a friend shared with me last week. 

Her fil had just found out that he had bladder and kidney cancer.  So among some other herbal remedies I have made for him, I made frankincense oil for abnormal cell growth which is safe to be taken internally. This is NOT essential oil (Frankincense Essential Oil does not have enough boswellic acid concentration if its there at all to be therapeutic) but this is an oil made by infusing the resin into EVOO this way the boswellic acid is preserved rather than distilled out as it is during the process of making essential oils.

When people say Frankincense oil heals abnormal cell growth, this is the oil they are speaking of.

My recipe is as follows

1 part powdered frankincense resin
2 parts EVOO

mix well in a glass mason jar, let it sit in a warm water bath for 24 hours or in a crock pot on low with water in it or use the old wise woman tradition ..place the powder and oil in a mason jar, close the lid and place in natural sunlight and let it sit for a few weeks (i chose the heat option since this is kind of a need right away scenario)

I then made capsules for him to take internally and a salve with added sandalwood and lemongrass which are both anti cancer, to apply topically where his bladder is.

I wanted to share this info to help any out there who are in the big fight of their life.  EVOO is a type of olive oil.  I found Evoo and frankincense resin in the Amazon Market place.  

Blessings,

Cherlynn

I want to live!

I realize I am in my mid 60's and not getting any younger.  I want to keep going and going and going and the best way to do that is to keep going and going and going.  I cleaned up my diet.  The only meds I take is singulair is keep my asthma under control and something for my allergies when needed which is Zyrtec this year.  I also take a baby aspirin daily as I never want to do the blood clot thing I had to deal with a couple years ago.  I mostly use herbal medicine.  When I fractured and dislocated my hip the hospital wanted to send me to the city for a hip replacement.  I went home instead.  I used Dr.Christopher Bone and tissue formula both the salve and pills and I used a good chiropractor.  yes I was in unbearable pain but I worked through it and after a month my hip was back in place and when my doctor took another xray the fractures were all gone.  I am not willing to get a hip replacement if I can take care of it myself. I don't carry the gene that causes blood clots so after my 3 months flat on my back dealing with a 5 cm clot I took fancy drugs for a year and then went on a baby aspirin.  I never want to be in that spot again!  If I have a problem I find a solution.  I stay active and exercise to keep me mobile and flexible.  I push my limits daily.  I have so many friends 10 to 20 years younger then me that are falling apart and are no longer able to do daily walks and even do their own personal care.  I never want to be in that position.

I watched a show on HBO last week called " If your not in the obits eat your breakfast."  Great show, watch it if you can!  A large group of 90 to 100 year old's that are very physically active.  One is a lady that in her 70's her daughter invited her to go out for a walk.  It continued daily and in 3 months time she invited her to go out for a race.  She is now over 100 years old and is still running races. 

So if you want to live a long full life get up and get going!  If you are out of shape, get in shape and keep going. 

Blessings,

Cherlynn

If you wear glasses please read this post!

My son found a site online where you can order your eyeglasses for $10 including the lenses!  Really!     https://goo.gl/RzCwRw     If you use this link they will also give you $5 off on your first order.   He found a way to change his eyesight and is rapidly moving toward being free of eye glasses.  I've had glasses since I was a little kid and started out where I couldn't tell light from dark at 10 feet away.  Yes blind as a bat but without sonar!   Now over the years especially since we moved up here to the boon docks, I have taken time to go without my glasses outside when I am working.  I get all sweaty and the darn glasses keep falling off so I just leave them inside so I don't lose them.  By doing this I now realize I don't need my glasses except to drive.  I can even watch my bedroom TV from my bed without glasses.  So if you hate wearing glasses, take time to go without them especially when you are outside.  Not all the time but 45 minutes a day and you will see changes before you know it. 

My son has been ordering new glasses about every 3 weeks and they come in 10 to 14 days delivered right to your home.  And for $6 to $12 a pair I have been very impressed with them.  Every bit as good as the ones I've been paying $100 to $200 for!   Never again will I pay those prices for my glasses.  I can get 2 or 3 pair for under $30!  Ok they have some pairs that go up to $25 and you of course have to have your prescription and they will help you get the other measurements.

This was to good of a deal not to share,  Hope it helps you out!

Cherlynn

Making your own Powdered sugar is so very simple to do!

Ok, I've cut way back on the sugar usage but once a week we have some kind of dessert.  This week I made applesauce cupcakes using a much reduced sugar.  I needed a little powdered sugar to glaze them and didn't have any.  Having internet is so wonderful at times like this!  You can easily make your own powdered a sugar using what ever sugar you want to use.  You can use a food processor or a blender and use half the amount of sugar as you need powered sugar.  You can use stevia, coconut sugar, brown sugar, powdered honey.  I poured regular sugar into my blender and had instant powered sugar.   No corn starch fillers, just powered sugar to do my project.  I may never buy powered sugar again!

Thought I would share this sweet tip that I needed to use today!

Blessings.
Cherlynn

Losing weight is still possible!

A few months ago my son lost his job and so they moved in with us.  Currently He is teaching in our local school and part of his daily habit was to lose 50 pounds which he did do and the weight has stayed off. 

This last week we sat down together so he could explain how he did this.  It's a Paleo plan.  Where you fast for 3 weeks.  You can have coffee, tea and water as long as it has no calories.  And if you need it you can have 1 cup of bone broth each day.  After 3 days you will no longer be hungry and you have a lot more energy.  You must do at least 30 minutes of some form of aerobic exercise each day also. 

My husband and I have started this and he is losing weight each day but over a 3 day period I have only lost 1 pound and my body started shutting down.  I have low blood pressure and the fasting caused my blood pressure to start falling to dangerous places.  I had to stop my fast and get enough electrolytes into my system and enough food with lots of salt to raise my blood pressure back up. 

I am disappointed and will try to figure out how I can do this without threatening my life trying to lose 20 pounds.  But it has worked for my son and his dear wife.  They have lost lots of weight and they both feel much better now.    My husband has lost 6 pounds so far.   I think he has decided to wait until after the first of the year to try this again.

I know there are lots of folks out there that would love to lose some weight so thought I should share this with you all.  My son said after your 3 week fast you will find certain foods that make you gain weight.  For him it was dairy.  You can continue fasting for 2 or 3 days at a time and then eat for a day or two until you have lost the weight you had planned on losing. 

Blessings.
Cherlynn

Being Grateful

A study done at Harvard showed that many folks are a glass half empty type person.  But there is a way we can change our personality to become a glass half full type person.  Its a very simple act of daily writing down in a journal or just in a note on your phone,  3 things you are grateful for.   It doesn't have to be big things, the small simple things will do.  After a few months of doing this daily, you will change how you look at things.  You will be looking for the good in people.  You will be become a happy grateful person.  Yes everyone can do this and change their outlook in life.

I hope you all can find at least 3 things to be grateful for each and every day!

Blessings,
Cherlynn

Ok I love junk food but with my severe food allergies I rarely find anything I really long for.  I am trying to get healthier but I confess I don't like most veggies.  Broccoli is ok cooked with lots of cheese sauce on it.  My oldest has gone Paleo and I found a few recipes they've sprung on me that I actually liked.  Oh I don't care much for fish either.  This cook book is by Loren  Cordain.  It's titled "Real Paleo Fast and Easy".  ISBN 9780544582644

I hate Brussel Sprouts but my husband loves them so in an attempt to please him and try something new I made Shaved Sprouts and Chicken Salad from this book.  I also hate musard of any kind.   I cut the recipe in half for the two of us but here is today's recipe which has me wanting Brussel Sprouts again later this week!

Shaved Sprouts and Chicken Salad       Serves 4

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 to 4 Tablespoons fresh Lemon Juice
1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons Dijon Style Mustard

Mix this together in a large bowl.

Add 9 ounces shaved fresh Brussel Sprouts (shaved is thinly sliced,I used a mandolin slicer but a knife would work fine as would a food processor if you cut the bottoms off.) and 1/2 cup snipped fresh mint.  

Mix and add 2 cups shredded roast chicken (recipe is in the book), 1 cup halved seedless red grapes, 1 sweet tart apple such as Pink Lady, cored and diced and 1 cup chopped pecans.  Toss together and enjoy.

Blessings,
Cherlynn

8 Financial Stressors Many Couples Face and How to Overcome Them

I found these guidelines on a Military sight and most of them will apply to all married couples. 

8 Financial Stressors Many Couples Face and How to Overcome Them

Not Agreeing on How to Handle Finances

Most couples are made up of one spender and one saver. This can be great as the saver can keep the spender in check and the spender can get the saver to live a little. When a couple can’t decide together how best to handle money, financial stressors occur.

To overcome this, sit down and talk to each other. Set aside time when children are not around and there are no interruptions so that you can have a serious financial discussion. Don’t leave the table until a decision has been made.

Not Communicating

Communication is key in a healthy relationship. If you are not being honest with yourself or your spouse about spending, more financial stressors will occur.

            Do you hide shopping bags in the car until your spouse isn't home so they can't see how much shopping you've done?

Ask yourself why you feel the need to do so. Did you spend more than you should of? Are you worried they will be upset with you for this?

            Years ago I had a friend with out of control spending habits.  She took out credit cards in her husbands name and hid everything from him. She hid the mounting bills that flooded in.  This poor guy remained clueless until the sheriff came to his workplace and arrested him for fraud. She ended up in jail, divorced and lost her children over her fraud. This as an extreme that I pray no one else commits!

Not Creating a Budget 

Forget financial stressors, money-conscious couples that set budgets have less stress. Knowing how much money is coming in and going out will bring relief.

Knowing that you have enough money to pay all the bills by allocating money each month will set fears aside. As a couple, decide how much money you want to save and how much you’re comfortable spending each month.  You can find free activities to do to relieve the . stress until you have enough money to go out again.  

Putting Off Saving for Retirement

When you’re young and facing bills, saving for retirement might be the last thing on your mind. Savvy savers know that saving now for retirement can alleviate financial stressors. You can contact a financial planner, attend a saving for retirement seminar or do your own research.   A simple $10 a month no matter how poor you are is a start until you can afford to put more away.  

The sooner you start saving for retirement, the better off you’ll be when the time comes.

Not Having an Emergency Savings

It is recommended to have an emergency fund with the greater of either 2 weeks’ worth of pay or $1,000. You can use an emergency fund calculator to determine the right amount that your family should save. When an unexpected event occurs that brings in a large bill, financial stressors arise. Help lower the stress by having a plan already in place.

Taking on More Debt Than You Can Handle

You and your spouse need to be realistic on what you can afford. Keeping up with the Joneses is what gets many families into trouble.

Just because your neighbor has a new car or put in a pool does not mean that you need to do the same thing.

How many financial stressors do you need in your life?

Is trying to keep up with the social status of your neighbors or friends worth the burden?

Be realistic with your wallet. If you can’t afford the payments on a new car, maybe you don’t need such an expensive one.

Use combined wisdom before you make major purchases.  Make every penny count!

Struggling with Finances on Your Own During a Deployment

While most of you will not face separation due to work, I am finding more and more families are having to live with these types of separation.  Planning before hand can save both of you a lot of stress.

When your spouse is deployed and you are unable to communicate immediately or even frequently, financial decisions are often made on your own.

It can be extremely frustrating when financial stressors arise during a deployment. You don’t have your significant other to help you make a decision and are forced to deal with it on your own.

Setting time aside before your spouse deploys to discuss what to do in this instance can help significantly.

Not Expecting a Baby to Change Your Finances Dramatically

If you don’t have children yet, you might not understand this but it is true. Children are expensive. The more you have, the more it will cost you. Having a child unexpectedly can create financial stressors if you aren’t prepared. Not everyone gets the opportunity to plan ahead for a growing family, but if you are able to plan financially for your little one, life will be a little easier.  Never put off having children due to money concerns but make sure you do plan for the event.  If it takes both pay checks for you to survive, make sure you plan for child care.  My husband and I arranged different work times so we could eliminate child care. But it was hard on us because we had so little time together.  Other's have family members who can watch little ones.  But if neither of these options work for you, you will need to decide if it is worth one of you staying home instead of working.  Weigh your options before having a family.  Realizing those expenses after the fact can lead to many fights and depression.  

I hope these thoughts help you!

Cherlynn

Lessons learned today: Making Strawberry Icing

My Dad was a romantic soul.  Every Valentine's day he gave all his daughters a small heart filled box of chocolates and Mom always got a big heart shaped box of chocolates. I continued to receive my box of chocolates every year until I got married.   On Her anniversary in December he always brought her a dozen Red roses.  After she died he still put a dozen red roses every year on her grave until he died.  My husband is not cut from the same cloth.  I think he was relived that our 2nd son was born on Valentines Day.  Now Valentines day is all about his birthday relieving my other half of ever feeling guilty about the day.  I miss my Dad on day's like today.

This year our son requested a chocolate cake with Strawberry icing.  I've never made Strawberry icing and quickly discovered there was a learning curve on this project.  Looking back now I realize it should of been a no brainer.  You cut strawberries up and add a little sugar and let them sit awhile and it pulls the juices out.  Had I started out thinking about this the project would of went much better than it did!  I used a pound of frozen strawberry slices and semi thawed them and just dumped them into the icing.  12 cups of powdered sugar later I finally awakened to my stupidity.  I should of added a little sugar and let it sit and then add in some clear jell and stir again.  This thickens and stabilizes the strawberry before you add it to the icing.  I added the clear jell to the frosting and it did thicken but I have a ton of it now and we are not big on sweets.  

I haven't posted much lately but I thought I should pass this along in case anyone else wanted to make strawberry icing.

Blessings,
Cherlynn

Food Storage

I have been getting Non-GMO Freeze dried food from http://www.thrivelife.com/.   I set up "Q-Shipments so they come each month.  While we were in Utah I was told to go to blazefreefood.com for a deal of a lifetime.  That site is now gone,  their special of free 72 hour kits is out.  But these deals came from http://www.mypatriotsupply.com/  and you can still order from them at a slightly higher price but you don't have to listen to a spill going on for 10 to 20 minutes for each page before you can order or not before going to the end.  This product is also all non-gmo and all food was grown in the USA.  

I don't suggest buying all your food storage in freeze dried,  I am a firm believer in having a diversive supply.  Having dehydrated or freeze dried supply would be perfect if you ever had to bug out.  Its light weight and easy to pack but it can also be bad to have if you have a limited water supply.  So I am trying to collect 1/3 supply in freezed dried/dehydrated.  I also am aiming at having 1/3 supply in canned goods.  Then the rest in dry goods and freeze/frozen.  I greatly limit my freezer stuff in case of a total power outage that last long term.  I need to be able to use/ can it if that ever happens. 

 

I am also making sure everything is non-GMO and I am storing grains for those who need GF.  Nothing like facing a disaster only to discover no one can eat the food you stored.  

Have fun and store the things your family loves to eat.   My husband and I have made it a priority to rebuild our food supply now that we are out of debt and can do so.  We are getting enough food for the whole family knowing that if something big ever happens they will be coming home.   They are all living in apartments so we have told them to put aside a 30 day food storage and we will have the rest.   

Blessings,

Cherlynn

brchbell@yahoo.com

Awesome 3 cheese Mac and cheese

I just tried a new recipe for Mac & Cheese and it was great!   It was the best recipe I've ever had!  Make sure you read the recipe all the way through before starting.  I made 3 smaller casseroles out of one batch

1 pound Rotini or other pasta
2 cups whole milk
8 oz. Cream cheese
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar
1 1/2 cup grated smoked gouda or muenster cheese

Cook the pasta and make the sauce: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the pasta following package directions. Strain the pasta, rinse with cold water to cool and prevent clumping, drain well, and transfer to a large bowl. Set aside. Combine the milk, cream cheese, butter, pepper, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter and cream cheese have melted -- about 10 minutes.
Assemble the macaroni and cheese: Toss the Cheddar and Gouda with the reserved pasta. Add the hot milk mixture and stir until well combined. Transfer pasta to a 3-quart baking dish and bake until the macaroni is set and the top is golden brown -- about 30 minutes. Divide macaroni and cheese among 8 plates and serve hot.

We were having terrible cravings today and this totally took care of it.

Hope you enjoy it!
Cherlynn
brchbell@ yahoo.com

Are you suffering from memory loss?

When I went off GMO foods my memory greatly improved.  But of course other things happened at the same time.  A new government study found out they could totally reverse Memory loss.  They call it ICT Protocol.  And its totally natural.  They had their patients avoid all simple carbs, gluten and processed foods.  Increase fish intake.  Do yoga and meditate.  Take Melatonin, B-12, D-3 and fish oil.  Make sure you get adequate sleep.   They reported that 2 weeks to 6 months they totally reversed all memory loss even in Alzheimer's patients.   Here is the best link I found when I researched this.  http://abc7news.com/health/non-drug-treatment-may-reverse-alzheimers/336963/.     Most sites have video's and want to sell you this information or their special pills.   No need to endure hour long sells pitches when it is all natural and you can do it yourself.    

I also was told Frankincense Essential Oil used in diffusers and drops under the tongue would cure most cancers.    

Now I know most are not willing to give up their current diets.  I had no choice as my throat swells shut any time I am even around processed foods and GMO products which of course is what all processed food is.  But I can tell you that I have felt so much better since I went off processed GMO foods.  More and more, it's coming out that GMO foods are not good for us.  

I wanted to see if I could help others improve their health by changing their diet.  I hope this helps you!

Blessings,

Cherlynn

brchbell@yahoo.com

Second Dose Of Popsicles

See I am not making you wait forever! Here are the Popsicle recipes I will have to go get stuff for but some of them I just can't wait for! I've been making up my green smoothies for over a year now and I learned that bananas makes them much smoother and creamy so I added them to the berry Popsicle's I made and they were wonderfully creamy too!

Now to make a green smoothie: You need a blender. Add in 2 cups Kale or spinach & 2 cups water. Blend until well blended. Now add in 2 cups of fruit what ever you have on hand and a banana or two. I grow kale and pick it and drop it into boiling water for 30 seconds and then into ice water and pat dry and freeze in freezer bags. I get two tall glasses of this. I drink one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Its a real pick me drink! When ever we have fresh pineapple I always cut the core out of the middle. Instead of throwing it away, I cut it into small pieces and put into freezer bags and freeze. I use this in my green smoothies with mango or berries or what ever is around. Taste just like pineapple. I confess I hate spinach and dark greens. This is a great way to get them and you can't even taste them!

Now back to those Popsicle recipes! I only have one more can of coconut milk. I use it a lot but haven't been replenishing in case we end of moving real soon. One recipe also calls for cocoa nibs. This is really good dark chocolate with no sweetener or anything else. This is what they make chocolate out of. I've become addicted to getting these little bits of dark chocolate. It also called for Spirulina which is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Now if you don't have cocoa nibs I would think you can chop up chocolate chips to use instead. In place of spirulina you could add a tiny bit of sea weed. Sea weed is very rich in vitamins and minerals and would have a green color to add to the popsicle's or you could simply leave it out. Chia seeds most people know what those are due to chia pets that use to be heavily advertised. They are very nutritious and most grocery stores carry them. You can make these in the pretty layers or just blend them all together and freeze and eat. I tend to be busy and just want to make them up and be done with.

Lava Flow Popsicles

uthor: One Lovely Life                    

Ingredients

For the pineapple swirl:

• 1½ cups pineapple
• 1 cup mangos
• ½ cup – ¾ cup coconut milk

For the strawberry swirl:

• 2 cups strawberries
• 3-4 Tbsp. orange juice
• 1 Tbsp. honey (omit or use agave to make it vegan)
  INSTRUCTIONS

For the pineapple swirl:

1. Place ingredients in a blender and puree until completely smooth. Add additional coconut milk as needed.

For the strawberry swirl:

1. Place ingredients in a blender and puree until completely smooth.

To assemble:

1. Alternate scoops of pineapple and strawberry smoothies into popsicle molds. Insert popsicle molds and freeze until completely solid.
2. Tip: If you use paper cups, freeze the popsicles about 30 minutes, then insert the popsicle sticks. The sticks will shift less this way.

Watermelon Kiwi Popsicles

Author: The Pretty Bee                                               

Ingredients

• 3½ cups seedless watermelon cubes
• 3 kiwi, peeled and sliced
• 4-5 tsp. sugar (optional, amount may vary based on your kiwi)I think I'd use ¼ tsp. Stevia instead of sugar
  METHOD

1. Put the watermelon cubes in a blender, and blend on high until smooth.
2. Pour watermelon into popsicle molds, filling each one about two-thirds full.
3. Place sticks in the molds and freeze until watermelon is firm, about 2 hours.
4. Place the kiwi and sugar in the blender and blend on high until smooth.
5. Pour the kiwi mixture into the popsicle molds.
6. Freeze for at least 4 hours.

Mango Chia Popsicles

Author: Jelly Toast                                                 

Ingredients

• 3 cups mango, chopped (about 2 large mangos)
• 10 ounces coconut water
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. chia seeds

  DIRECTIONS

Place mango and coconut water into blender and blend until smooth. Stir in chia seeds. Pour mixture into 10 - 3 ounce popsicle molds and place a wooden stick into each (or follow the directions of your popsicle mold). Freeze until frozen, at least 6 hours. Enjoy!

Mint Chocolate Popsicles

Author: The Nutty Scoop                           

Ingredients

• 4 oz coconut cream
• 1 Tbsp. cacao powder
• 1/4 cup cacao nibs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1-2 tsp. spirulina
• 2 tsp. mint extract

Drizzle

• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips, vegan
  Instructions

1. Place all the popsicle ingredients into your blender and pulse until the mixture comes together. Divide the mixture among the popsicle molds and place a wooden stick in each compartment. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours.
2. Before serving the popsicles, place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe dish and melt in 30 seconds intervals until completely melted.
3. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the frozen popsicles. Enjoy!

Notes

*You can either use canned coconut cream, or get the cream from a can of coconut milk. For the latter method, simply refrigerate a can of coconut milk for 24 hours prior to making the recipe. Once you open the can, you’ll see that the creamy white portion (the coconut milk) has risen to the top. Scoop it out and use it in the recipe.

Blueberry Coconut Popsicles

Author: Wallflower Kitchen                         

Ingredients

• 1½ cups coconut milk
• 2 Tbsp. maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the coconut milk, maple syrup and vanilla in a blender until smooth.
2. Add the blueberries and pulse until they've' been "smashed" but not completely blended.
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 5 hours or overnight.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Serving size: 1 pop Calories: 95 kcal Fat: 7.6g Saturated fat: 6.9g Carbohydrates: 6.8g Sugar: 5.4gFiber: 0.4g Protein: 0.5g

I hope you enjoy these delightful healthy popsicle recipes!

Blessings,

Cherlynn

brchbell@yahoo.com

Popsicles

I love ice cream treats but the ones in the stores are full of so much junk.  Most of them I can't even eat because they have GMO wheat and soy in them.  They are also full of sugar which really isn't good for anyone.  So I have been collecting healthy recipes and will share some of them with you today.

I like popsicles because it limits me to one small serving.  If i get a bowl of ice cream, I might settle for two scoops but I am more likely to get six to eight scoops while I'm dipping up.  So making popsicles is better for me.
                                                                   

Creamy Coconut and Mixed Berry Popsicles

Recipe by: Fork Knife Swoon

Yield: 10 Popsicles

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1/4 cup pure honey, divided
• 3/4 cup blackberries
• 3/4 cup raspberries
• I only used 2 Tablespoons of honey and I added a banana to make it more creamy. I also use my frozen raspberry, blackberry and blueberry mix to use it up and it turned out wonderfully!  I dumped it all into my blender and mixed and poured not messing with the 2 layer thing. Also note my can of coconut milk was 13.5 oz and that's what I used.

Instructions

1. Whisk together the coconut milk, vanilla and 2 Tbsp of the honey, until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Blend together the berries and remaining honey, until smooth and combined. Add more honey, to taste, as necessary.
3. For a creamy pop: Stir together the coconut milk and berry puree, and divide evenly between the popsicle molds. Freeze for 30 minutes, then insert the popsicle sticks, and continue freezing for 4 hours, or until firm.
4. For a layered pop: Divide the coconut milk equally between the popsicle molds. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes, or so, then top with the berry puree. Freeze again for 30 minutes, then insert the popsicle sticks and continue freezing for 4 hours, or until firm.

Note from Laura

Use any combination of your favorite berries, adjusting the sweetness level as necessary. Remember, the sweetness will mellow once frozen.

You can substitute granulated sugar, agave or maple syrup for the honey, if you prefer.

I choose to use full-fat coconut milk in this (and most) frozen coconut recipes because it results in a creamier frozen texture that more closely mimics dairy cream. You can certainly use a lower fat-content coconut milk, but it will result in an "icier" textured pop.

To remove the popsicles, either let them sit out for 5-10 minutes until soft enough to pull out, or submerge the bottom of the popsicle mold (up to the edge of the top) in room-temperature water for 10-15 seconds, then gently pull to release.

Avocado Lime Popsicles           

Author: Healthier Steps

Ingredients

• 1 avocado
• 1 cup coconut cream
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 banana
• ¼ cup lime juice
• 1 lime, zested

Directions:

Cut avocado length wise, remove pit, scoop out avocado flesh using a spoon and place in a high speed blender or food processor along with  coconut cream, maple syrup, banana, lime juice and lime zest. Process until smooth, scraping down sides. Pour into  popsicle mold evenly, insert popsicle sticks and freeze for about 6 hours.

And my last one today is fudgesicles made better!  I used my natural peanut butter as that's what I had on hand.  Everytime we get bananas I take the ones that's getting ripe to fast and peel and up in half in the middle and roll in lemon juice and place them into a freezer bag.  push out the air and seal and freeze.  I use these in my green smoothies and now have them for my popsicles too.   Don't forget to add in your tablespoon of cocoa!  Yum!

Almond Butter Banana Popsicles        

Author: Delish Knowledge

Ingredients

• 4 bananas
• ¾ cup California almond butter
• ½ cup + 2 Tbsp. unsweetened California almond milk
• 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
  INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until very smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
2. Pour the batter into 8-10 popsicle molds (will vary depending type of mold used) and freeze for at least 6 hours, until solid.
3. Enjoy! Store in a sealed container in the freezer until ready to serve.

NOTES

For chocolate version, add in 1 tbsp. cocoa powder

I hope you enjoy these healthy popsicle treats and when I get some time I will do another blog with the rest of my collection. 

Blessings,

Cherlynn

Finding myself some place I never expected to be

This time of year is super busy for me.  I run constantly but last week I got sick.  It started as a pulled muscle but the next day instead of just a tender muscle I hurt every where.  I was sick, really sick.  I couldn't eat.  The only fluids I found I could keep down was tea and coke. I was running a fever and my bones ached horribly.  My belly was completely untouchable.   Finally after 4 days I gave up and made a doctor appointment.   The doctor took one look at me and sent me to the hospital ER as an outpatient.   While there he discovered I had a blood clot.  It wasn't down low in the leg like most are but right in the groin area.   Next thing I know he has me in an ambulance headed for the big city.  

Both places knew more than a virus or a blood clot was happening.   It was an adventure and now I am on a short leash with work piling up all around me.  But while at the hospital I learned something I really hadn't thought about before.   Most people in this country are totally clueless that they are not eating real food.   Genetically modified organisms/food is not real food.   Most people have no clue what GMO is or that they are eating it.   Here is a link to a nearly no basis on what GMO food is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food .      

I don't like the article because they mention that this has been going on for thousands of years.   Over the years they learned how to take 2 or 3 different types of a plant and blend them together to make a new plant.  This would help a plant to over come a virus or insects but it always came from a like plant.  Peas to peas, etc.  GMO today has taken on a life of it's own.  They might be trying to find a better wheat but instead of just using other  wheat varieties they have no problems reaching beyond.  They use DNA code from completely different variety of plants and even use animal or insect DNA code.   In my book this is no longer real food.  If you can't plant a crop and save the seed for the next years crop, it isn't real food.   These plants are modified to accept their own herbicide being sprayed right on it.   The plant absorbs this but it doesn't die.   People still don't get it at this point.  What happens to the poison/herbicide that gets absorbed into the plant?    It goes into the food you eat.  So not only can't you grown another crop, you also are eating small amounts of Ready Roundup every time you eat.    Would you bake a loaf of whole wheat bread for your family dinner and then spray a little Roundup on it?  No of course not, but if you used GMO wheat that's what is happening.  Your family is eating traces of Roundup in every meal they consume.  And everyone wonders why the cancer rate is increasing.

All the waste from all these foods are ground into a powder and added to animal feeds.  So animals are being feed GMO's too.  Then there is the GMO animals, birds & fish out there too.   I learned to never eat farmed fish.  They are GMO fish.  Make sure you buy "wild caught"  to reduce the chance of GMO fish.  If they are released into the wild, they have to keep replacing them as GMO fish can't reproduce just like GMO plants can't.  

So today's blog is just to help you see what you are really eating in a new light.   This is not a good thing going on.   We should be aware of what we eat and make sure it is real food.

I hope this opens your eyes today and makes you look at your food completely differently.

Blessings,
Cherlynn Bell
brchbell@yahoo.com

Life in the country

I sure am happy to live in the country.  While it requires hard work, I know it keeps me active and feeling younger than I am.  If I didn't have the farm to take care of, I know I'd spend most of my time parted in my recliner and reading or watching TV.  When I sit around I tend to eat a lot of snacks.  Being on the run keeps my joints moving and working.  Today I worked in my garden and am reclaiming parts of it to grow crops I discovered over the years that don't grow well in raised beds. So I am removing 16 beds and stacking the cinder blocks in stacks of 10 to use in later projects.  Cinder blocks are not light so I get a good work out every week day.  I also discovered I have to move the dirt from each bed to remove the baby chicken wire and ground cover under it.  I thought it would take all summer but today I started and did two beds in a couple hours.  Yes I also moved and stacked 10 cinder blocks and weeded 2 garden beds.  Reducing down to 17 full beds and 2 small herb beds is making it so I can stay on top of the weeds as long as I tackle one or two of them every day I am working in the garden.

My husband has mentioned that the garden is a lot of work and maybe we should get rid of it.  Then I remind him why I am willing to work this hard.  #1 I enjoy working out in the garden each day.  #2 With more and more food becoming GMO I need to have a food source I can trust that won't kill me.  The last 8 years has been a learning experience for me.  At first I was told I was allergic to wheat and soy.  So I went gluten free.  My family was not happy but everyone felt better once we were off wheat.  A couple years in to this, I had a good friend who lives in California who is just as allergic as I am.  Our throats swell shut and we turn blue and we both cover epi pens with us.  Her husband took her on a business trip to Hungary.  The pastries there are to die for and that was just what she decided to do.  She went and selected the pastry she most wanted to eat and armed with her epi pen at the ready so began to eat it and was able to eat the whole thing with no reaction.  She was amazed and after 24 hours with no reaction she cheerfully ate her way through her two weeks there.  She finally found someone with good English skills who explained to her that eastern Europe has never allowed GMO foods into their countries.  They are growing the same wheat, rye, barley, etc that their ancestors grew.   So we both tried Non GMO wheat and low and behold we can both eat wonderful wheat bread again.  I am grateful to learn the problem for me is GMO foods because now it is all GMO foods including rice and squash and all the other foods they are turning into GMO foods.

#3 If I wasn't gardening I would be quilting all day long.  That fact alone made him happy for the garden.  Our fixed income is already stretched so my buying more and more cotton fabric, batting and all the stuff I need to use quilting.

#4 I love being outside and seeing all the wild life we enjoy here.  The beautiful birds, deer, turkey, coyotes, foxes, insects, snakes and spiders.  I see them all the time but only because I am outside where I will notice them.

#5 While I am currently removing lots of cinder blocks, I am happy we made our raised beds out of cinder blocks.  They are stacked two high and wonderful to sit on while I work in the beds.

The area I am clearing out is 52 feet by 40 feet.  I will be growing sweet corn this year with winter squash, pumpkins and melons mixed in, all growing together.  I will put in a sunflower border around it also.

Growing a garden also keeps my mind active and gives me time to think and ponder and plan things out.

My youngest daughter who got married and couple years ago is growing stuff in containers on her apartment balcony.  I sure miss having her here as she used to work out in the garden with me and was great at it.  I am glad she is putting her balcony to good use.

 Well, I guess I have rambled enough for now.  I recharge my batteries on Sunday.  I attend church and then I deck out and write letters and catch up on stuff.  Monday I am ready to do another week.

Life in the country is great!

Blessings,
Cherlynn
brchbell@yahoo.com

Driving in Today's world

More and more accidents are happening this year.  I was leaving Leavenworth headed back to the Platte City area on Hwy 92 when a car suddenly pulled out in front of me with less then a car length to go.  I thankfully was only going around 40 MPH instead of 55 to 60 MPH so when I T-Boned him no one was hurt, but both cars were very damaged.  I thankfully was able to get home in my car.  The guy that pulled out in front of me got a ticket and had to pay for the repairs.

Then a couple weeks ago two dear friends were headed to Stewartsville and then on to St Joseph when a semi truck driver struck them from behind and they were both killed.

So you need to learn to drive defensively.   Scan the road before you back and forth and check your side mirrors and rear view mirror very often.  It's not only important to drive carefully but you also need to be aware of everything around you.

When you are feeling tired while driving you need to take a break and walk around and revive yourself.  

You may not always be able to stop an accident but if you are vigilant and always know what is going on around you but you should be able to improve what might happen.  

So wake up and open your eyes and pay attention to what is going on around you.   I hope this helps you survive all that's been going on lately.

Cherlynn
brchbell@yahoo.com                          

Getting headaches to go away

I've been trying out herbal cures and found out if you take magnesium each night as you go to bed it helps you sleep better and it also stops headaches from happening.  Since I started this I haven't had a single headache or migraine.  Now you have to use some common sense also and make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids.  Getting dehydrated just invites headaches and other things.  So make sure you drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day and take your magnesium each night and see if your headaches go away.  

Happy Easter

Aren't these little guys adorable?   Now if I can just remember to cut those hard boiled eggs the right way!   How are your Eater plans coming?

The way I clean now I don't bother Spring cleaning but with all the company I have coming in for this weekend I am going room to room this week and deep cleaning and making sure I get the ceiling creepy's cleaned off too.  I am spraying as this is the time of the year all the creep crawlers come out ready for Spring.   So far I have about half the house done.  Today I've done the utility room and will do most of the basement and the home theater.  Tomorrow I'll do the kitchen and dining room and Friday I finish up with the bathrooms and the King and Queen bedrooms.  I've been doing food prep as I've been able.  Bread was made and frozen and egg noodles made and dried and packed away.  Now I can get other things made up and set aside and by Easter it will be easy to finish up.

Here is our Easter 2016 menu:

Easter Dinner Menu

Ham

Beefy Noodles

Assorted Rolls

Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf

Creamy Brussels Sprouts

Twice Baked Potatoes

Easter Peeps

Orange Jello Salad

Ambrosia

Classic Waldorf Salad

Key Lime Pie

Chocolate Cheesecake

Punch

Ice water

I always do two meat dishes so everyone is happy.  I made the twice baked potatoes up a few weeks ago with cream cheese added to them.  Any time you want to freeze potatoes you must add cream cheese to them or you end up with a soggy mess when they are reheated.  I made them the way I normally do but added in a block of cream cheese too.  Who doesn't love cream cheese!  I froze them over night and then bagged them into freezer bags.  All ready for Easter.  Friday I will make the jello salad and Ambrosia.  Saturday I will make the desserts and Then on Easter I just need to toss the beef cubes into the crock pot and the ham into the roaster and make up the veggies the hour before.   I have lots of help so not worried about anything.  

I totally forgot about those Easter peeps!  If you have farm fresh eggs making Deviled eggs is like Mission Impossible!  If you steam your eggs for 22 minutes and then put them into ice water you can peel them.  I took a safe course by buying a dozen store bought eggs last week but tried this today and it really worked!  So if you have your own fresh eggs fear not but you really need to steam them in a pan with a tight fitting lid.  A colander raised up with water under it works very well.  Just make sure you have enough water so it doesn't boil dry but doesn't soak the eggs.  

Here is a video link to help make your Easter special: Hallelujah

Have a blessed holiday with your family!

Cherlynn