It was about this time last year when I finally put I the effort on making my own kombucha. I learned the basics, picked a tea and even learned how to do a second ferment. But I skipped over a super easy way to flavor kombucha that required less work and less time than a second ferment – using herbs! I’ve fallen in love with rose hip and hibiscus kombucha, and it’s what I have brewing in my carafe every day! ... Continue Reading
Kombucha Continuous Brew: Is it Worth it?
Earlier this summer I piecemealed together a DIY kombucha kit so that I could save money by not buying kombucha from the store anymore. I had originally considered a kombucha continuous brew system, but wasn’t sure how I felt about the price tag. I mean, $300 is a lot of money! Plus I was new to brewing kombucha in the first place. How was I to know if a kombucha continuous brew system was worth it, or just a ... Continue Reading
Our “One Day” Dream: Buy a Home with Cash
When my husband told me he wanted to buy a home with cash, I thought he was crazy. I clearly remember thinking, “No one in this house, is paying cash for a house. It’s impossible!” Yet here I am, 8 years later, eating crow because last month, we bought a house and paid cash. ... Continue Reading
Incredible Benefits of Drinking Water
When I wrote my eBook Kinda Crunchy, I included “drink more water” as a self-care baby step because the majority of us don’t drink enough. Aside from the fact that our body is 100% dependent on water, the benefits of drinking water are astounding. So incredible, that instead of being a New Year’s resolution or a means to losing weight, drinking more water on a daily basis should be an intentional act. I've ... Continue Reading
How to Heal Chapped Lips Naturally
The beauty industry had me duped for a long time, making me think I needed strong chemicals to heal acne. Those chemicals actually did more harm than good. Ever since, I'm leery when it comes to "medicated" anything, even the simple tube of medicated lip balm to heal chapped lips. ... Continue Reading
Death by Chocolate Zucchini Mug Cake
Zucchini. You either love it or you hate it. If it’s early July, I’m loving it. The first of the harvest is ready and I’m excited to make everything zucchini, including our favorite zucchini bread muffins with apples and carrots for breakfast and buttery zoodles for dinner. But by mid-August, I’m hating it. The kids are tired of muffins. I’m ready for a stir-fry that DOESN’T have squash of any kind in it. ... Continue Reading
How to Heal Acne with Bentonite Clay
We’ve been using bentonite clay in our home for a couple of years now, with homemade toothpaste being the recipe I make most often. We use it to help us detox too – internally through a detox smoothie and externally via a detox bath. Most recently though, I’ve been healing acne with bentonite clay. ... Continue Reading
Living on a Food Budget: June 2016
Starting over in a new city with new stores is not easy. There's lots of testing, lots of research and a good chance of going over budget. But if there's anything I've learned from living on a food budget, it's that you can count on tried and true methods of saving money and eventually you'll come out ahead. ... Continue Reading
How We Save Money on Dairy by Buying Raw Milk
Choosing to drink raw milk because of the health benefits is a priority for my family, but the cost can ruin my budget if I’m not careful. I've written on the health benefits of raw milk and the downsides to pasteurization, which is why we prioritize raw milk products in our diet. That’s why we buy six gallons of raw milk every week. In case you’re wondering how my family can drink six gallons of milk in a ... Continue Reading
Bend Soap Company Natural Deodorant Review
I've had my eye on making natural deodorant every since we stopped using shampoo. But for one reason or another, it didn’t make it to the top of the to-do list. Plus for a long time I didn't wear any deodorant at all... and if I wasn't wearing it, then why bother make it? ... Continue Reading
