DAY 1
Just finished day 1 of the coconut oil detox. Overall I feel good about it.
This is what I did:
- Took 2 tablespoon of coconut oil in a cup of warm water in the morning, Was a bit nasty to drink,
- Took 1 pint of my daily matcha latte (with raw cream)
- Took another 2 tablesppon of coconut oil in warm water at noon.
- Took a quart of ACV water (1 tablespoon of ACV)
- Took some homemade liver tonic tea (dandelion root and milk thistle seeds)
- Took a pint of homemade vitamin milk(some homemade vitamin powder mixed in raw milk)
- Took a bowl of homemade bone and chicken broth at dinner.
- Took another 2 tablespoons of coconut oil at night.
Results/reactions:
- Went to the bathroom twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. No runs. No stomach pains. Which is good.
- Did not feel hungry the whole time. That is a plus.
- Did feel yucky to the stomach in the afternoon, not sure it is part of the detox or my body not using to the amount of coconut oil. So decided to cut down to 6 tablespoons for the first day. The feeling did go away in a couple hours, after a nap, I felt great in the evening.
So off to the second day. Stay toned!
Monday, April 25, 2016
Coconut oil Detox and my personal experience - Part 1
I have been using coconut oil for a few years. I believe in its many health-promoting benefits. The way I incorporate coconut oil in our daily diet is to add 2 to 3 tablespoon full in our morning oatmeal, I've tried using coconut oil for oil pulling a few times, love the benefit but hate how much effort it takes.
Anyway, I recently just learned about this new use of coconut oil, called coconut oil detox. Basically, you take about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil(must be organic, and virgin), every 2-3 hours, either in warm water or straight from a spoon. You do this until you got 10 -12 tablespoon at the end of the day. You are supposed to not eat any regular food but drink about 1 gallon of combined liquid. The suggested liquids are:
- Plain yogurt
- lemon water
- Kombucha
- ACV water (1 tablespoon per day diluted in water)
Why do I decide to try this? I am normally pretty healthy, don't have any known health problems and are not over-weight. My regular diet is usually pretty clean, with minimum processed food, However, my family just went on a 2-week-vacation where we ate out almost exclusively. Since we are back, my husband got appendicitis and then after the surgery a bad infection. Of course, the doctor said that it just happens, for no particular reason, Yet I am not too sure the eating out for 2 weeks don't play at least a small part, like a trigger, or the last straw that broke the camel's back.
So based on that, I think it would be nice to do a detox. Right now my plan is to do it for 3 days, It might change based on how I feel, In the next couple days I will record what I did, how I feel and any side-effects on my blog. So if you are interested in doing a detox as well, but have are not too sure, stay toned!
Anyway, I recently just learned about this new use of coconut oil, called coconut oil detox. Basically, you take about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil(must be organic, and virgin), every 2-3 hours, either in warm water or straight from a spoon. You do this until you got 10 -12 tablespoon at the end of the day. You are supposed to not eat any regular food but drink about 1 gallon of combined liquid. The suggested liquids are:
- Plain yogurt
- lemon water
- Kombucha
- ACV water (1 tablespoon per day diluted in water)
Why do I decide to try this? I am normally pretty healthy, don't have any known health problems and are not over-weight. My regular diet is usually pretty clean, with minimum processed food, However, my family just went on a 2-week-vacation where we ate out almost exclusively. Since we are back, my husband got appendicitis and then after the surgery a bad infection. Of course, the doctor said that it just happens, for no particular reason, Yet I am not too sure the eating out for 2 weeks don't play at least a small part, like a trigger, or the last straw that broke the camel's back.
So based on that, I think it would be nice to do a detox. Right now my plan is to do it for 3 days, It might change based on how I feel, In the next couple days I will record what I did, how I feel and any side-effects on my blog. So if you are interested in doing a detox as well, but have are not too sure, stay toned!
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Best homemade non-toxic shower/Grout/bathtub scrub
If you don't know already I am into green and natural living. This includes ditching all commercial cleaning product and DIY home cleaning products that are non-toxic and very inexpensive to make. I am constantly looking and experiencing different recipes online and once a while I would come across one that is exceptionally good that I would add to my to-keep list. Here is one of them.
I live in a rural area and we have very hard well water. That means my shower turns to pink and anything stainless steel will be covered in white mineral deposit. I've tried some different type of things to try to clean my shower but most of them require tons of elbow grease. That's until I found this recipe. It is so easy to make, and with a scrubby pad I got from the dollar general, I was able to scrub down my shower to sparkly clean without much effort at all. One note is that hydrogen peroxide is very unstable, I would suggest whipping up a fresh small batch each time instead of trying to make a big batch and store it.
Here is the recipe:
Shower and grout cleaner
I live in a rural area and we have very hard well water. That means my shower turns to pink and anything stainless steel will be covered in white mineral deposit. I've tried some different type of things to try to clean my shower but most of them require tons of elbow grease. That's until I found this recipe. It is so easy to make, and with a scrubby pad I got from the dollar general, I was able to scrub down my shower to sparkly clean without much effort at all. One note is that hydrogen peroxide is very unstable, I would suggest whipping up a fresh small batch each time instead of trying to make a big batch and store it.
Here is the recipe:
Shower and grout cleaner
1/2 cup Baking soda
1/4 Peroxide
1 tsp dish soap
Mix the ingredients, and wait for a couple minutes/ The paste will slowly foam up a little bit and you are ready to go. Go make a batch and enjoy a sparkly clean shower.
Best DIY facial cream ever
I am into DIY of all kinds. One of the favourite thing to do at home is DIY beauty products, partially due to all the toxic ingredients in most store bought products, and partially due to the high price tag for natural and organic beauty products. Some people may argue that what one puts on her skin don't get into her body hence what's the big deal about toxic ingredients. I now know for sure that is wrong. Simply by putting magnesium oil on the skin regularly I was able to eliminate my regular mild migrants proves that what I put on my skin does get absorbs into my body. In fact, one time my husband put way too much magnesium oil on his body before going to work out and he actually got sick and threw up, which is one of the known side effects of magnesium overdose.
Anyway back to beauty product. I've first switched to natural beauty products about 7 years ago, and then 3 or 4 years ago when completely stopped using store bought beauty products. Instead, I switched to use natural organic carrier oils such as argan and jojoba oil and natural toners like rose water and alcohol-free witch hazel. It has done great things for my skin. The only problem I have is that my skin is pretty dry in the winter. If I use pure oil on my skin, a little bit won't keep my skin hydrated throughout the day but too much get my skin looking greasy and gross. I have tried to make my own lotion/cream, but they were limited to mixing different oils and beeswax since I was too timid to try mixing oil with water. The results have never been satisfactory, since no matter what the recipe was, I was still mixing pure oils so the end product has always been too oily. Then I stumbled upon this facial cream recipe yesterday and gave it a try. Wow I was so impressed. It came out to be creamy yet light. It absorbs into the skin quickly and within a couple minutes, the oily feeling is completely gone. I put the cream inside of a silicone travel tube like this:
Due to the nice texture, it is very easy to use and I don't need to worry about contaminating the cream.
Here is a picture of how it came out:
Here is the recipe:
Rosemary’s Perfect Homemade Face Cream
Anyway back to beauty product. I've first switched to natural beauty products about 7 years ago, and then 3 or 4 years ago when completely stopped using store bought beauty products. Instead, I switched to use natural organic carrier oils such as argan and jojoba oil and natural toners like rose water and alcohol-free witch hazel. It has done great things for my skin. The only problem I have is that my skin is pretty dry in the winter. If I use pure oil on my skin, a little bit won't keep my skin hydrated throughout the day but too much get my skin looking greasy and gross. I have tried to make my own lotion/cream, but they were limited to mixing different oils and beeswax since I was too timid to try mixing oil with water. The results have never been satisfactory, since no matter what the recipe was, I was still mixing pure oils so the end product has always been too oily. Then I stumbled upon this facial cream recipe yesterday and gave it a try. Wow I was so impressed. It came out to be creamy yet light. It absorbs into the skin quickly and within a couple minutes, the oily feeling is completely gone. I put the cream inside of a silicone travel tube like this:
Due to the nice texture, it is very easy to use and I don't need to worry about contaminating the cream.
Here is a picture of how it came out:
Here is the recipe:
Rosemary’s Perfect Homemade Face Cream
Though this recipe appears easy, it is also a bit challenging. You are attempting to combine water and oil; they don’t normally mix. Follow the recipe closely. If it doesn’t turn out right the first time, don’t be discouraged. Try again; the luscious cream is well worth your time and effort.
Package your cream in glass jars. It doesn’t need to be stored in the refrigerator.
Waters
2/3 c cup distilled water (or rose water)
1/3 cup aloe vera gel
1 or 2 drops essential oil of choice
Vitamins A and E as desired
1/3 cup aloe vera gel
1 or 2 drops essential oil of choice
Vitamins A and E as desired
Oils
3/4 cup apricot, almond, or grapeseed oil
1/3 cup coconut oil or cocoa butter
1/4 teaspoon lanolin
1/2 to 1 ounce grated beeswax
1/3 cup coconut oil or cocoa butter
1/4 teaspoon lanolin
1/2 to 1 ounce grated beeswax
1. Combine the waters in a glass measuring cup. (Tap water can be used instead of distilled water, but it will sometimes introduce bacteria and encourage the growth of mold.) Set aside.
2. In a double boiler over low heat, combine the oils. Heat them just enough to melt.
3. Pour the oils into a blender and let them cool to room temperature. The mixture should become thick, creamy, semisolid, and cream colored.
This cooling process can be hastened in the refrigerator, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t become too hard.
This cooling process can be hastened in the refrigerator, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t become too hard.
4. When the mixture has cooled, turn on the blender at its highest speed. In a slow, thin
drizzle, pour the water mixture into the center
vortex of the whirling oil mixture.
drizzle, pour the water mixture into the center
vortex of the whirling oil mixture.
5. When most of the water mixture has been added to the oils, listen to the blender and watch the cream. When the blender coughs and chokes and the cream looks thick and white, like buttercream frosting, turn off the blender. You can slowly add more water, beating it in by hand with a spoon, but don’t overbeat! The cream will thicken as it sets.
Enjoy!
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Migrants, magnisium deficiency, supplements and a recipe
It is surprising how many people suffer from migrants in Amerca nowadays. My huband has various headaches since I met him. I haven't had any problem with headaches growing up but have been getting regular headaches since I had my first boy seven years ago. I used to think it was some kind of allegry and it starts on either side of the temple and then goes to that side of the eye and I get pain and sort of a burning/heat sensention. Sometimes I can see my eyelid getting swallon. However after doing some research it appears that it is actually a migrant, though mine was never too sever.
Anyway, during online search one day I found that one of the most common cause of migrate is megnisum deficiency. I've heard about the commonness of megnisum deficiency nowadays due to the uses of pestersides, like roundup, and have got some supplements for hubby, So I started using this homemade magnesium oil on my body. For the next two weeks or so of using it, I had had no headaches at all. Then I ran out and forgot to make it for another week. Then I woke up with a headache one morning. So I got up and make a bottle and put some on the side of the head where the pain was. Within half an hour the pain was gone. I was so happy and now I knew for sure I've found the solution for my problem! I've since started taking a oral supplement and also been using the magnesium oil on my body and haven't had a headache since.
So here is the supplement I take orally, after much research. It also helps with sleep greatly. It is pure and natural, no additives and is very gentle on the digestive track.
As for the magnisum oil. You can buy it premade, or you can make it at home which is a lot cheaper in the long run. I make my own by mixing equal amount of magnisum flakes(see link below for the kind I use and have had great result), and boiling distilled water. Wait until completely disolved and then either put in a spray bottle, or in my case I put it in a glass dropper bottle. Applied topically on the skin, preferably after a shower. Warning start slow and use a few spray to start with, or you may experience some stomach discomfort.
Anyway, during online search one day I found that one of the most common cause of migrate is megnisum deficiency. I've heard about the commonness of megnisum deficiency nowadays due to the uses of pestersides, like roundup, and have got some supplements for hubby, So I started using this homemade magnesium oil on my body. For the next two weeks or so of using it, I had had no headaches at all. Then I ran out and forgot to make it for another week. Then I woke up with a headache one morning. So I got up and make a bottle and put some on the side of the head where the pain was. Within half an hour the pain was gone. I was so happy and now I knew for sure I've found the solution for my problem! I've since started taking a oral supplement and also been using the magnesium oil on my body and haven't had a headache since.
So here is the supplement I take orally, after much research. It also helps with sleep greatly. It is pure and natural, no additives and is very gentle on the digestive track.
As for the magnisum oil. You can buy it premade, or you can make it at home which is a lot cheaper in the long run. I make my own by mixing equal amount of magnisum flakes(see link below for the kind I use and have had great result), and boiling distilled water. Wait until completely disolved and then either put in a spray bottle, or in my case I put it in a glass dropper bottle. Applied topically on the skin, preferably after a shower. Warning start slow and use a few spray to start with, or you may experience some stomach discomfort.
Natto, the natural source of Vitamin K2
If you are, like me, interested in natural, healthy living and natural remedies at all, about chances are that you have heard about the importance of vitamin d3 and the danger and various health problems caused by vitamin d3 deficiency, ranging from compromised immune system to diabetes, ADHD, and more. You have probably also heard that the fact that you need vitamin K in order to properly absorb vitamin D3. You might have been taking supplements with vitamin d3 and vitamin k2. However do you know what is the natural source of vitamin k2? If you are currently taking a vitamin k2 supplement you might notice on the ingredient list a strange name "Natto". What is Natto? Seems like, most Americans are not familiar with it. What it is is a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food that is traditionally consumed with rice at breakfast. My father went to Japan to study for 2 years and was told by many of his Japanese friends that Natto is a super healthy food that Japanese people love to consume on a very regular basis. Vitamin k2 is just one of the many good nutrients contained in this naturally fermented superfood. Personally, my philosophy is that iIt is always better to obtain nutrients in natural whole food form, whenever possible, verses in supplement form. My family takes vitamin D3 supplements during the winter months and it seems to really help keep minimizes those nasty winter cold and flu. Since we need vitamin K to go with Vitamin D3, I started looking into Natto and how to make it at home. To my surprise, It actually turns out to be fairly simple, and you can obtain the starter online.
I have created a youtube video awhile back to explain the steps and show you what natto looks like. Feel free to check it out.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Deals, coupons and cash backs!
I plan to write a series of blogs on how to save money. Here is the first one. How to save money on things you need to buy anyway.
I am known among family and friends to be the extreme deal hound. People come to me when they need to buy things and ask for suggestion. They think it is a talent or gift. Let me tell you, it is not. All it takes is a desire to live frugally, a refusal to pay retail if not necessary, and know a few simple steps.
So what are the steps I go through to find a good deal? Here they are:
1. Search for a deal. I always start with a search on my favorite deal site: slickdeals.com. Pretty much anything listed here have to meet the minimum requirement: it has to beat everyday retail. So if you can find a deal for what you are looking for one this site, you are heading the right direction on saving money.
2. Find coupons, Most of the time, if you find a deal on slickdeals, people would likely also provide you with applicable coupons as well. However, it is not guaranteed. Then you need to do your homework to see if there are coupons out there. My favorite site to find coupons is called retailmenot.com.
3. Cash backs. You may not know, but most of the popular sites we shop online, you can get cashbacks by going through an online shopping portal. It may not be a lot for each transaction, but they really do add up. Here are a few of my favorites:
topcashback - This site has great cash back rate, great customer service, and you have the option to redeem your cashback by Amex gift card and get a 5% bones.
ebates
Note that depends on how big your purchases, it may worth it to buy something big online and choose in store pickup. For an example, if you want to buy a $1000 fridge from Lowes, and say a portal is giving 5% cash back, it will be worth it to buy it online and choose in store pickup, and get $50 in cash back, then to go into the store and buy it.
If you are new to online cashback sites, start slow, signup with a few of them and slowing build up so you are not overwhelmed, and get burned out.
4. Buy discounted gift cards. Note, this option does not always work out, so go with caution. This option may not stack with cash back and a lot of sites will deduct the gift card amount from your order total. So I open go through this option only if can get a much bigger discount by buying gift card than cash back, and I can get a e-gift card that I can get fairly quick. I would not go through this option if I found a great deal and am risking missing the sale. I do normally still go through a cashback portal even if I uses a gift card.
5. Cashback credit cards. This is a big topic and I would write in more detail in a future blog post.
Leave me with a comment below and share your tips and tricks on how to save money on everything shopping.
I am known among family and friends to be the extreme deal hound. People come to me when they need to buy things and ask for suggestion. They think it is a talent or gift. Let me tell you, it is not. All it takes is a desire to live frugally, a refusal to pay retail if not necessary, and know a few simple steps.
So what are the steps I go through to find a good deal? Here they are:
1. Search for a deal. I always start with a search on my favorite deal site: slickdeals.com. Pretty much anything listed here have to meet the minimum requirement: it has to beat everyday retail. So if you can find a deal for what you are looking for one this site, you are heading the right direction on saving money.
2. Find coupons, Most of the time, if you find a deal on slickdeals, people would likely also provide you with applicable coupons as well. However, it is not guaranteed. Then you need to do your homework to see if there are coupons out there. My favorite site to find coupons is called retailmenot.com.
3. Cash backs. You may not know, but most of the popular sites we shop online, you can get cashbacks by going through an online shopping portal. It may not be a lot for each transaction, but they really do add up. Here are a few of my favorites:
topcashback - This site has great cash back rate, great customer service, and you have the option to redeem your cashback by Amex gift card and get a 5% bones.
ebates
Note that depends on how big your purchases, it may worth it to buy something big online and choose in store pickup. For an example, if you want to buy a $1000 fridge from Lowes, and say a portal is giving 5% cash back, it will be worth it to buy it online and choose in store pickup, and get $50 in cash back, then to go into the store and buy it.
If you are new to online cashback sites, start slow, signup with a few of them and slowing build up so you are not overwhelmed, and get burned out.
4. Buy discounted gift cards. Note, this option does not always work out, so go with caution. This option may not stack with cash back and a lot of sites will deduct the gift card amount from your order total. So I open go through this option only if can get a much bigger discount by buying gift card than cash back, and I can get a e-gift card that I can get fairly quick. I would not go through this option if I found a great deal and am risking missing the sale. I do normally still go through a cashback portal even if I uses a gift card.
5. Cashback credit cards. This is a big topic and I would write in more detail in a future blog post.
Leave me with a comment below and share your tips and tricks on how to save money on everything shopping.
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