Its Your Life 2015

3 Cooking Organic 5 Patience - Persistence - Prayer 9 Botanie Soap This Teen Shows Successful Christian Certified Organic & Your How Easy It Is To Do Homeschooling Own LabelIt’s Your Life Living a natural lifestyleEssential OilsPurificationWhat CAN”T you do with it? Veggies Kids Love Them Get creative and be adventurous.Celebrate National Dairy Month with Allergy-Friendly SwapsThis magazine was created to educate others on the various ways of living a happy, healthy, natural lifestyle.Living a natural lifestyle means making a concise choice about the food we eat, the way we deal with physicaland mental health problems, and what we expose our families to within our living space. This magazine is forthose who seek to improve their quality of life because “It’s Your Life” live it to the fullest.



Summer reflections!Sparkling opportunitiesTo clarify your thoughts. Sign up for messages from Krista Nelson, your Dream Life Coach, and receive her free report on how to nourish your mind, body, and soul with goodness everyday naturally. Just Get It Done Now! http://www.justgetitdonenow.com Photography by Krista Nelson

4 It’s Your Life Magazine Publisher’s NoteDear readers, Thank you for making our first issue such a success. We appreciate all of ourreaders, those who shared, and all those who subscribed.School is out in some states with others ending soon. It is a great time to spend time together asa family. Stay fit, have fun, and enjoy some family time together. Get more family time byhaving the kids join you in the kitchen to make some great treats. A trip to the farmer’s marketis a great way to get kids involved in planning a meal with a variety of veggies. Statistics showthat when kids have a hand in picking out their food they are more likely to eat it.If you are a homeschool family and school year round, or not, take some time to teach yourchildren how to heal naturally. Create a ginger tincture together and learn the benefits of both.Order a soap making kit and create your own organic soap for your family and friends. Be sureto check out our articles on developing language skills, blacksmithing for high school students,and the 3 P’s of homeschooling.Have a great summer and watch for our August/September issue for sending your kids back toschool with chemical free lunch products. Homeschoolers can use these tips for packing theirlunch when going on outings.Joyce WheelerPublisherBe sure to visit our new web site at itsyourlifemag.com where you can submit a question to Dr.Weinberg or our organic gardener Mary Smith. Issue 2

Staff June/July 5 PUBLISHER Joyce Wheeler Joyce has an associates in business and has been blogging for eight years. She started out as a homeschool blogger and two and a half years ago switched to her passion for natural living. Being a natural living freelance writer gave her the opportunity to conduct more research and write more articles on the topic. Her passion for helping others live happy, healthy, natural lives prompted her to start the It's Your Life magazine named after her blog. EDITOR Adrienne Watts Pursuing a degree in English Literature due to her love of reading and everything grammar, Adrienne spends her time reading any- thing from classic literature to murder mystery novels, playing her guitar, singing loud to every song she knows (and even the ones she doesn’t), and is an avid nap connoisseur. She will be pursu- ing her Master’s Degree at the beginning of next year.CREATIVE DESIGNER Krista NelsonKrista is founder and dream life coach at Just Get It Done Now!showing her clients how to transform their lives through journal-ing and visioning. Her background is in advertising and market-ing with The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News,and Solutions for Progress Inc. She holds a BA in Journalismand an MA in Information Systems Management. [email protected] www.justgetitdonenow.com 2015

6 It’s Your Life Magazine ContributorsLynda Ackert - Educator Alexia - Teen Cook Botanie Soapshttp://christianhomeschool- http://botaniesoap.com/hub.com/Marla Gates - Blogger Katie Glennon Miranda Gonzalezwww.organic4greenlivings. Education Consultant Bloggercom https://charlottemason http://rahabtoriches.com homeschooling.wordpress. com/freebook/Diane Hurst Lindajean Luca Aimee Shillingwww.gentleshepcurr.com/ Certified Natural Health Blogger Professional www.fortybyfortyfitness. www.his-n-herbs.com/ com Mary Smith Dr. Jennifer Weinberg, MD, Joyce Wheeler Organic Gardner MPH, MBE Publisher www.marysheirloomseeds. www.JenniferWeinbergMD. www.itsyourlifemag.com com comIssue 2

Contents June/July 7Cooking.............. 9Cooking Organic - This teen shows 12us that it is easier than you may 15think - AlexiaCelebrate...............Celebrate National Dairy Monthwith Friendly Alternatives- Dr. Jennifer WeinbergEducation..........The 3 Ps of Successful Christianhomeschooling -Lynda AckertShop.............. ...... 17Botanie Soap - Certified Organic& Your Own LabelIntensive Class 20Blacksmith Class for High School 23Homeschoolers - Joyce WheelerDIY.............. ...........Ginger TinctureMary SmithDessert.............. .. 25Cooking with CarobDiane HurstFitness............. .... 286 Ways to Make Fitness a FamilyAffair – Aimee Shilling 2015

8 It’s Your Life Magazine Contents Language Skills...... 30 The Natural Way to Develop 33 Language Skills in Your Child Katie Glennon Nutrition............. ......... Why Raw Milk? Nature’s Nutrient Rich Food - Marla Gates Health & Cleaning 35 Uses of the Essential Oil Purification 37 - Miranda Gonzalez Children’s Health...... Get Your Kids to Eat Veggies without Loosing Your Mind - Lindajean Luca, CNHPADVERTISINGBe a part of the natural living community and advertise with us. We are eco friendly with anonline magazine, which could change, with all live links. You captured their attention never losea potential customer/client again.Send an email to [email protected] for your media kit.Issue 2

June/July 9 This Teen Can Cook Organic Newspaper Article Written By AlexiaHello, my name is Alexia. I’m a home schooled teenager who loves to cre-ate recipes and cook. I started cooking when I was eleven years old. I am now fifteen andstill have a great love for cooking and baking. The only difference with my cooking is thatI use organic, gluten free, and sugar free ingredients. Quite a tall list to accomplish, butonce you’ve been cooking like this for several years, it seems the only way to cook andbake.Cooking with organic, whole foods isn’t as hard as you might think.It’s all about finding joy in the cooking you do, and inspiration to create new and excitingdishes with organic ingredients.I started cooking when I was eleven out of necessity to help my family. I had just becomea big sister and since Mom had more todo with my younger sibling, I helped outin the kitchen. From the time I cooked myfirst full dinner, I was hooked. You couldn’tdrag me away from the kitchen. Evennow, if I’m in a creative mood, you canfind me experimenting and taste testing inthe kitchen for a good portion of the day.Once I professed a love for cooking, myparents felt it wise to give me a few les-sons in food safety and all around kitchenknow-how. I was extremely thankful forthat because when cooking with a stove,and chopping up vegetables with sharpknives, it’s good to know how to handlethem properly. 2015

10 It’s Your Life Magazine As I mentioned above, I like to experiment with ingredients, namely organic ingredients. My siblings and I have been brought up eating organic, whole foods, so when I started cooking, I used nothing but organic ingredients. This might sound intimidating to some people, especially teens my age, but once you get started and let your creative juices flow, it comes naturally. Granted, there is more thought that must be put forth to come up with a tasty and healthy meal, but then what is cooking? Being creative with the ingredients you have. In fact, I took a whole year to perfect a recipe for gluten free, organic turkey meat- balls. I then entered the meatballs in a 4-H competition and was picked to represent my 4-H group in the Illinois state fair. There I won a blue ribbon. So you see, even though it took me a year of trial and error with that recipe, the ending was awesome and way more than I anticipated. In fact, 4-H has helped me greatly when it comes to exploring my passion for cooking. Each year they hold a cooking competition that I have entered twice. This past year I tied for first place with my dish Grilled Chicken and Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus tips. A few weeks later, I was asked if I would like to be suggested to the Daily Herald for their Cook of the Week article by a 4-H coordina- tor. After being featured in the newspaper, I was asked to write this article you are now reading. As of today, I’m researching and writing a paper on the ill effects sugar can have on our bodies, which is a truly fascinat- ing subject. Whether you’re a teenager who is just crazy about cooking like me, or just someone who wants to start eating more organically, I hope my story encourages you to start cook- ing and creating wonderful and tasty meals. It’s all about finding joy in the cooking you do and inspiration to create new and excit- ing dishes. Soon you’ll find that cooking with organic, whole foods is a lot of fun. Issue 2

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12 It’s Your Life Magazine SpotlightJune marks national dairy month. If you or your children are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy or trying to cut out lactose or animal milk, you don’t have to miss out on the creamy, rich flavor that dairy lends to your favorite recipes! You don’t need to discard your favorite family recipes just because you have upgraded to a healthier lifestyle, eat a vegan diet, or have food allergies or intolerances. There are some easy Simple | Pure | WholeTM Swaps you can make to convert your favorite recipes to fit your specific needs! Here are my favorite tip and tricks for substituting in your recipes to make them more allergy or dietary choice-friendly! Milk There are so many non-dairy alternatives available now. My personal favorite is coconut milk, especially for sweet recipes and desserts. When looking for a thinner consistency non-dairy milk, I chose to make my own coconut, nut or seed milk to avoid additives and preservatives which are added to maintain com- mercial brands. When looking for a thicker, cream-like texture, look for refrigerated carton version overs cans which are frequently lined with endocrine-disrupting BPA. Homemade Simple | Pure | Whole Coconut Milk Isssue 2

June/July 13Making your own coconut milk at home issimple and inexpensive. You can flavor itwith natural vanilla, fruit or cacao powderfor a special treat or powerful base forsmoothies!Gluten-free, Grain-free, Vegan, Paleo,Dairy-free, Egg-free, Nut-free, RefinedSugar-freeServes 3-5 Whipped Cream4 cups filtered water2 cups unsweetened organic shredded Makes 1 cupcoconut You can make an easy creamy dairy-free,Warm water in a pot on the stovetop until vegan, gluten-free substitute topping forhot but not boiling.  pies, cobblers, hot cacao and fruit crispsAdd coconut and heated water carefully in a with whipped coconut cream.blender and blend on high for several minutesuntil creamy and thick.  IngredientsStrain though a towel or folded over cheese- 1 can (13oz) or carton full fat coconut milkcloth to remove remaining coconut pieces (or without gums or additivesleave if you don’t mind coconut flakes in your 1/2 teaspoon organic vanilla extractsmoothies!) Pinch sea salt 2-3 teaspoons raw coconut nectar or mapleAdd in flavoring if you choose: syrup (optional)Vanilla Spice Coconut Milk: 1/2 teaspoonvanilla extract, 1/2 tsp Ceylon cinnamon, pinch Directionsground ginger, pinch cloves Place coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 8 hours until well chilled.Cacao Coconut Milk: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 Chill a metal bowl in the freezer at least 15tsp cacao powder minutes. Remove the coconut milk from the fridge andBerry Coconut Milk: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, flip it upside down. Scoop out the coconut fat1/2 cup fresh or frozen organic berries from the top of the can of milk. Set the remain-Use immediately or store refrigerated for up ing liquid aside for another use (smoothies,to 2 days. Shake or stir well before serving as cereal, baking, etc.)separation may occur without thickeners or Whip the coconut milk fat until light and fluffyfillers.  with a hand blender for about 1-2 minutes. Whip in the vanilla, salt and optional sweet- ener. Use immediately or store for up to 24 hours in a glass jar in the refrigerator. 2015

14 It’s Your Life Magazine Butter If you are looking for a non-dairy, veg- an alternative for butter, there are several options. Coconut oil is a heat-stable oil which can be substituted 1:1 for butter.  Olive oil can replace butter in non-heated recipes but should not be used at high heat due to the instability of the fats.  In baking, applesauce, pumpkin, sweet potato, banana and other fruit and veggie purees can be used to replace the moistness provided by butter in quick breads, brownies and muffins! Try these simple yet delicious dairy-free replacements to make your favorite treats allergy- friendly and vegan! Dr. Jennifer Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE A preventive and lifestyle medicine physician, yoga instructor and the Founder of the Simple|Pure|Whole Wellness Method http://www. JenniferWeinbergMD.com. She offers a Lifestyle Transformation Pro- gram http://www.JenniferWeinbergMD.com/wholecure/lifestyle to help clients recover from the overwhelm of life and fall in love with themselves again based on wisdom from her recently released book, The Whole Cure: 52 Essential Prescriptions to Overcome Overwhelm, Reclaim Bal- ance and Reconnect with a Life You Love! http://amzn.to/1wqppEV which guides the reader in reconnecting with her authentic and passionate purpose and overcoming the challenges of everyday life! She offers innovative online wellness and education programs for indi- viduals looking for sustainable optimal health and non-toxic living as well as health care providers seeking to embrace a transformative approach to health care and corporations wanting to integrate a holistic approach to corporate wellness. You can connect with Dr. Weinberg at her website http:// www.JenniferWeinbergMD.com, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jenniferweinbergmd, Insta- gram http://instagram.com/simplepurewhole and Twitter https://twitter.com/simplepurewhole and get free wellness resources by joining her community http://ow.ly/BkOLL. Ask The Doctor: http://www.itsyourlifemag.com Issue 2

June/July 153 Ps of SuccessfulChristian HomeschoolingLynda AckertMy homeschooling journey has and finally came to my ownnot been an easy one, nor has decision to homeschool forit been one I would have ever very different reasons. I wanteddreamed of traveling. You see, my son educated in a God-before becoming a mom, I was centered, parent- guided learninga public school teacher and environment…and let’s face it, aloved teaching. I’m even going public school classroom wouldto admit that I was more than not have been that place. Alonga little annoyed athomeschooling familiesbecause I couldn’tunderstand whypublic school wasn’t“good enough.” Then Ibecame a mom.When my son was only my homeschooling journey, Ithree years old, the developed what I now call theshooting at Columbine “3 P’s of Successful Christianhappened, and even Homeschooling.”though we wereliving in Mississippi,my first husbandmentioned the idea ofhomeschooling. Hewanted to homeschoolfor safety reasons, butit wasn’t that easy forme. As a public school teacher,I didn’t consider school “unsafe.”However, I spent the next yearresearching home education 2015

16 It’s Your Life Magazine Patience I knew from being a teacher that ging their feet, not wanting to do this P would be needed. Teach- the day’s work. Find your child’s 1 ing any child, whether they are currency (i.e. playing outside, vid- challenged or gifted, requires pa- eo games, etc.) and make it clear tience. The first part of patience that until the work is done, they is finding it within yourself. Be will not be allowed to engage in patient with yourself as you find what is important to them. Then, your path and learn what works sit back and be patient. for you as a homeschool teacher. When your child hasn’t com- Next, be patient with your child. pleted the work and then begs to Set easy to understand boundar- play with their friends who have ies and then be patient with your just come home from school, pa- child as they test those boundar- tiently explain that until the work ies. Patience doesn’t mean giving is completed, there will be no in. It means patiently allowing playing with friends. When your your child the opportunity to suf- child sees you are not bothered fer the consequences that come by the dragging of their little feet from pushing those boundaries. and that you are committed to the boundaries and consequences, Every homeschooling parent will, you will see a difference. Have at some time, have a child drag- patience. Persistence 2 Persistence is the quality that al- you may continue to be steep as lows someone to continue doing you begin dealing with differ- something or trying to do some- ing learning styles and differing thing even though it is difficult or temperaments…but be persis- opposed by other people. tent. There may be times in the journey that you just don’t Throughout your homeschool- know if you are up for the chal- ing journey, persistence is key lenge or you don’t have what it in succeeding. There is a steep takes. Know that you ARE up learning curve for the first few for the challenge and you DO years of the journey and if you have what it takes. Just remain are homeschooling multiple persistent. children, that learning curve forIssue 2

June/July 17Prayer3 Never forget to pray. Patience and lost the only home he’d ever known persistence can wane. Times will to Hurricane Katrina. After spend- get tough. New decisions will need ing a year in Chicago, we uprooted to be made. Curriculum, outside him again to Colorado so that my activities, family life, social life, new husband could attend Denver friends, and life circumstances… Seminary. During these years, he these all will change along the experienced going to food banks for way. Pray continually for guidance, food and picking out clothing from strength, patience and persistence. piles of donated items. Here, I like to share a little more of my story. After deciding to home- As you can imagine, this journey school my son, my life and my has not been an easy one. Al- son’s life, changed drastically. Not though your journey, hopefully, is because of the decision to home- not or will not be similar to mine, school but because of decisions it probably has or most likely will made by my first husband. have times filled trials of your own. As a result, my son’s life was Whether you are struggling with anything but stable. He witnessed decision making, family issues or things a child should never wit- maintaining your own patience and ness and he suffered loss that a persistence along the journey, don’t child should never have to suffer. forget to pray. At the age of 6, not only was my son exposed to his dad’s infidel- My son is now in college pursuing ity, but also his dad was physically his dream of becoming a worship removed from our home due to his and youth pastor and I know that abusive behavior. When he was 7, my decision to keep homeschool- my parents moved into our home ing, and God’s provisions through- so that I could care for my ailing out, have brought him to this point. mother. During the next 2 years, As for me, I’ve learned the 3 P’s of he witnessed my mother being successful Christian homeschool- carted off numerous times in an ing: patience, persistence and ambulance, clinging to life. At 9, prayer. just 16 days after I remarried, he Lynda Ackert A veteran public school teacher, Lynda, is homeschooling parent and founder of the Christian Home School Hub. You can connect with her on her website at http://christianhomeschoolhub.com/ or on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheChristianHomeSchoolHub/ Google+: https://plus.google.com/communities/108322787218266183941 Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristianHSHub Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lyndaackert 2015

18 It’s Your Life Magazine BOTANIE | SOAP certified organic soaps. your private label. Our Products o Certified organic bar and foaming soap for private-label branding and resale o Soapmaking supplies o Soapmaking kits Our Soap o 14 blends of bar soap & 7 foaming soap blends in stock and Ready to Ship o Custom production for original recipes, custom sizes, & larger quantities of existing blends Soapmaking Supplies o Fixed oils o Soapmaking herbs o Essential oils Soapmaking Kits o Citrus Calendula o Lavender Oatmeal o Peppermint o Shea Butter & Clove o Unscented o Build Your Own Botanie Soap • 2750 Palmer St. Unit C • Missoula, MT 59808 • (406)728-7627 • www.botaniesoap.com • [email protected] THE STORY OF BOTANIE SOAP Botanie Soap began as a company in the Summer of 2000. The soap itself was born years ear- lier in the owner’s kitchen, with the immediate goal of making better soap than he and his wife could find in the stores. Located in Missoula, MT, we were incorporated in 2005, and in the Winter of 2007, made the business-model switch from retail to private label. Organic certification was earned in 2008. We have stayed, since then a wholesale manufacturer of certified organic soap for private-label branding and resale. In 2014 we surpassed $1,000,000 in sales for the first time. Though we have several large clients, our roots remain with our small private-label customers, those who are working on their own soap-business dream and are partners in our success. We regard making the best soap in the industry as a responsibility. In keeping with our commit- ment to the best, we are on pace to donate 10,000 pounds of soap this year through the YWCA, the Watson Children’s’ Shelter, and the Montana Food Bank Network. Issue 2

June/July 19What It Means to Be as the percentage a product can have and still useOrganic – USDA Organic “organic” in its labels and marketing. For consum-Standards Explained ers, this is the most important category to under- stand, since it’s also the most misrepresented andSometime in the last few years, organic became the one most improperly marketed. This is espe-the new black. Growth rates for organic sales cially true for soap and skincare.average over 20% annually. In the clamor for salesdollars, there are fundamental questions to ask. How Organic Standards Apply to Soap andWhat does it mean for a product to be organic? SkincareHow do organic standards apply to soap and skin Bar soap and liquid soap – the true kind – can’tcare products, and how do consumer distinguish ever reach the 95% organic level. Certificationtrue organic from organic claims? requires accounting for all ingredients used in pro- duction, even if those ingredients don’t exist in theThree Levels of Organic Certification finished product. True soap requires lye for produc-The USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) has tion – sodium hydroxide for bar soap and potas-set the global standard for what makes a product sium hydroxide for liquid soap – which accountsorganic. Within the NOP, there are three levels of for 13-15% of original ingredients by weight. Evenorganic certification. Classification within these if all other ingredients in bar soap were certifiedlevels is based on the percentage of a product’s organic, it would never have an organic content oforganic ingredients vs. total ingredients, not count- more than 85-87%.ing water or salt. Here are the three organic levelsdefined: Meeting organic standards isn’t easy and making truly organic products isn’t cheap. Which is why“100% Organic” it’s important to verify if a company’s products areExactly what the name says. Dried organic herbs certified organic or if their labels and marketingare a perfect example. are simply using the word organic to cash in on its popularity. There’s only one organic proof – certifi-“Organic” cation according to USDA standards.Products in this category contain a minimum of95% organic contents. It’s usually a small amount At Botanie, we maintain a minimum organicof a natural preservative or processing aid that content level of 85% in our bar soaps and we arekeeps them from reaching 100%. Many fixed certified by the Montana Department of Agricultureoils (such as palm or coconut oil) contain a trace under the USDA National Organic Program.amount of citric acid to increase their shelf life. Anytrace ingredients must conformto the USDA’s list of ingredientsapproved for us in organic prod-ucts. Both the “100% Organic”and “Organic” categories areallowed to display the USDAorganic logo.“Made with Organic”Products in this category con-tain a minimum of 70% organiccontent, but don’t reach the 95%mark. The USDA has set 70% 2015

20 It’s Your Life MagazineBlacksmith Classfor High SchoolHomeschoolersJoyce WheelerI had the privilege of hosting instructor Simon Tomell. he constructed a forge thatthis two day intensive class Simon travels around the coun- Simon could use out in hisfrom Landry Academy. It was a try with his wife Treuly teaching driveway. Simon took it uponsmall class of about seven that this two day intensive class on himself to learn all he couldarrived at the house 9:00 am blacksmithing. He has been in- about the art of blacksmithingFriday morning to learn various volved in this art since he was through books, the internet,aspects of blacksmithing from in high school. His father and and the Michigan Artist Black-Issue 2

June/July 21smith Association. It did not take long before friends and familywere asking him to create various projects. It was due to this inter-est that he began to pursue ironworking as more than a hobby.After he graduated high school he took a job for the summer ata historic village in Ludington Michigan. This led to a residentblacksmith position at Sauder Village in Ohio where he has beenworking for almost a decade.Sauder Village is a living history museum located in ArchboldOhio. It is made up of historic buildings and craft shops. HereSimon creates beautiful ironwork to be sold in the shops and alsocreates custom pieces for visitors as well. He also gives publicdemonstrations of his work for the public at the village which hehas been doing for eight consecutive sessions to date.As you can see Simon knows blacksmithing and is happy to sharehis knowledge with high school homeschoolers. He goes over thebasics explaining the various tools, what they are used for, andhow to use them. At one point he even teaches the teens how tocreate a backyard forge from everyday items. 2015

22 It’s Your Life Magazine It was amazing to watch the teens create various pieces and see how each of them added their own creative touch. The first day they started with making an S ring. Other projects included nails, spoons, and chains. The second day the teens were able to choose to create a dinner bell or fire poker. Other projects offered are flint and starter set, mini horseshoe, and roasting fork. Our neighbor, an elderly gentleman, came over to see what was going on. He had a great interest for he himself had spent time watching his dad do some ironworking. Through various hints it became clear that this kindly gentleman wanted a dinner bell. Simon gladly forged one for him when he had some extra time. Due to the fact this is a two day intensive which lasts from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm both Friday and Satur- day teens need to bring their lunch, drinks, and snacks. There are various breaks throughout the class and when I hosted the class I made sure everyone had access to the bathrooms and the option to use the kitchen for eating. The cost for this class per student is $254.00 which gets your teen 1 credit semester in vocational/build- ing trade class. They also receive a t-shirt, manual, and certificate of completion. Requirements – Teens in 9th - 12th grade must be 13 years of age on the first day. For more information about the blacksmith intensive class for high school homeschoolers please visit the Landry Academy web site at the following link below. http://www.landryacademy.com/intensives/subject-area-overview/backyard-blacksmithing/ For the list of locations, dates, and times follow the following live link. http://www.landryacademy.com/live-classes/course-catalog/ Issue 2

June/July 23DIY Ginger What is a Tincture?Tincture An herbal tincture is simply an herbal extract.  Mary Smith Herbal remedies have been used throughout history to treat illnesses and ailments with-Making your own herbal home out “modern medicine” and pharmaceuticals. remedies is easy.  Herbal tea is a Tinctures are easy to make, home remedies. great start but Tinctures can a If properly prepared and stored, your tincturemuch stronger alternative.  The cost will last indefinitely.to purchase 2 ounces in the store isalmost 4 times what it would cost to What are the benefits ofmake your own.  Some are even 7 Ginger?times more expensive!You might enjoy reading Fight Vi- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has scientificruses with Organic Herbs & Food backing as an anti-nausea agent. It may offer other benefits to those stricken with infectionshttp://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/ diarrhea. Alcohol extracts of ginger are active2014/10/fight-viruses-with-organic- against bacteria that infect the intestinal tractherbs.html (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae Pseudomonas aeruginosa,http://www.marysheirloomseeds. Helicobacter pylori), skin and other soft tis-com/collections/organic-dry-herbs/ sues (Staphylococcus aureus), and respiratoryproducts/organic-ginger-root tract (Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae). Ginger has antifungal activity against the yeast Candida albicans. It also discourages intestinal worms. Because studies have shown that heat deactivates the antibacterial effect, it may be best to consume ginger raw, or in tincture or capsule form. 2015

24 It’s Your Life MagazineTo get started you’ll need:  A clean jar with Directions:a lid, vodka or everclear, herb(s), measuringcups and/or scale and labels.  1. Start with a cleaned and sterilized glassIf you purchase a DIY Tincture Kit from jar. Place organic Ginger root in your jar.Mary’s Heirloom Seeds, the herbs, jar with a 2. Measure out 3-4 cups of vodka or otherlid. labels and dropper bottle are all included.  menstruum and place inside your jar.All you need to do is measure out your men- *If you choose to use ACV or Vegetablestruum and combine! Glycerin, be aware that your Tincture will have a limited shelf life of approx 6 months*We now offer Herbal Kits (without the jar) for 3. Place the lid back on your jar and mixyour herbal pleasure! thoroughly. 4. Label your homemade Tincture with theLet’s get started making our Date and Ingredients.Tincture! 4. Store in a cool dry place such as a kitchen cabinetDIY Organic Ginger Tincture *Shake your brewing tincture regularly.  IIngredients and tools: prefer to shake my tinctures 2-3 times per1 clean jar with a lid (quart size) week.*4-6 cups of vodka or everclear1 ounce of organic, dried Ginger Root Start straining and consuming Ginger Tinc- ture after 4-6 weeks. I take approx 1/2 teaspoon up to 3 times daily as needed. Disclaimer: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We cannot and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before consuming any product(s). Ask the Gardner: Mary Smithwww.itsyourlifemag. Owner of Mary’s Heirloom Seeds, Mary has taught children and Adultscom all over the world about the benefits of organic gardening. You can find Mary over at her blog Back to the Basics or Mary’s Heirloom Seeds. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact Mary at [email protected] Order your Non-GMO seeds today with FREE SHIPPING within the US. Free pack of bee-friendly seeds included with all orders. www.marysheirloomseeds.com http://back2basichealth.blogspot.comIssue 2

June/July 25Cooking amazing brownies!), except that compared to co- coa powder, it is much sweeter. That’s one of the reasons I especially like to use it in baking; when using carob powder less sweetener is needed than when using baking chocolate or cocoa pow- der.with Carob And though it doesn’t taste exactly like choco- late, it does taste good. I like to use it in making smoothies and snacks as well as for baking.Diane Hurst Besides being tasty, it is also a food that is con- sidered to be super nutritious. It is high in calcium,I used to think of carob as a chocolate substitute. phosphorus, and trace minerals, and also someThat was before I learned that dark chocolate is special substances such as pectin (a soluble fiber)actually very healthy—so it doesn’t need to be and carob tannins (which bind to toxins and inhibitavoided for health’s sake (unless you are allergic growth of bacteria). Raw carob (richer in tanninsto it, pregnant or nursing, sensitive to the stimu- than roasted carob) has historically been used aslants caffeine and theobromine, or are a canine— a remedy for diarrhea and stomach pain.3chocolate is toxic to dogs1). So where does this wonderful powder come from?But even after embracing dark chocolate with Carob powder is obtained from pods that growopen arms, I still use carob much of the time—not on large trees native to the Mediterranean region.as a chocolate substitute, but for its own unique Today they are also cultivated in warm climate ar-characteristics. eas in other parts of the world. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks enjoyed using carob, and in GreeceIt does taste similar to chocolate (and makes during various times of history, this tree’s food has 2015

26 It’s Your Life Magazinesustained people when little other food was available (as during WW II).2 A large, well-established tree produces an average of 200 lbs. of pods each year. To make carob pow-der, the pods are washed, dried, and opened with a rough grinding to remove the seeds. Then furtherdried or roasted, and given a second, finer grinding. The seeds (found within the pods, and hard as rocks!) are also used. They are a source of food gumcalled locust bean gum (“locust bean” is another name for carob)—a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier. Although carob powder is a staple at our house, it is not generally available in supermarkets. We findit at natural food stores, and often it can be found in the bulk bins section. We always want to keep thisingredient on hand because it is used in some of our favorite snacks and desserts. Recipes will be com-ing up soon, but first, here are a couple of tips for using carob instead of chocolate4:Set your oven 25 degrees lower than usual when baking with carob, to prevent burning.To substitute for 1/2 C cocoa powder in a recipe, use 3/4 cups carob powder and reduce sweeteneramount by a quarter of the total amount called for.To substitute for 1 square baking chocolate in a recipe, use 3 T carob powder plus 1-2 T of milk (andreduce sweetener).OK, here are the carob recipes! They are already written with carob in mind, so no need to change any-thing. Just follow the steps to make some especially yummy (and healthy) treats! These are two favoritesfor our household. They are original recipes that have been much used and loved.Carob Brownies Freezer FudgeMix together: 1 C honey1 C butter, melted 1 C “Old Fashioned” style peanut butter1 C honey 1 C carob powder4 eggs, beaten 1 C ground-up almonds (use a food processor)2 t vanilla 1 t vanilla 1 T psyllium powder (psyllium is a mucilaginousMix together: herb; the recipe can be made without it, but it does2/3 C carob powder give the fudge a nice, chewy texture)2 C flour Mix all ingredients together well.2 t baking powder Press into a flat container, and put in freezer.Mix wet and dry ingredients together. When part-way frozen, take out and cut into smallOptional: squares, then continue to freeze. (If you forget toAdd a 1/3 C chopped walnuts take the fudge out when half frozen, and it gets all(Great for omega-3 fats! More texture, too) the way frozen, no worries; you’ll just need to let itOr sit out for a little while to soften so it can be cut).Add 1 C unsweetened dried coconut flakes(Also a good fat, and tastes delicious)Pour into greased pan, Bake at 325 degrees for 20minutes.Issue 2

June/July 27References:1. “Healthy Dogs.” Dogs and Chocolate Poisoning: A Toxic Combination. Web. 13 Apr. 2015. http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dogs-and-chocolate-get-the-facts.2. Morton, Julia Frances, and Curtis F. Dowling. Fruits of Warm Climates. Miami, FL: J.F. Morton ;, 1987.65 - 69. Print.3. “Raw Carob - Whole Bean Information, Nutrition, and More.” Raw Carob - Whole Bean Information,Nutrition, and More. Web. 13 Apr. 2015. http://www.living-foods.com/articles/rawcarob.html.4. Sugar, Alana. Web. 13 Apr. 2015. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/whole-story/advantages-carob. Diane and Michael Hurst have nine children, and have been homeschooling for over 25 years. Michael is an educational technology teacher who teaches public school and university. Diane is a stay-at-home mom, home teacher, writer, artist, and song writer. Diane and Michael have a homeschool cur- riculum business called Gentle Shepherd www.gentleshep- curr.com. 2015

28 It’s Your Life Magazine6 Ways to Make Fitnessa Family AffairAimee Shilling 2) Walk to activities if you live close enough.One of the hardest things about maintaining fitnessas a parent is figuring out a way to get your exer- Even though we live in a small rural community wecise in while still keeping your family a priority. This are still close enough that we can walk to school,balance isn’t always easy, and will look a little bit the local library, or the park. Depending on wheredifferent for everyone. Here are a few suggestions you live you may have to get creative to make thisof what has worked for our family. option work for you. 3) Play outside. Unstructured play can be just as good for fam- ily fitness as structured activities. Play tag in the backyard. Swing together on the swingset. Take turns climbing the monkey bars. Just have fun and be creative.1) Run a fun run together.It doesn’t have to beraced or a high pressureenvironment. Just getout and enjoy the timetogether. I’ve run raceswith all 4 of my kids in thepast, and we have madesome great memoriestogether. Issue 2

June/July 294) Join your local YMCA or youthsports organization.Most communities will have some sort of centerwhere kids can participate in group activities. Manywill also have scholarship opportunities if you findthat money is tight and you can’t af-ford the full tuition.5) Let your kids join youfor your workouts.My kids love joining me when I’mdoing an exercise video or liftingweights in our home gym. I’ll even letthem join me for a few miles on myeasy runs.6) Make good nutrition afamily affair.Let your kids join you in the kitchenas you cook. Giving them age appro-priate tasks to help with is a great way to show themhow to incorporate healthy eating into their everydaylifestyle. You an also let them accompany you to thegrocery store, or help grow veggies in a backyardgarden. Anything that helps them understand whatwhole foods are, and how to prepare them will setthem up for a life of healthy eating.Aimee Shilling is a pastor’s wife and mom of 4 amazing kids ages 3-10. Sheis working towards a goal of running 40 marathons or ultramarathons beforeher 40th birthday. She blogs at Forty by Forty Fitness about her goal, train-ing and nutrition tips, and fitness inspiration. www.fortybyfortyfitness.com 2015

30 It’s Your Life MagazineDeveloping Language Skills inYour Child NaturallyKatie Glennon to point at each word as you say it. Don’t be sur- prised if your child grabs your finger and startsIt All Begins with Reading Aloud using it to point at the words for you as you say the words. You can also point to pictures on theThe development of language skills begins at an page and identify what the picture is and sayearly age; whether you believe it is from before the word used for that picture. Your child makesthe time children are born or from the time chil- connections and is building vocabulary. Whendren are born, it begins early and naturally just your child is old enough, you can begin to askby listening and observing their surroundings. questions about the picture before or after youThe focus of this article focuses on developing read the words on the page. This helps developlanguage skills from time spent reading aloud predicting skills about what the story will betogether. It also assumes there are no language about on that page using clues from the picture,delays or challenges that need to be diagnosed or comprehension skills about what was justor addressed, although using these techniques read on that page.won’t do any harm and may help a child withchallenges.From the time my children were infants, I was There are specific features to look for in booksreading to them aloud before nap time and bed- to help develop language skills in your childtime and throughout the day. My books of choice during this read aloud time. Look for bookswere baby and young children’s classics like that have rhyme, rhythm, and repetition. Many“Goodnight Moon” or “I am a Bunny”. Children classic children’s books that have endured andabsorb the rhythm and speech patterns from a that children have enjoyed for ages have theseparent’s voice as they listen to these types of features. Margaret Wise Brown and Sandrabooks. I continued to read to my children from Boynton books have many of these features andinfant through toddlerhood and through middle lively, engaging pictures that capture the interestschool years. Not only did this opportunity offer of children.rich memories of time spent together sharing Dr. Seuss is known for his rhyming and fun sto-books, worthwhile thoughts, and interesting ries. Try reading Dr. Seuss stories reading thediscussion, but an exposure to a variety of greatliterature in its content and expression.Once a child can sit and look at a short picturebook, it is time to start working on early read-ing skills – not formal reading instruction. Earlyreading skills include understanding that thelittle squiggly marks on the page represent thesounds we make and put together to form wordswe say aloud, and that those words correspondin some way to the picture on the same page.You want to start reading while using your fingerIssue 2

June/July 31first line of a rhyming pair of lines and begin read- story using play figures. My son went through aing the second line, stopping and pausing right phase of needing to hear “The Little Engine Thatbefore the last word in the line that rhymes with Could” every night as a bedtime story. After awhile,the word above. Let your child fill in the blank, “the I could hear him acting the story out with his trainscat in the ____”. In a formal reading program, this and repeating some of the dialogue of the trains,would be an introduction to rhyming sounds, word “…and the old train puffed off indignantly” usingfamilies, and phonological awareness. the voice of a brusque, old man that I had used when reading the story. So, don’t be afraid to actRhythm and repetition are also important for out the characters’ feelings or personalities as youlanguage development. These features in stories read, it will assist your children in understandingallows the child to not only add to his vocabulary the story better.and remember phrases from the story, but enrich- Give them opportunities to act out or retell the sto-es a child’s sense of sentence development and ries using dolls, stuffed animals, pictures or felt cutstructure and the natural rhythm to our language. outs, other toys, or yourselves. They will gain greatStories strong in repetition are P. D. Eastman with enjoyment from it and it’s great practice in oral nar-“Are You My Mother?”, Eric Carle’s “The Very Hun- ration of a story they have heard, the subject of ourgry Caterpillar”, Bill Martin Jr. and his “Brown Bear, next article in this series.Brown Bear, What Do You See?”, and “Guess HowMuch I Love You” by Sam McBratney and Anita Below are websites with more information concern-Jeram. These are just a few of the titles by these ing early language development skills and activi-authors that offer rich early language development. ties you can do at home with your children.When children can repeat these lines from the sto- Building Literacy Every Day http://www.getreadytoread.org/ries or add to it while you are reading, they relish early-learning-childhood-basics/early-literacy/building-literacy-in their ability to contribute to the reading process every-dayand you are cementing their enjoyment in reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar Printable Story Props and Activi-and learning. Reading together provides a posi- ties http://www.dltk-teach.com/books/hungrycaterpillar/tive feeling and reinforcement of the experience Preschool Language Development Activities and Gamesof reading for your child, so he equates pleasure http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/reading-language/with reading books. This is an important asset for reading-milestones/preschooler-language-development-mile-later years as your child’s education progresses. stones/preschooler-activities-games/Learning and reading go hand in hand regardless Activities to Encourage Speech and Language Developmentof the subject area. This language development from Birth to 6 Years http://www.asha.org/public/speech/de-also enriches your child’s vocabulary and sentence velopment/Parent-Stim-Activities.htmstructure that will eventually assist your child in Retell the story of Brown Bear, Brown Bear with these printa-writing. bles http://www.gymboree.com/promo/campaign/ericcarle/ img/brownbear_scene.pdfGiving your child opportunities to retell stories, Print object cards from the story Goodnight Moon and retelleven from memory, assists your child in language this famous story together http://homeschoolcreations.com/skill development. You can do this by letting your GoodnightMoonPrintables.htmlchild read the book from the pictures, taking turnsreading every other page, or alternating reading Make sure you read next month’s issue to learn thesentences per page or just a repeating phrase. importance of moving from this stage to oral andYou will soon overhear your child telling them- written narration.selves stories aloud from memory, looking at abook and “pretending” to read it, or acting out the 2015

32 It’s Your Life Magazine Make Your Own Unit Study Using Charlotte Katie’s Homeschool Cottage Mason Methods Audio Seminar Workshop Set https://charlottemasonhomeschooling. wordpress.com/unit-studies/make-your-own- unit-study-using-charlotte-mason-methods- audio-seminar-workshop-set/https://charlottemasonhomeschooling.wordpress.com/freeebook/ Nature Study, Nature Journals, and Poetry Through the Year by Katie’s Homeschool Cottage Spring Nature Study and More by Katie’s Homeschool Cottage https:/ charlottemasonhomeschooling. wordpress.com/charlotte-mason- homeschool-curriculum/ Katie Glennon Former teacher/teacher trainer and course developer, Katie has homeschooled her boys for more than ten years, creatively using Charlotte Mason methods and unit studies. As an educational consultant, she has trained hundreds of parents throughout the Southeast in developing language skills in their children from an early age. https://charlottemasonhomeschooling.wordpress.com/freeebook/Issue 2

June/July 33Why Raw Milk?Nature’sNutrientRich FoodMarla GatesRaw milk is nature’s nutrient-rich food. When Americans drank raw milk, these diseases were rare. Pasteurizing milk and processing hasJune is dairy month so I would like to share some changed this once nutrient-dense food in so manyimportant facts that might help you decide if raw ways such as:milk should be part of your family’s diet. First, letme explain what raw milk actually means. It is real It destroys valuable enzymes.milk which comes from pastured cows, contains all Diminishes and destroys vitamin content.the fat, and has not been processed in any way. Denatures milk proteins.It is pure and raw, not homogenized or pasteur- Kills beneficial bacteria.ized. The best raw milk is from cows that live in anorganic, non-toxic environment and farming prac- Toxic synthetic additives are added.tices, grass-based feed and holistic health care. Plastic packaging that contain chemical contami-Although there is much controversy about the nants that are a probable human carcinogen andhealth risks of raw milk, new studies have found hormone disruptor such as - (Di (2-ethylhexyl)that it is a low-risk healthy food. phthalate (DEHP).Processed (pasteurized and/or homogenized) Today’s “modern pasteurized” milk is very dif-milk has been associated with causing numerous ferent from “raw milk.” Conventional farminghealth problems including: methods and modern cow breeds have changed dramatically in the past few decades. Some ofAllergies those unhealthy changes are:Increased tooth decay Cows are fed growth hormones to increase milkColic in infants production.Growth problemsEar infections in children Genetic selection for increased milk production hasOsteoporosis caused the need for special feed, supplements,Arthritis and vaccines, including regular antibiotics.Diabetes Genetically engineered bovine growth hormonesHeart Disease are given to the cows on a regular basis to in-Cancer crease milk production. 2015

34 It’s Your Life MagazineCompare today’s “modern pasteurized” milk up to 66%. Vitamin C loss is over 50% while B6to “raw milk”: and B12 are almost completely destroyed.Enzymes: Minerals:Raw – The enzymes are Raw – Calcium, chlorine, magnesium, phos-all available for digestion. phorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur and tracePasteurized – Less than 10% of enzymes re- minerals are 100% available. Pasteurized – Cal-main. cium is altered by over 50% and other minerals are less available depending on temperature ofProtein: pasteurization. Raw - 100% available, all 22 aminoacids, including 8 that are essential. Beneficial Bacteria:Pasteurized - Amino acids lysine and tyrosine Raw – The friendly acid forming bacteria in raware altered by heat with some serious loss of milk slows the growth of pathogenic bacteria.metabolic availability. This makes the whole Raw milk will keep in at least a week in refrig-protein complex less available for tissue repair. eration and will sour naturally and safely. Pasteurized – Contamination after pasteuriza- tion enables pathogens to thrive enabling the milk to spoil.Fats:Raw – Fat is a source of flavor, fat-soluble Cultured Milk (yogurt, kefir, and koumiss)vitamins, and essential fatty acids and is Raw – Contains the original raw milk ben-very digestible since milk is highly emulsi- eficial organisms and friendly bacteria/fied. All 500 saturated and unsaturated yeast cultures and will help eliminate harmfulfatty acids and fatty acid derivatives are bacteria in the gut. metabolically available. Fats are neces- sary to metabolize protein and calcium. Pasteurized – Cultures are mainly weak orPasteurized – The enzyme lipase, vital for fat dead, depending on what additives and pro-digestion is totally destroyed by pasteurization. cessing was performed.Fatty acids are not altered. I have chosen raw milk in my home and for my family. Raw milk is the way nature meant it to beCarbohydrates: – pure and natural. Conventional store boughtRaw – Lactose is slowly absorbed by the milk is a chemically engineered, processedblood and can be utilized in metabolism. product scientist’s supposedly improved for ourPasteurized – Tests indicate that heat makes safety. But in reality, I feel it is to make morecarbohydrates less available into the blood. profit for the big corporations. I have given you the facts. So, it’s your choice! You make theVitamins: decision. Is raw milk right for you?Raw – All fat-soluble and water-soluble vitaminsare 100% available. Pasteurized – Loss of vitamin A, D, E, and F is Marla Gates Owner of http://www.organic4greenlivings.com, Marla worked in the health- care field for over 10 years and has dealt with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensi- tivities) for over 20 years. She has gained much knowledge on natural healing and living green in all aspects of life. Her goal is to help educate others about alternatives solutions to health issues, protecting the environment, eating and living a healthy lifestyle.Issue 2

June/July 35PurificationMiranda GonzalezEssential oils are all the rage now. It is hard to surf 3. Get rid of Mold and Fungus-the web for any length of time and not run acrossa mention of them. Maybe you even know friends Again, just take your handy-dandy spray bottle andand family who are using them. Although people tackle that mold or fungus wherever it is growing.have been using essential oils for health and Once you get it clean, keep spraying down thewellness, cleaning, and countless other uses for area periodically to keep it from coming back. Thiscenturies, use of them has just recently come back is great to use in showers!into popularity. While there are many uses for eachessential oil, it can be hard to know just what they 4. Freshen Laundry-are. This article will highlight one popular and veryversatile essential oil: Purification. It has so many I know NONE of you are like me and forget touses- cleansing, sanitizing, and health mainte- rotate your laundry load before you go to bed atnance, to name a few. Here are some of the many night. Or leave a load in the washer all weekend.ways I personally use Purification in my home to Oops! I used to have to re-wash it 2-3 times whenkeep it clean and smelling fresh! that happened just to get most of the smell out, and some clothes still smelled musty. Now, I have1. Insect and Rodent Control- gotten better about not doing that, but if I do forget I just restart the washer with a little detergent andThe little nasty’s certainly don’t like this! The com- about 4-6 drops of Purification, and they come outbination of citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary, smelling fresh, fresh, fresh. Even when I stay onamong other oils in the blend, keeps the pests top of the laundry I like to occasionally add a fewon the run. This makes me very happy. Put a few drops to a load, especially of towels, to get themdrops into a spray bottle with water and a little smelling nice. Another great way is to douse abit of witch hazel, and then spray around doors clean dishrag with a few drops and throw it in theand windows, or on yourself if you’re looking for a dryer with the load.chemical-free bug spray. You can also put a fewdrops on a cotton ball and place in areas where 5. Clean the Air-you know the insects or rodents are coming in todeter them. When I am deep cleaning my house, Purification is my go-to oil to diffuse. Not only does it have an2. Sanitize your countertops- energizing smell, but it actually cleans the ick- ies out of the air. This is super good when you’reWhat I LOVE about Young Living oils is that they dusting and sweeping because otherwise all thoseare so versatile. Just take your same spray bottle germs just get swirled up into the air to get inhaledyou made for keeping the bugs away and spray by your family. This oil is also great at getting outdown your countertops to kill any lingering germs. cooking smells. The scents of beans, curry, onions,Bonus-bugs won’t want to crawl around up there! and garlic have all bit the dust when faced withYou could also put a couple drops in a glass bowl Purification from my diffuser. I love the smell ofwith some water and use it to wipe down your food when it is actually cooking or being eaten, butcounters with a sponge or dishrag. nobody wants to have company come over in the morning and be able to smell last night’s dinner. Yuck! 2015

36 It’s Your Life Magazine6. Sanitize sponges-One of my pet peeves is when some-one leaves the dish sponge in thesink when they are done with it. Itstays wet and becomes a breedingground for bacteria. I am constantlythrowing out sponges because of this.They start to stink and that’s whenyou know the bacteria have takenover. I used to microwave them, andwhile I know from biology class thatmicrowaving will kill the germs, theystill stink! Now when one of my dearfamily members leaves my sponge tobreed in the sink I just fill up a bowlwith hot water and 3 drops of Purifica-tion and leave the sponge soaking forabout 10 minutes. Kills the germs andthe smell.So that is how I use this very versatileoil in my home. There are also manyuses for maintaining a healthy im-mune system-but that will be for another article. Just knowing thatI have been able to replace so many harmful chemical cleanersmakes me feel happy and confident that I am doing what is bestfor my family.This article first appeared on Rahab to Riches Miranda Gonzalez Miranda is a homeschooling mom to 5 children and a wife to her amaz- ing husband. She enjoys using essential oils and finding other all natural methods of keeping her family healthy and her home clean. During her free time she likes to read and write. You can find her blogging over at Rahab to Riches. http://rahabtoriches.comIssue 2

June/July 37http://rahabtoriches.com/monthly-essential-oils-promotion/ 2015

38 It’s Your Life MagazineHow to Get and cauliflower. Start with small pieces and always have a couple of different veggies on the plate soYour Kids to the kids can begin to discern the differences in flavor. If they don’t enjoy a particular veggie at first,Eat Veggies that’s OK. Try again. Don’t back down...and don’t give in. Kids will learn to appreciate the flavors ofWithout Losing the foods they’re given, so doesn’t it make sense to help them learn to enjoy foods that will be kind toYour Cool (or their bodies as they grow?Your Mind)! Discuss with your kids why you are asking them to eat an array of vegetables. Tell them how impor-Lindajean Luca, CNHP tant it is for them to have a well-balanced diet. Instill in them the understanding that eating well isOne of the comments I hear most frequently from their best defense against illness. Kids don’t like toparents who seek to improve their childrens’ diets be sick (who does?), and they’ll eagerly eat freshis, “My kids simply refuse to eat vegetables!” My veggies when they understand that they will haveheart breaks as they tell me how the kids run more play time and less sick-in-bed time whentoward chicken nuggets, fish sticks and french their immune systems can support the demandsfries, but head for the hills whenever the dreaded of their busy lives. When we first switched to abroccoli or chick pea makes an appearance at whole-foods diet years ago, my daughter was notthe dinner table. Let’s explore some ways we can yet 3 years old and, trust me, she had very littlehelp kids learn to enjoy the flavors of healthier familiarity with fresh vegetables or whole foods.foods...and how we can teach them that nutritious Introducing steamed and raw vegetables to herfoods can be delicious, too. was challenging and, at first, she was not a will- ing participant in my healthy-eating experiment. IIntroduce your kids to all sorts of veggies (including explained to her that we, as a family, got sicklegumes - beans, peas, lentils, etc) when they’re too often and that we were going to feel betteryoung. As they become familiar with the variety of by changing the way we ate. She didn’t love theflavors, textures and aromas of vegetables, they’re flavors of her foods at first, but she saw that Daddyfar more likely to continue to eat them as they grow and I were eating those different foods and thatup. Making the transition from pureed baby veg- we, too, were learning to enjoy them. As we allgies to steamed is not difficult, but be certain that tried new things, we realized that fresh foods, prop-they are fresh...not canned or frozen. Teaching erly prepared, tastedthe kids to appreciate the flavors of fresh foods isnecessary, so just do it. As their little teeth developand they become more confident and competentchewers, offer your kids steamed carrots, stringbeans, greens (like kale, collard greens and chard)Issue 2

June/July 39good. I told her that, from that moment on, we (derived from fruit and vegetables) while supplyingonly would eat foods that were “delicious and them with vitamins and minerals that may be lack-nutritious”...and she got a little excited about the ing in their diets. These products taste great andprospect. She’s an adult now, living on her own, kids actually enjoy taking them, so there will be noand - I must say - is a really good eater. She eats more struggles at vitamin time!all vegetables eagerly and is not shy about trying One last tip...stop serving “kid food” to your kids.them prepared in different ways. She prepares Serve your family food that is healthy and deli-her own meals and has become particularly adept cious. Teach your kids that everyone in the familyat making her dishes appealing in presentation, eats all sorts of yummy veggies, and let them seearoma and flavor. OK, so she’s not the biggest fan that you relish those flavors. You will save time be-of the parsnip or the rutabaga...but she eats them cause you’ll no longer cook one food for one familyand recognizes that they are providing her body member and something different for another. Usewith energy to do all of the fun things she wants to that extra time to read a book together, play ado each day. game or toss a ball. Eat well, have fun, be healthy!  http://www.his-n-herbs.com/shop/category.You love your kids and want them to be healthy asp?vitamins-herbs=Sunshine-Heroes---and happy, right? Please understand that combin- NEW!&catid=73ing good health and happiness is a more attain-able goal when you teach kids to be adventurouswith the foods that provide their bodies with thevitamins and minerals they need to grow, andserve as the building blocks for good health later inlife. Switch carrot and red pepper sticks for cheesesticks as lunchbox treats. Supply steamed frozenedamame (soybeans) as munchies instead ofsalty chips. Serve celery with organic unsaltedpeanut butter as a TV-time snack. Be creative!You will be blessed as you see your kids dare totry new foods, and you will be amazed at howthat bold spirit begins to seep into every aspectof their lives. While you’re introducing your kids tohealthier foods, you may choose to consider somesupplementation for their diets. Sunshine Heroesby Nature’s Sunshine Products is a line of lovelyproducts designed to provide kids with antioxidantprotection, amino acids and “whole foods” complexLindajean Luca, CNHP (Certified Natural Health Professional), has helpedcountless women (and their families) attain their health goals through herweight loss/nutrition classes, as well as via private nutrition/herbal consulta-tions for those who prefer to work in a one-on-one setting. As the owner/opera-tor of www.His-n-Herbs.com, she is a proud distributor of NATURE’s SUN-SHINE PRODUCTS, a globally-recognized line of herbal supplements. 2015

Heavenly Bodies Healing Salve Our precise method for creating this salve takes 6 weeks. This guarantees the quality of the product and consistency of the product. Our Ingredients Plantain – Astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial used for snake and insect bites externally Comfrey – Pain reliever, reduces swelling, regenerates skin cells very quickly, sprains, bruises externally Marshmallow Root – Anti-inflammatory used for cuts, boils, eczema, and psoriasis externally Inactive ingredients olive oil and bees waxAvailable at yourlife7.blogspot.com and the Columbia St. Natural Foods in Covington Louisiana

June 6, 2015 5-9PmPFe5teah scAetninvDuaaall yTOWn SquARE . DOWNTOWn BATON ROUGE Family friendly event features yoga, healing arts, music, local + sustainable food, local art, culture + community in an ecologically responsible environment worldpeacedaybr.com