Monday, July 18, 2011

That Marvelous Maple Syrup

When I decided to give up high fructose corn syrup, my first thought was, "what will I put on my pancakes!?"  In case you didn't know, most commercial syrups are loaded down with high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup.  The Thrifty Mama has a great article on tips to get HFCS out of your diet http://www.thethriftymama.com/2011/07/high-fructose-corn-syrup.html.  The dangers and damage to your system is not worth dealing with it.  Again I ask, "what will I put on my pancakes!?"

I found a great substitute while eating at Cracker Barrel.  100% maple syrup!  Of course, you have to be wary of many commercial brands that claim to be pure maple syrup when actually it is junk flavored with pure maple syrup.  Whole Foods has a delicious organic maple syrup that comes in a jug for $18.99.  I know, a bit expensive, but it lasts a long time.  I purchase the Grade B maple syrup; Grade A is also available.  But the benefits of maple syrup is worth the additional expense.  In April of this year, the LA Times wrote an article discussing the many antioxidant properties found in maple syrup http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/05/news/la-heb-maple-syrup-superfood-20110405.  The Worlds Healthiest Food posted an article discussing the benefits of manganese and zinc which are nutrients in maple syrup http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=115

I use maple syrup on pancakes, in smoothies, in oatmeal and in iced tea.  I have to remind myself to only use a small amount.  Maple syrup is very sweet and a little bit goes a long way!  I suggest buying a small bottle to start off with to see if you like the taste.  I loved it the first time I tried it!  Trader Joes has organic maple syrup for $5.49.  Try it out!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Dangers of Lip Gloss

Hey!  I took a one week sabbatical to get organized and revived.  In a few weeks, hopefully I will have this site up to par and looking great.  I have a new respect for fellow bloggers.  Making a living as a blogger is not easy and takes a lot of research, education and time.  That is why I give kudos to all of the blogs that encourage those interested in blogging to find something you are passionate about.  I am very passionate about organic and green living as you will realize as this blog blooms!

Found an interesting article that spoke about lip gloss and the dangers in a common material.  Petrolatum.  The Daily Health Web posted a Dr. Oz article talking about the dangers of certain ingredients in beauty products http://dailyhealthweb.blogspot.com/2010/02/dr-oz-top-three-dangers-in-your-beauty.html.  Petroleum jelly is derived from drilling - meaning, if you put it on your lips and happen to lick it off (as I do often!) it is just like licking gasoline!  This blew me away.  For years I wore lip gloss and plenty of it.  Today I keep lip balm in my purse that is petrolatum free.  I love Burt's Bees lip balms.  If you subscribe to All You magazine, there is a $1 Burt's Bees coupon on page 28 http://www.allyou.com/coupons-deals/june-coupons-00411000072306/ (thanks regularmom.com!)  I found a great deal from Organics Deals and Coupons (organicdeals.com).  Eos lip balms are on sale for 2 for $6 at Walgreens.  You get $4 back in register rewards meaning you get the two eos lip balms for only $2 - $1 each!  I'm going to head over and grab a couple.  I will give an update on how I like them.  Feel free to email me/comment on your impression, also!