Organics Sense: 2012

Dandelion. That weed that seems to pop up in our yard and is so hard to get rid of. But had we known it has healing properties, we may have thought twice before getting rid of the popular misunderstood pest.

Believe it or not, Dandelion has cancer fighting properties. According to Livestrong.com, "The U.S. National Library of Medicine (USNLM) site also indicates that dandelion is used to treat these conditions: cancer, colitis, diabetes and hepatitis B." - http://www.livestrong.com/article/159053-dandelion-root-vs-dandelion-leaf/#ixzz28oVjqWq3. Another Livestrong.com article credits Dandelion for helping numerous types of cancers - http://www.livestrong.com/article/379095-dandelion-herb-for-cancer/.

I use Dandelion Leaves in my smoothies. I blend them with other leaves, beets, carrots, ginger and lemon; put them into ice cube trays and freeze them. I grab six of them each morning and blend with some fruit and maple syrup and whatever herbs/spices I have a taste for to have a great, healthy smoothie. I like putting them into ice cubes and blending them later because the "mushy" texture is removed. When I would blend my leaves with fruit, I didn't particularly like the "mushy" texture.

Does anyone else have a Dandelion recipe to share?

Monday, October 8, 2012

C is for Cabbage

When I think of cabbage, I think of the infamous "cabbage soup" diet. I was excited to know that cabbage is a cancer fighting food. 'Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer..." (http://www.cancure.org/cancer_fighting_foods.htm). Cabbage also has additional cancer fighting properties - "Isothiocyanates (pronounced eys-so-thigh-o-sigh-an-ate) stop carcinogens in three different ways, according to The Cancer Project: They prevent carcinogens from being activated, they counteract the effects of carcinogens once they have been activated and they speed up the removal of carcinogens from the body" - http://www.naturalnews.com/032377_cabbage_anti-cancer_food.html#ixzz28i7W2xZx

Cabbage can be eaten in so many varieties - cole slaw, sauerkraut, shredded to add to salad and stir fries, and in, of course, soup. Cabbage also made The Daily Green list of 15 foods that does not have to be eaten organic - http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Save-on-Sustainable-Gallery-44032808. This cruciferous vegetable can be purchased at incredibly low prices at Aldi, Save A Lot and Walmart. Local grocers have cabbage at affordable prices, too. The Daily Green suggests purchasing heads of cabbage that have tight leaves and is heavy in weight. A great recipe for Asian salad is below - thanks, The Daily Green!

ASIAN COLE SLAW

INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 large head savoy cabbage (about 2 1/2 pounds), thinly sliced and tough ribs discarded
1 bag (16 ounces) carrots, shredded
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
PREPARATION
1. In large bowl, with wire whisk or fork, mix rice vinegar, vegetable oil, sesame oil, and salt.
2. Add cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro; toss well. If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(based on individual servings)
Calories: 55
Total Fat: 2 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 260 mg
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: g
Protein: 2 g

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/asian-coleslaw-1202#ixzz28i9NfSzJ

Daily Deals!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Daily Deals!

$4.29 for 1 year Whole Living Magazine subscription with code from Stretching a Buck.
http://www.stretchingabuckblog.com/2012/10/whole-living-magazine-subscription-deal-1-year-for-4-29-10.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+StretchingABuck+%28Stretching+a+Buck%29

$2.56/each Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Sweet White Sorghum Flour 22 oz from Jungle Deals and Steals.
http://jungledealsandsteals.com/bobs-red-mill-gluten-free-sweet-white-sorghum-flour-22-ounce-2-56-each/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JungleDealsSteals+%28Jungle+Deals+%26+Steals%29

Muir Glen pasta sauce and Cascadian Farms cereal coupons on Coupons.com.
http://www.coupons.com/coupons/Foods-Coupons-107/

$8.94 Watts Beauty Organic Argan Oil 1oz from Healthy Life Deals
http://healthylifedeals.com/organic-argan-oil/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HealthyLifeDeals+%28Healthy+Life+Deals%29

50% off Eco-Pac Eco Reusable Food Bags from Healthy Life Deals.
http://healthylifedeals.com/50-off-re-pac-eco-friendly-food-bags/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HealthyLifeDeals+%28Healthy+Life+Deals%29

15% off hot dogs and ground beef from Organic Prairie.
http://www.organicprairie.com/prod_detail_list/seasonal?utm_source=pfcust&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20121001

To B or not to B!

After reading an awesome Instagram post from my amazing godson, I realized that I have to make this month's posts important. His inspiration from his dedication to his grandmother, whom he has never met because she passed before he was born, overcame me. "Mama Bear" passed from breast cancer. My grandmother also passed from this terrible disease. I credit my grandmother for giving me the best gift ever - an introduction to Jesus.

The next letter in the alphabet is B. Broccoli is a serious cancer fighter that is affordable and easy to prepare. Don't cook it too long. Vegies lose most of its nutrient value when heated above degrees. Kristie Leong, M.D. wrote an article stating that steaming broccoli in a metal or bamboo steamer retains most of its nutrients, particularly the anticancer agent gucusinolate - http://voices.yahoo.com/how-cook-vegetables-without-losing-their-vitamins-352528.html. Amazon has a great bamboo steamer for $14.99 and it's eligible for Free Super Saving Shipping on orders over $25 -
http://www.amazon.com/Joyce-Chen-26-0013-10-Inch-Steamer/dp/B0001VQIYU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349183786&sr=8-1&keywords=steamer+bamboo

Did you know that the body absorbs more calcium from broccoli than milk - yep, you read it right - more calcium from broccoli than milk. Livestrong.com's article states that "only 30 percent of the calcium in dairy is absorbed, compared to more than 50 percent absorption of calcium from broccoli" - http://www.livestrong.com/article/117287-broccoli-high-calcium-foods/#ixzz289ATcxoZ

Broccoli is on the "safe" veggie list. This list is composed of vegetables and fruits that can be eaten conventional. The Daily Green places Broccoli on its "The Clean 15: Foods You Don't Have To Buy Organic" list - http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Save-on-Sustainable-Gallery-44032808You can find great deals at Aldi's, Save-A-Lot, Target, Walmart and local grocers. Publix has 2 bunches for $4.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Deal Seeking Mom has 31 days of Homemade

Love this blogger! She is now taking on 31 days of homemade recipes. The first one is a Taco Seasoning recipe. I have my own but her version is awesome! I love spicy things so this recipe definitely will be a staple of mine. No preservatives, additives nor any of the other sludge that comes in most packaged versions. I'll keep an update at the end of each week. Let me know what recipes you like and what you don't like. If you make adjustments for your dietary/health needs, please share.

Great idea Deal Seeking Mom! I'm looking forward to more tasty recipes! Click the link provided to get all of the recipes.

http://dealseekingmom.com/31-days-of-homemade/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DealSeekingMom+%28Deal+Seeking+Mom%E2%84%A2%29

Let's start with the letter A...

This month, I'm going to read up on one food a day. You always hear of what the best foods are that you should eat, but you rarely hear about WHY that food is so good for you. All that said, I am going to take on the task of going through the alphabet of foods. Example - A is for Apple.

I love iVillage.com. They have great articles about living a healthy lifestyle. And the information provided is easy to understand and incorporate into my everyday life. Today I read "Dr. Oz's 99 Healthiest Foods -- How Many Are In Your Shopping Cart?"http://www.ivillage.com/dr-ozs-99-healthiest-supermarket-foods/4-b-437880#ixzz283QmgNfM. And wouldn't you know, the first food was an Apple!

Who knew Apples were a heart healthy food and can help maintain a healthy body weight?! Not to mention, Apples are a great food to eat plain. I am a "dipper" (I love dips and condiments!) and love to match Apples up with peanut butter. Remember, Apples are on the Eating Well's Dirty Dozen list as #1 for foods you should buy organic. Find out why: http://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/organic_natural/dirty_dozen_plus_14_foods_you_should_buy_organic
There are soooooooo many varieties. My favorite are the Cameo Apples dipped in peanut butter. It's something about that that sweet and salty blend that makes my taste buds scream!!! Apples are an October seasonal food - http://gourmetfood.about.com/od/slowfoodorganiclocal/a/inseasonoctober.htm - so they are plentiful and ripe!

Get $1 off Earth Balance Peanut Butter with a great coupon from Mambo Sprouts.
http://www.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=15046&zid=uw18&nid=10&bid=alk100106103074a946e754216

Great Applesauce recipe from Eatingwell.com.
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/maple_cinnamon_applesauce.html

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Daily Deals!

Four new Gardein Meatless Products coupons.
http://healthylifedeals.com/four-new-gardein-meatless-products-coupons/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HealthyLifeDeals+%28Healthy+Life+Deals%29

Naked Coconut Water Coupon.
http://healthylifedeals.com/naked-coconut-water-coupon-2/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HealthyLifeDeals+%28Healthy+Life+Deals%29

Burt's Bees Gud Coupon.
http://healthylifedeals.com/new-burts-bees-gud-product-coupon/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HealthyLifeDeals+%28Healthy+Life+Deals%29

Natural and Organic Coupons from Money Saving Mom.
http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/09/natural-and-organic-coupons-and-deals-95.html

30% off People Towels with Mambo Sprouts code.
http://archive.mambosprouts.com/emailblasts/2012/sept/peopletowels/main1.html

30% off select Orange Products at ecomom.
http://www.ecomom.com/promo/2012/september/orange.html?utm_source=ecomom&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20120928_1412_Orange72HrSale

$10 off $50 of Desert Essence products with code GREEN.
http://e2.ma/message/a2rxc/iw0ab

Friday, September 28, 2012

Daily Deals!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Plan Meals With Weekly Sales

A great way to save on grocery purchases is planning meals around the weekly sales. I know, I know, eating the organic and natural way costs a little more than the pesticide infested alternatives. But when you consider the benefits of avoiding all of the prescriptions, surgeries and joint replacements in your future due to the nutrient depleted vegies and fruits that are sold in our market, the pros outweigh the cons.

This week, I am hitting my local grocery stores and stocking up on items that are on sale. For example: Fresh Market has wild cod for $7.99/lb ($4 off), Publix has Stonyfield Oikos Greek yogurt 10 for $1 and I am going to use my Stonyfield rewards coupons that I printed from their websited (stonyfield.com). Whole Foods, Trader Joes and Chamberlain's have numerous deals in store when you browse the aisles. Whole Foods also has a coupon booklet that you can add manufacturer's coupons to and get more cents off! Makes sense, right?! Oh! Almost forgot, if you have American Express, check out their site from time to time. In August I was able to snag a great offer with Whole Foods. If I download $100 per month onto my Whole Foods gift card from my American Express card, I received $10 additional and $5 additional for the two subsequent months. Sooooooo, over three months I get $320 for downloading $300. Every little bit counts, right!? And I earn rewards on my American Express card!

Don't leave out the warehouse clubs when looking for deals. Sam's Club has 16 oz plastic containers of organic spinach and organic salad mix for about $4 a piece, which is the price for a 4 oz bag in most grocery stores. Aldi's has great deals on cauliflower, broccoli, pineapple, cantaloupe and, when in season, watermelon, these fruits and vegies can be eaten "conventional" style. Believe it or not, Aldi's has great prices on wild salmon - yep, wild salmon. Oh, how I wish Trader Joe's was within driving distance - that grocer has GREAT deals on organic eggs, milk, cheese, avocados, bread, fish - well, EVERYTHING! I miss my Earth Fare Market deals. That's one gem I enjoy when I visit Ohio. GREAT daily deals and sales.

Within the next few weeks, I'll be able to post unpublished sales at stores within my area to help out us frugal folk. I used to go by the weekly ads only for my shopping list. Low and behold I ventured out of my comfort zone and realized that there were tons of sales that were great deals that weren't in the ads!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Daily Deals!

$2 coupon for ecover laundry detergent.
https://www.hopster.com/offers/ecover-laundry-products-magazine-promotion/14

$.50 off Green Valley Organic yogurt from Organic Deals and Coupons.
http://www.organicdeals.com/home/2012/9/24/rare-green-valley-organics-yogurt-coupon.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OrganicDeals+%28Organic+Deals+%26+Coupons%29

25% off Bath, beauty and body products on Abe's Market from Organic Deals and Coupons.
http://www.organicdeals.com/home/2012/9/24/25-off-bath-beauty-and-body-at-abes-market.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OrganicDeals+%28Organic+Deals+%26+Coupons%29

New Mambo Sprouts Coupons from Food Allergies on a Budget.
http://www.foodallergiesonabudget.com/september-new-mambo-sprouts-coupons/

Free Newman's Own Organic coffee from McDonalds on Frugal Living and Having Fun.
http://www.frugallivingandhavingfun.com/2012/09/mcdonalds-free-newmans-own-organic-coffee/

15% off Organic Prairie breakfast meats.
http://www.organicprairie.com/prod_detail_list/seasonal/?utm_source=pfcust&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20120917

Mambo Sprouts coupons!
http://www.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=15046&zid=uw18&nid=10

$1 off Seventh Generation select cleaning products on Alice.com.
https://seventhgeneration.alice.com/products?redirect=/products&tag_id=1114&order=savings_dollars&source=email

Monday, September 24, 2012

Daily Deals!!!!!!!

Alice.com updated Green Organic Deals.
https://www.alice.com/products/green_organic

Groupon Philadelphia has $25 for $50 from GlutenFreely.com - site has organic products.
http://www.groupon.com/deals/glutenfreelycom-philadelphia?c=button&sid=11262283&utm_medium=email&s=body&utm_campaign=glutenfreelycom-philadelphia&utm_content=all-deals_philadelphia&division=philadelphia&pt=&date=20120924&p=6&utm_source=newsletter&user=f7c71519e76af7a4eb66ade5805284f16233da2ddd919c62c11dd343c3e13c2a

Free trial from Honest Diapers and Essentials by Jessica Alba - thanks Woman Freebies!
http://womanfreebies.com/free-samples/free-trial-from-honest-diapers/?utm_content=Newsletter&utm_campaign=sendgird&utm_source=WomanFreebies.com&utm_term=Email&utm_medium=Emal

$1 coupon off 3 Kashi cereals from Woman Freebies.
http://womanfreebies.com/coupons-and-savings/kashi-cereal-or-snack-bars/?utm_content=Newsletter&utm_campaign=sendgird&utm_source=WomanFreebies.com&utm_term=Email&utm_medium=Emal

$20 for $40 of products from Simply Pure from Mamapedia.
http://deals.mamapedia.com/deals/simply-pure?utm_campaign=3736&utm_medium=email&utm_source=deal_alert_maindeal_add1

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Oh No! I'm past the 4-Oh!

This month I turn 41! I have decided to truly take better care of my body. I don't want to see myself on numerous medications that I cannot pronounce to maintain my health 10 years down the line. Here goes:
30 minutes of workout three times a week
no fried foods unless I fry them myself (except for tortilla chips :-) )
7 hours of sleep a night

I'll log my journey each Monday. I'm going to start doing all of these workouts I've torn out of magazines the past 5 years. Don't want all of my hard workout from ripping out pages to go to waste - lol!!!! I'm also going to stop eating after 8pm Sunday thru Thursday. Friday and Saturday I often hang out and I might have a snack or drink later in the evening. This morning I made it to 10 pushups, 5 leg lifts (to the top of my head while lying down - a GREAT pilate move!), 20 seconds of side planks (on each side). Tonight I'll complete one of my tear-out workouts and repeat my first-thing-in-the-morning-wake-me-up workout. Pray for me!!!!!

Tomorrow I'll post some of my favorite foods I eat to maintain my health and some great beauty tips I use to keep my youthful appearance. As always...

God bless!

Organics Sense

Monday, April 2, 2012

I Am Sweet On Sauerkraut

There has been a recent craze over the past decade for a great and powerful product – Probiotics! According to Naturally Savvy you can get probiotics from eating fermented foods ( - http://www.naturallysavvy.com/nutrition/fermented-foods-eat-your-probiotics ). This is great news for those who cannot enjoy one of the most common forms of probiotics – yogurt.

I love sauerkraut. I cannot tell you how happy I was to find out that I can get probiotics in another form other than the boring pill and my daily serving of yogurt and carob chips. It all has to do with the fermentation. Cabbage is the main ingredient in sauerkraut; this ingredient combats cancer in our body. Don’t get crazy with the sauerkraut, it is salty and we wouldn’t want to have another problem arise in our bodies from too much salt. And one of my favorite doctors, Dr. Oz, stated eating fermented foods, like sauerkraut, can help prevent cancer. Here is a great recipe from his website with a paragraph talking about the benefits of eating sauerkraut/cabbage (http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/cancer-fighting-salad ).

Sauerkraut also has additional properties. Everyday Health explains how fermented foods aid in digestion. - http://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/how-fermented-foods-aid-digestion.aspx

Eden Organics is offering 15% off online orders with the code OCA. I found sauerkraut for $4.33 on their website (http://www.edenfoods.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=103900). I also found Woodstock Sauerkraut on Amazon.com for $8.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Woodstock-Farms-Organic-Sauerkraut-Ounce/dp/B005NJLSRW/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1333087845&sr=1-1)

and shipping is free with other qualifying purchases totaling at least $25.

Here is a recipe that I eat and love. I make this for my mom almost every time I visit home.

Pastrami

Turkey

Rueben Sandwiches

Thousand Island dressing:

Catsup

Safflower mayo

1 tspn. Sweet relish

1 dash Hot sauce

Three pinches Garlic powder

Use equal amounts of catsup and safflower mayo and blend. Add other ingredients and blend. Allow to sit in the fridge for about one hour to allow the consistency thicken.

6 slices Pastrami turkey

½ cup Sauerkraut

2 slices Rye bread with unsalted butter spread on outer sides

2 slices Swiss cheese

Heat up sauerkraut in small stainless steel pot. Heat up pastrami turkey in iron skillet. Place pastrami turkey, sauerkraut in cheese between to buttered slices of rye bread (please keep buttered sides on the outside).

In an iron skillet, place the prepared sandwich in the center. Cover with a lid until the cheese begins to melt. Flip the sandwich and repeat.

Note: You can add the dressing on the sandwich before putting it in the skillet or add it afterward. I like to add it afterward so the dressing doesn’t spill out in the iron skillet.