Want to eat more beans but can't stand the pain and bloating/gas?  Use pro-biotics, you may need to get some enzymes (think Beano)--another great idea my grandmother told me was to soak then drain them--very important-then get the beans to a boil-drain water again (you are washing the starch off them that causes the gas in the first place).  This simple trick should help you!  Beans are a great, CHEAP, whole food--try new varieties...garbonzo, black, adzuki, or try lentils if you have never tried them--they are a very quick bean to cook and are delicious!  Let me know what is your fave!  I would love to hear from you!

Why is it important to use as natural on your body as possible?  It (your skin) is the largest organ!  What you put on it-you put in it!  Read your label--would you ingest some of those?  Probably not!  There is a big movement with natural soaps, lotions, shampoos, etc...  But even with those "natural" items-check the labels-some just use the word cause it may have a natural substance in it-or smells somewhat natural (strawberry scented) but is no where near being truly a natural product.  If you have celiac or a wheat intolerance check labels--some that are natural may have wheat starch in it!  You will be amazed at what's in your cabinet that you can use--saves money, saves the environment, saves space!

wow, isn't it funny that we we try to do something "good" with or for our bodies--you hear that voice saying "you are doing without!!!!!" or whatever it says to keep your mind off your goal---give it the hands up--tell that inner evil you are doing a good thing--that what you are missing out on is energy, time with your kids, feeling good, etc....---maybe you have to go to the doctor often for your blood pressure, cholesterol, headaches, whatever...it can be treated without drugs (not telling you to stop taking them, but you might be able to) and with food!  Now for the exercise---I am not telling you to take these major aerobic classes or lifting weights, but MOVE.  If you are not use to exercising just walk (go to library for free rental or go to Wal-mart and buy) the Walk Away the Pounds video--maybe at first you can only do 5 or 10 minutes, then work your way up, do wall push-ups-easier on the body until you can do more--start simple--work your way up--its for YOU and no one else!  Be there for the future-show your kids a great example!  Love & Blessings to you!

tomorrow I will be starting the 10day whole food/whole life pledge--hope you join in!  A way to live a whole life is to recycle!  I couldn't believe how much "trash" we were able to recycle and compost.  We went from 4 bags of trash on trash day to 1--yes one!  The kids actually think its fun to recycle and want to go with me.  Sometime its me and my husband-kinda of like a date day--lunch always comes after :)

idea for dinner or brunch (unless you are watching your grains)-organic grits (cheesy garlic grits)-take 1 cup grits, 4 cups of water, 1 clove of garlic, 1 tsp of sea salt, 1 1/2 cup cheese (Amish store has raw white cheddar) 1/2 cup of real organic butter (I get mine from Amish store-not sure if organic, but local), pinch of oregano and pepper.  Mix the grits and water together and let boil to water is absorbed (@20 min) then mix all the other ing. together. put into 2 qt casserole at 350 for 1 hour----let sit about 5-10 min.  YUM!!!!

hope you join us for a 10 day EAT whole, LIVE whole, LOVE whole challenge---also add 10 days of any kind of exercise--post how you are doing--your downs and your ups!

Cleaning hard surfaces with water, white vinegar, and tea tree oil.  It is a great disinfectant.  You could add some orange essence or cinnamon for a nicer smell!

Well I had to pick up my son today from the school bus with a vomiting spell and seizure.  Of course I have been praying (and spraying).  I have heard that Apple Cider Vinegar can help not get it.  Has anyone else ever tried this?  We have taken it many times before...I will try it again.  I do thank the Lord for His provisions.

welcome

My very first time to blog---nervous yet exciting too.  This site is in hopes to encourage each other on a journey of Whole Living.  What is Whole Living?  Live to your fullest by eating well, living well, and loving well.  I have a desire to live a more natural life, eating for health, staying healthy and living a more frugal life.  I love the Lord and want to take care of this temple and this earth He has given to us.  I hope you will list your concerns, your encouragement and your ideas on how to live a Whole Life---we are on a Pilgrimage but we are NOT alone....come along with me!

sheila