Natural Dog Repellants

Sooner or later every puppy parent will have to address training little furry paws too keep off certain furniture that is in the house or from chewing aunt Betty's fifty year old antique dining table.One successful method that many dog owners use to deter their dearly beloved pet from unwanted furniture is repellants. They are a favorite for most dog owners because, they are easy to use and unlike other methods don't require you to use much energy. However, before rushing off to your local pet store , consider making your own natural dog repellant. Not only is it cheaper ,but it also is free from all those harsh chemicals that the store bought repellants contain.

Sprays

Spray Bottles is a  preferred method many dog owners use to keep their fur baby away from certain furniture . All you need is a plastic spray bottle and some vinegar. My dog hates the smell of vinegar and will gladly stay away from anything that has that smell . Other smells that are unpleasant to dogs are lemon juice/anything citruses or rubbing alcohol. Spray the repellant on and around furniture that you do not want your dog near. If one smell doesn't work then try another until you find one that your dog dislikes.

If your not a fan of spray mixtures then certain essential oils is another effective natural dog repellant. Cinnamon Oil and Eucalyptus are two oils that dogs seem to be repulsed by. Just dab a little bit of one of the essential oils on a old rag and rub on the furniture you wish to keep your dog away from. I use this method often and in my opinion, it is the most effective. Just one whiff of Eucalyptus oil and my fur baby refused to go within a foot of a new DVD rack that I had recently purchased. Other repellants that could be used are cayenne pepper flakes or hot sauce. Just sprinkle the pepper flakes on and around the off limits furniture or dab some hot sauce on the banned piece of furniture. After a taste of cayenne pepper your animal will not want to go anywhere near the furniture.

caution
Liquids may cause staining to some furniture so please be careful. 
Essential oils can be pricey so please use in moderation. 
 

The Amazing Banana Benfits

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Did you know that bananas are an excellent source of energy? Just noshing on a couple of bananas will boost your energy enough to exercise up to an hour and thirty minutes.

~Health Inspiration Quote
 Take care of your body.
It's the only place you have to live. Jim Rohn

Homemade Calendula Cream Recipe

Calendula ,also known as marigold is a beautiful flower that has hues of orange and gold. It enjoys basking in an abundance of sunshine ,healthy soil and some water. Calendula is also a medicinal herb that can be used to treat ailments such as; rashes, inflammation, bruises and sores. Salves, tinctures, creams and teas are different ways that you can use the herb.

DIY Calendula Cream
Since winter is in swing and we all need some extra moisture for our skin, we thought  an easy and fun way to start using this wonderful golden herb would be to make our own calendula cream.


The first thing we did was make the calendula oil that goes into the cream. We filled a mason jar about three quarters full with calendula buds . Next we filled the jar to about an inch near the top with grapeseed oil. Then we set the jar by a nice sunny windowsill and waited 3-4weeks to let the herbs and oil infuse. Finally we strain the oil and re-bottle.

Things you need to make the cream

3/4 cup calendula oil
1/8 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup aloe vera gel (commerically prepared)
3/4 cups water
 1/8 cup cocoa butter
 1 rounded tablespoon grated beeswax
-A few drops of essential oil of your choice

To make the cream

 Combine the cocoa butter, coconut oil , calendula oil, and beeswax in a saucepan over low heat. We used the lowest setting of heat when we made this. Be sure to warm the ingredients until everything is melted all together. Pour everything into a measuring cup ( a bowl will do also) and let cool for at least several hours or overnight , until the mix is somewhat thick.

Next combine the mixture that was made over the stove, aloe vera, water, and essential oil into a blender. Turn the blender on a high speed and blend until the water mixture and oil mixture have been absorbed. Stop blending when your mixture has reached it's desired thickness or until the blender starts to clog .

Pour contents from the blender into a jar and store in a cool place.The cream should keep for about a year.





Follow-up
This cream was extremely extra moisturizing and the thickness of it was just right.Some people may find that it is a little bit too heavy to use during the day so it might be better served being a night cream. 

If anybody has any stories about making their own creams or lotions please fill free to share!

Adventures of a Meat Scarce Dieteer....

As a new vegetarian, I understand how difficult it can be to dine out with friends while still maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle. Scanning the menu doesn't feel like you are contemplating the choices, but more like a process of elimination, invariably leaving you with one pathetic excuse of a meal (if you are lucky). Last night, I ordered a chicken spinach salad with everything that was listed in the description except the chicken. This doesn't seem like a terribly complex order, but even after restating it to the flummoxed waiter, I was presented with a bacon topped, iceberg lettuce*, ranch soaked terror of a salad.

Stop playing Russian Roulette with your meals.  Here are a few ways to prevent "eating around the murder" while dining out with carnivorous friends. 

 

1.  Try international restaurants. 

Few countries place as much value on meat as the U.S.  Authentic foreign food restaurants are more likely to put meat in it's place by using less meat in dishes, and providing more vegetarian options.  Some good options are: Ethiopian, Indian, and Japanese.  The trick is to find traditional, culturally authentic restaurants.

2. Skip the entree and order several sides.

Restaurants promote meat as the star of the show.  Shake up this vision by ordering a few veggie sides as your meal. A baked sweet potato, steamed broccoli, and corn on the cob would make a delicious and nutritious meal.

3. Ask the waiter for choices.

Some options on the menu can be made to order.  Salads, meat-topped pasta, pizza, and stir fry are some examples of items that can be made vegetarian with a few slight alterations. 

4. Don't arrive famished.

Have a snack before leaving, and still enjoy the company of friends by having an appetizer as a meal. This helps with portion control, and prevents all the menu mania. Bruschetta or salads are excellent when served as a meal. 

5. I pick......PICNIC! 

My personal favorite:  forgo the restaurant and have a picnic using fresh produce from the grocery store.  Friends, food, and nature what could be better?

*Iceberg lettuce is a nemesis of mine, dating all the way back to June 5, 2011, and I have substantial evidence that it could be directly related to the future downfall of mankind. For more information on the ideology of iceberg lettuce and its correspondence to all that is wrong with the world, please stay tuned...

"eating around the murder" is a phrase coined by the humorous Darrin Lee Humphrey on the very night of this occasion. All Rights Reserved. Use of this term will require expensive royalty fees, lengthy contracts, and perhaps bloodshed. Please proceed with caution.    

Top Ten most underrated foods

#10 Cactus-Some may cringe at the thought of eating these spined little porcupines. But, this succulent vegetable is a traditional dish for the Native Americans. Cactus has a very unique texture.

# 9 Brussel sprouts- Growing up your mother always told you to eat your brussel sprouts ,and turns out she was a wise sage.Brussel sprouts contain a compound called isothiocyanate sulforaphane which promotes anti-inflammatory activities in the cardiovascular system. Feeling a little drab lately? Instead of drinking OJ..just eat some brussel sprouts. One-cup of these green spheres contains about 161% of the recommended daily dosage.

#8 Beets- They are red and kinda look like that congealed mess they sell in grocery stores ,but fear not beets are far more sophisticated than the cranberry slop. Beets pack a lot of carbohydrates which makes them excellent for the 2:00 in the afternoon slump.Some studies are showing that beets are an excellent preventative for colon cancer!

 #7 Pumpkin-They aren't just for cute faces at Halloween! Pumpkins contain vitamins such as, C, E, and magnesium. Let's not forget the fiber; one cup of pumpkin meat contains 3 grams of the daily fiber intake that is needed.

 #6 Lentils- Lentils are part of the legume family and is a annual plant. Lentils have the 3rd highest levels of protein ,which make it a great alternative to a big mac from Mcdondalds.

#5 Arugala-Arugala is a plant that comes from the Mediterranean region. It is also known as salad rocket.It has a spicy taste, which makes it a herb that is full of flavor. Arugala is full of vitamin A ,which is needed for eye health and bone growth. This wonderful flavorful herb also is packed with phytonutrients which may help in preventing breast,cervical,prostrate, and ovarian cancers.

#4 chickpeas -Also known as the garbanzo bean, is full of fiber which is good for intestinal health!Chickpeas can also aide in reducing cholesterol.

# 3 Quinoa- Do you know how to pronounce it correctly? Don't worry we are not sure we do either! However, Quinoa is a grain like crop with plenty of stellar benefits. Such as, being rich in fiber and high in riboflavin!

#2 Seaweed- Seaweed makes an excellent snake for those that are watching their weight. A serving of seaweed is only 5-20 calories.Seaweed is also high in amino acids and B-12.

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#1 Kale- Our love of kale is no secret. This veggie is versatile, delicious, and oh-so-nutritious. Try it in a variety of ways-sauteed kale, kale salad, kale chips, ground in a smoothie, in potato soup.