Spiked Honey Tea Recipe

The Facts Behind food Prices : Rising Food Prices

CME Group - Ensuring Effective Market Place Check out cmegroup.com to read the rest we do not own this infograph

Stay Bug Bite Free:Homemade Herbal Bug Spray recipe

Summer is upon us, memorial day ceremonies will be going on, the charred smell of plump hot dogs cooking on a fire grill will be in the air, and pools will be opening up for another busy season. Yes, summer is full of grilled food and outdoor activities which means, the increase of pesky bug bites. We all know we have to share mother nature with outside critters but, that doesn't mean we have to spend our precious outside time fending off bugs.
 Before you go running to your medicine cabinet in your bathroom and grabbing that can of chemical bug spray , consider making your own natural bug repellant using essential oils. This is a recipe that I use during the summer and find very effective. Plus, it is free from deet which is known to cause rashes,soreness, and blistering when applied to skin. Also, herbal bug spray has no harsh chemicals and actually smells good.


Homemade Herbal Bug Spray Recipe

• Fill spray bottle (I used 8 ounce) 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water

• Add witch hazel filling up the rest of the bottle. 
• Add 30-50 drops of Ceder (which is a natural bug repellant) you can also add other essential oils to make desired scent. Lavender smells great and it also is good for repelling moths.
•  Spray on then go outside and enjoy this nice memorial day weekend  .

Other natural repellant ideas

• Apple cider vinegar for fruit flies and gnats
• Basil is good for repelling mosiquitos
• Rub  some lavender or dried mint on your body to keep away the bugs!  

Share with us. What are you favorite natural ways to keep the bugs away?

Remember before you know it we all will be back in heavy winter coats and cable sweaters  so, go out enjoy some summer. Have a great Memorial Day!

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Images do not belong to Feisty Organics
 

Social Media Fast

Puttin on my life shoes and going for a hike

Lately I have been feeling really stoic about my life. It seems like I will work from 7-3:30 , get home at four and immediately get sucked into the Internet Black Hole, clicking cute dog video after cute dog video on Youtube, taking the newest quiz to tell me which Friends character I am on Buzzfeed. Before you can say Peter Piper Picks some Pickled Peppers 3 times fast it's 8:00 and I have not achieved anything except I now know what people I graduated high school with ten years ago had for dinner. The sad consequence of my internet prowls is ....I've been missing things that I hold important such as;  my hobbies , watching my favorite t.v.show, reading a good book, missing valuable conversations with people that are actually in the room with me and giving attention to my favorite pup.  The result- weekends are spent drained and tired .I often cancel plans because I haven't had time to just relax and be  I'm not unwinding and revitalizing myself during the week. After probably years of being part of the social media party  I have came to the decision  that it is time for a complete social media fast. No Instagram , Facebook,Twitter, YouTube,  Tumblr or Blogger. However, I will still be checking my email from time to time, paying my bills online, and texting. What I hope to gain from this little social experiment is too actually see how much a big of influence all of these websites and apps have had on my life, connect with people in a more personal way, and be a more productive active participate in life.  So Tommorrow,  March 17,2014...I am going out of the virtual world and back into the real world. Wish me luck ....it could get ugly!

Sorry for the absence

Sorry for being MIA the past couple of months ! Life has a funny way of taking you by the reigns and flinging you around a little bit! In the next few weeks we hope to start posting again. We missed you all!

The Feisty Organics

Swords to Plowshares

   Violence is a virus.  It can be transmitted by exposure just like hepatitis, AIDS, or the common cold. The thing about violence is that it grows from the smallest thought, and begins to take root to greater depths.  Violence is not acted out against another person; in fact, it has nothing to do with other people. It is a thought pattern within each individual. Violence is viewing another's misfortune for entertainment, violence is the acceptance of murder because the victim is not of your nation, and I will even go on to say that violence is valuing yourself over someone else because they lead a different walk of life. We all know the parable of The Good Samaritan. Walking by the wounded man is a form of violence. No, the first two travelers were not the instigators of the injury, but they were just as accountable nonetheless. Violence is not a physical, but rather a spiritual entity.  Like a virus, it always begins invisibly, takes root within the host, and propagates before it even shows its first symptom. It can be as simple as an attitude or thought. Violence always develops in the same pattern: detachment, passiveness, indifference, egocentricity, entitlement, and only then does it progress to physical violence.

   In contrast to violence, compassion is a seed.  It requires cultivation. Cultivating compassion is much more difficult than becoming a host to the violence virus, because compassion doesn't "take hold" like violence.  It requires conscious cultivation and must be nourished to germinate.  Nurturing your mind with wholesome entertainment, interactions, and thoughts are necessary for growing compassion. 

   I usually do not address potentially political topics because people will invariably think of a ridiculous hypothetical situation in which to trap you into contradicting your own beliefs. I am not implying that I WILL always take the path of compassion, I am attesting that compassion IS always the right path to take.

 

Roots of violence and compassion are already within all of us.  How deep they grow is up to you..... 

Breaking the mode of breakfast

    If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then why is it the most likely meal to be drenched with high fructose corn syrup, bleached flour, and repulsively fatty meats such as bacon and sausage?  It's time to modify the morning meal...
    With breakfast, I think convenience is the key.  It's easy to grab those sausage patties, and douse those pancakes with syrup, but there is another option that is just as quick and easy.  Adapt your thinking about breakfast and a whole new culinary world awaits you. 

• Who says that "breakfast foods" have to be breakfast foods? Instead of the heavy meats such as sausage and bacon consider having cooked vegetables. They will fill you up, but will also give you the energy you need for your day and won't drag you down like those unhealthy meats. 

• Skip the high fructose corn syrup and tickle your sweet tooth with fresh fruit.  Fresh fruit offers the sweetness you may crave in the morning, but prevents the "sugar crash" you get with refined sugars.  Check the back of your syrup bottle.  Unless it is 100% pure maple syrup (which costs $15.00 a bottle by the way) the first ingredient is probably high fructose corn syrup.  Is this the way you want to start out your day?  We didn't think so.  Honey and molasses are great alternatives.  Studies have shown that local honey can relieve symptoms of allergies, and molasses is rich in iron. 

• Eggs are a great way to get protein in the morning.  Dress up those bland scrambles with veggies such as bell peppers, kale, or mushrooms. 

• NEVER skip breakfast.  Even if you are running late, grab a fruit to eat on the road. Fruit such as bananas, apples, and grapes are perfect grab-and-go-grub. 

Evolving your point of view about breakfast foods will alter your energy level, your health, and ultimately, your life.   

Veggie Cooking- A simple cooking chart

When I am in the kitchen cooking a meal I usually get into a certain groove. I am listening to my favorite pandora radio station, daydreaming that  I am a well renowned world chef that is respected by the culinary community world wide (oh like you don't ever daydream!). When suddenly, as I am making a grab for  broccoli to use in a dish that sounds more fancy than it actually is, my mind draws a blank. I forget how long I am suppose to cook broccoli. My daydream suddenly dissipates and I am reduced to nothing more than a shady greasy spoon diner cook heating up Beef-a-roachini. Before I go into full stage 10 panic mode I remember my cheat sheet.My five-star chef daydream will live to cook another delectable meal! Below is a veggie cooking guide I like to use when I am cooking veggies because, lets face it we all have mind blanks from time to time.

Purity Products: Amazing Oranges Product Review

I am normally not a supplement type of lady,but with the flu and noravirus running rampant throughout the school that I am employed , I decided to give my immunity a boost by trying Purity Products : Amazing Oranges which promises a product that is formulated to help support healthy immunity function, endurance, stamina, mental clarity, cardiovascular function and energy levels.

Amazing Oranges is a powdered supplement that contains oranges, tangerines, peaches, pineapple, cantaloupe, clementines,apricot,papaya,mango, persimmons, nectarines, and kumquats. Aside from fruits,Amazing Oranges also includes several vegetables such as ; carrots, pumpkin, butternut-squash,yams, and rutabaga. The supplement contains 6x more vitamin C than you would find in a 8 oz. glass of orange juice. It also contains fibersol-2 which is a ingredient that feeds the good bacteria found in the stomach.The Powder comes in a 279 gram bottle which will last 30 days. It is $54.95 or you can order a automatic delivery which is $39.95 and will save you 27%. If scooping powder is to messy, You  can also order the Amazing Oranges go packs. The box includes 30 packets and are $59.95 for a 30 day supply or  $42.95 if you choose automatic delivery.

I tried the product for 30 days and surprisingly it exceeded all my expectations. The taste was pleasantly delicious and wasn't thick. I did feel like my energy levels were stable throughout the whole work day. However ,if you're looking for a jittery energy buzz then you won't find it with Amazing Oranges. The fiber increase from the product caught me by surprise during by first couple of uses ,but it was very benefiting. I believe, Purity Products has a made a supplement that is high quality and beneficial.

Who should buy this product?
This product is for anybody interested in increased immune system support and more energy without all the jitters.






Pros 

• The taste ....if you like Tang then you will enjoy Amazing Oranges.
• It really does provide you with more energy ,but not in the red bull burst of energy sort of way. 
• It's full of vitamin A, C, and D. 
• No energy crash. 

Cons

• The price ...a 30 day supply will cost you $54.95.
• The powder takes awhile to dissolve and even after stirring a bit longer , I still had lumps filled with dry powder in my glass.

 Interested in buying?
Then you can visit the Purity Products website and purchase yourself a bottle.

The Scary Truth About Movie Theater Snacks

 As I walk into the local Carmike 20 Movie Theater one of the first smells to invade my nostrils is the buttery aroma of extra salty popcorn. My mouth instantly starts to water and immediately I am trying to resist the urge to shell out $10 for one of those overpriced hypertension in a bucket snacks. The nutritional values are not printed on popcorn containers so often times I am left wondering how  bad was that small popcorn I just devoured. Well lucky for me, I will wonder no more, thanks to the infograph The Scary Truth About Movie Theater Snacks. Now, the next time I get the urge to splurge on movie snacks I will just sneak in my own healthier ones :). 

Disclaimer- The Feisty Organics does not condone sneaking in snacks brought from home into movie theaters. It was just a little joke....or was it? 

 To find out the nutritional value of  movie theater snacks checkout the infographic below.

Via Diet To Go

 

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

Credit to google profile share

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.

Pictures Do not belong to us

#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.

#Reverb12 My Dream List in 2012

Off Of my dream list for 2012 was starting this very blog with my best friend and learning how to make homemade soap! I am still learning the ends and outs of soap making but hopefully next year will continue to improve that skill! Oh and the best part of about 2012 is this little guy right here..my little puppy Abraham..I just love my little fellow!

I haven't really thought about what I would like to blossom in 2013...So I believe that I better get the gears turning and thinking about what are my top three dreams I want to make a reality for next year!

7 Superfoods for Longevity

We all want to live longer and one way to make our chances more propitious is by being more conscious about what foods we are putting inside our body. Here is a info-graph of seven super-foods that could be integrated into your diet on a regular basis.



Source by JES Restaurant Equipment

Herbal Myths and Legends

Since Halloween is tomorrow, The Feisty Organics thought it would be neat to share a few herbal myths and legends. Don't worry these stories won't leave you clinging to your favorite teddy bear at night but, hopefully they will make you appreciate the important part that plants and herbs play in history and  folklore.

Fennel Plant- Greek legends believed that Prometheus hid the heat of the sun in the hollow stems of the fennel to bring it from heaven to our lovely earth. Fennel also was thought to offer protection against witchcraft.

Lavender- According to legend, When Jesus was an infant, Mary laid his clothing upon a bush to dry and the scent got on his clothes. Afterwards, the plant became known as a herb to avert evil. During the time of the black plague , Lavender was worn on the wrist as protection from the bubonic plague.

Dill-In medieval times, dill was used by witches for many of their spells and charms. It also was used as protection from spells, drinking dill water, was a means to remove a spell. Bathing in dill was also considered a way to seduce a love interest. In ancient Roman and Greek cultures, dill was a sign of wealth and power.

Basil- Need protection from a dragon anytime soon? Ancient Romans called basil, "Basiliscus,"after the fiery dragon Basilisk.Legend has it, Basilisk could kill people just by his gaze. It was believed that consuming basil would offer protection from this dragon. Hindus believed basil was their passport to heaven. Building a house on a spot where basil was grown was thought to bring good fortune. However, digging up that basil plant.... I'm sorry , bad luck for you!

Other Herb myths and legends
 There are many more myths and legends related to herbs that could've been addressed here but, we would've ran out of space! However, if you are interested in reading more than a good book to read is " The Meaning of Herbs: Myth, Language and Love," by Ann Fields and Gretchen Scoble.

Tell us..Do you know any good myths or legends?

Fresh Basil: 3 Unique Uses

We all know that the herb basil is a ingredient frequently used in a plethora of Italian cuisines.It is also best known for its scent and distinctive taste. There are over 150 varieties of basil.However, sweet basil is the kind typical found in stores and kitchens. Aside from being a culinary herb, there are many other unique uses and fresh basil health benefits.

Tea-Basil leaves can be used to make herbal tea. Basil tea is a great natural remedy for tension headaches. Basil tea that has been cooled can also be used as a rinse for mouth infections. 

Bug bites-Basil can be used to relieve itchy mosquito bites. Just mash or chew a few fresh basil leaves until soft. Place the poultice directly on the insect bite. For me, this home remedy has come to my aide after many afternoons spent at the park hiking.

Vinegar- The holy basil variety can be used to make a medicinal vinegar. To make the vinegar just combine unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with holy basil leaves in a jar. Place the jar in a warm sunny spot for 3-4 weeks. Then, strain and re-bottle. Holy basil is used for improving vitality and restoring energy.To use just pour a couple of tablespoons of basil vinegar over a salad. Also, you can blend it with veggie juice or drink 1/4 cup straight.

Word of caution

Remember  to always speak with your physician before taking any herbal products , if you have a pre-existing  illness or if you are pregnant or nursing.

Saturday Evening DIY Projects

I am super excited so I just had to share some projects going on this Saturday evening .

Beeswax anyone? How about some leather wallet making? The ultimate DIY nerd.

Are there anymore DIY nerds out there? What do you love to craft?