Another great practice is to incorporate sole into your morning routine.
Here’s How:
1. Dissolve your Himalayan salt chunk in a jar of filtered water overnight. Remove the salt that remains (to use later), and keep your sole jar on the counter where you will remember to take it
2. Mix 1 tsp of sole water with a glass of filtered water and the juice of one lemon
3. Drink first thing in the morning to stimulate digestion, balance pH, and feed the body with rich minerals!
We were met by one of the owners, farmer James. My son was instantly drawn to him and felt comfortable enough to immediately take his hand to go see the goats! These must be good people!
The goats at Little Seed Farm are exclusively grass-fed. In fact, they are believed to be the only commercial herd of grass-fed goats in the US! They have acres of rolling hills and abundant grass to graze. The consideration this family puts into the goats' diets is encouraging! James was so generous to spend several hours with us explaining their pasture rotation, farming philosophies, health management, and milk production practices. All of it self-taught! To say that they are doing everything as close to natural as possible is an understatement!
The consideration this family puts into their goats is encouraging! James was so generous to spend several hours with us explaining their pasture rotation, farming philosophies, health management, and milk production practices. All of it self-taught! To say that they are doing everything as close to natural as possible is an understatement!
Little Seed Farm makes the health and well-being of their goats a priority and it shows! So much so, that my daughter wanted to feed them grass she had picked, but they refused as their pasture was much more appealing!
Sustainability is a top priority at Little Seed Farm! The entire farm including the offices, barns, and private home are all solar powered. Waste is kept to a minimum, and packaging is all recycle-able and non-plastic. Even the milking and care practices of the goats takes sustainability into consideration!
The extensive consideration and care taken to produce a quality product from the farm to the actual production of soap and other items shows!
Little Seed Farm makes soaps and other items the old-fashioned way! Everything is made on property, in small batches, using the highest quality natural and organic ingredients!
We were able to check out some of the newest products and see some items we have had our eye on! Of course, we came home with a box full of new items...and it's no surprise they didn't even last long enough to put them on the website! No worries, we have another shipment on the way!
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4. Choose sustainable party activities
My kids were so excited by their theme, and wanted to do lots of party crafts! I’m used to this request, and went to work planning activities that would be fun for the party and months to come! I used natural materials as much as possible, and only had to purchase one plastic item (gems). I created felt dragon wings for the kids to decorate. I also prepped wooden dowel with felt stars and ribbons to make wands, and found an assortment of natural wood beads with cording to make necklaces. All of the kids went home with a complete make believe set that won’t be thrown out anytime soon!
5. Request/Give Functional Gifts
We requested no gifts, but our friends and family brought some really amazing gifts that were functional, needed, or more sustainable. Instead of plastic toys that break and get thrown out, give something more lasting. Some of the items we received from our tribe were just brilliant, and I thought I should share: umbrellas, kids’ cookbook, rain boots, dress up outfits, craft supplies, books, card games, blocks, pajamas, and a hand-made fabric doll.
Bees are arguably one of the most important creatures on Earth. They pollenate about 80% of flowering plants, they provide habitats for other animals through their pollination, and we are dependent on them to pollinate a large majority of our food crops.
However, bees are in crisis. In the US alone, we have lost over half of our bee hives since World War II. Pesticides and seeds coated in insecticides take a large part of the blame, and explain the drastic decrease in bee colonies since the 1940s. Without bees we lose plants, animals, food….we simply may not exist.
Saving the bees is paramount! Here are 10 things you can do to help save the bees:
1. Bee educated.
This blog is a great start! It’s also important that we share the story of bees and how to preserve their colonies with next generations. The more we know, the more we can all implement small changes that make a big difference!
2. Don’t Spray!
Do not use chemicals or pesticides in or around your gardens and lawns. Chemicals and insecticides cause damage to honeybees and their systems. Pesticides can also saturate the pollen of flowering plants, be carried back to the hive, and end up in our honey.
3. Dedicate space to a native habitat garden
Devote an area of your yard or garden to a safe haven for bees and insects. Plant native plants in large quantities and let them grow wild (no need to weed, dandelions and clover are plentiful bee food). It will not only give bees a place to call home, but you will reap the rewards of treating them well!
4. Plant bee-friendly flowers
Pristine yards are waste land for bees. Give bees plenty of areas to forage and cross-pollinate by planting bee-friendly flowers in pots and in gardens. Be sure you are not spraying chemicals or using neonicotinoid (insecticide) coated seeds.
5. Make a bee waterer
Give your new bee friends a place to get a drink. Use anything from a bird bath to the base of a pot to make a bee friendly watering hole. You can add pebbles to shallow water to give the bees a place to land.
6. Make a bee hotel
A bee hotel makes space for solitary bees to nest. Use natural materials to pack a container that will keep the inside dry. Mount near bee-friendly plants, at least a yard off the ground, facing south to south east… wait for overnight guests!
7. Buy raw honey from local producers
Raw, local honey contains pollen and hasn’t been damaged by processing. It’s better for you, and helps keep apiaries running. Supporting local producers who are committed to sustainable practices, helps to protect local bees.
8. Meet a beekeeper…or become one!
Get to know your local beekeeper better, through your continuous support of them. You can also look up your local bee association and get involved. You may even decide becoming a beekeeper yourself is something you would like to do!
9. Support local, organic farmers.
What holds true for honey, should be a general guide for you too! Buy local, seasonal foods. Look for farmers who are not spraying their crops, use high quality seeds, and are concerned with sustainability. Visit a farmers market, join a CSA or get to know a local farmer in order to support conscious farming.
10. Get active!
It’s important that we share our concern for bees with others! Distribute information, speak to your local legislatures, make sure your HOA and local businesses understand the part they can play, teach and encourage your neighbors to make some of the same small steps you are, and consider becoming a bee activist!
Your home may contain five times more pollutants than outdoor air, according to the EPA. Some of the most common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Luckily, house plants help absorb toxins and produce clean air. Here a few of my favorites, and even more!
The peace lily tops my list because it is so easy to take care of and is one of the best plants to remove carcinogens like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. It can also remove mold spores that can cause chronic health issues.
A very low maintenance house plant, spider plants have been proven to absorb formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a toxin found in almost everything in a home: carpet, insulation, pressed woods, plastics, and furniture.
A fun potted plant that effectively filters benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene
English ivy is incredibly effective at removing benzene from the air. Benzene has been connected to several forms of leukemia. It can be found in adhesives, markers, pesticides, plastics and detergents, making this a great plant for craft and workspaces.
This plant will not only detoxify your air, it will also release oxygen at night and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide we breathe.
This multi-purpose plant is also a great oxygenenator! It can remove carbon monoxide from the air, which makes it great for bedrooms!
Known for filtering toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, this plant is a great addition to any room
Some other effective, biological air filtering plants are: Bamboo Palm, Red-Edge Dracaena, Chrysanthemum Boston Fern, Dwarf Date Palm, Kimberly Queen Fern, Rubber Plant, Areca Palm, Corn Plant, Janet Craig, Peace Lily, Cast Iron Plant, Pothos, Azalea, Flamingo Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Dragon Tree, Philodendron, Lily Turk, Lady Palm, King of Hearts, Schefflera, Dendrobium orchid,Purple Heart Plant, Dumbcane and Long leaf fig
]]>Tis the season for clean eating, hitting the gym, and trying to shed all the toxins from the previous year! Don’t forget a strong detox bath can go a long way! Detox baths have been advertised for their ability to remove toxins from the body, and help the body absorb beneficial minerals. We have included recipes for 3 of our favorite detox protocols below:
Salt Detox Bath
1/2 cup Epsom salt
1/2 cup baking soda
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/8 cup organic, dried lavender
Clay Detox Bath
1/2 cup bentonite clay
1/2 cup Epsom salts
1 Tbsp. dried ginger root
Milk Detox Bath
1/2 cup Epsom salt
1/4 cup baking soda
1/2 cup almond milk
2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp. honey
zest of 1 orange
For best results:
- Soak for at least 30 minutes
- Fill the tub a small amount with hot water, and dissolve the detox ingredients with a wooden spoon before filling the remainder of the tub
- Use warm water
- Add 1 Tbsp. bentonite clay to water that may have chlorine or fluoride
- Start slowly
*No content on our website should be considered or construed as medical advice. Please consult a physician for questions regarding your health and wellbeing.
You can certainly use mulling spices to make apple cider (don’t forget the rum!), but we wouldn’t want to limit the possibilities!
Here are 5 unique ideas for using mulling spices:
1. NATURAL ROOM FRAGRANCE
Place 2 tablespoons of mulling spices in a small saucepan filled with several cups of water. Bring to a boil and then immediately reduce to simmer for 2-4 hours.
2. SPICED VINAIGRETTE
Simmer 1 tablespoon of mulling spices with 16 ounces of apple cider vinegar. Strain and allow to fully cool before refrigerating. When ready to use, mix a 1:2 vinegar to oil ratio and toss on salad. You can also use this as a great meat marinade!
3. SYRUP WITH A KICK
Simmer 12 ounces of pure maple syrup with 1 tablespoon of mulling spices. After 5 minutes, strain and either serve warm or place in the refrigerator for 24 hours before using cold.
4. MULLED WINE
Combine 1 bottle of dry red wine with ½ cup of sugar or honey and 2 tablespoons of mulling spices. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain and serve hot in mugs, or chill and serve over ice.
5. BAKING GRIND
Use in some of your favorite homemade baked goods! You should only need a teaspoon or two. We personally like it as an addition to cinnamon coffee cake, doughnuts, brownies and pumpkin bread!
You can also make apple spice sangria, meat rub (grind and add salt), a spiced ginger-lemonade to kick a cold, homemade chai tea, a festive glass rimmer (simply grind with sugar in a coffee grinder), or put in chocolate desserts for extra flavor!
Did you know that wire grill brushes can shed their sharp bristles and become harmful to your health? After cleaning the grill, bristles can get left on the grate, and transfer to food that accidentally gets ingested. This poses a risk to users of wire grill brushes.
I know, this seems far-fetched. I thought so too, until I started looking for safe and natural alternatives and found it is a much bigger problem than I originally thought. A study in the journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (in 2016) claimed that an estimated 1700 Americans went to an emergency room after ingesting wire bristles in grilled food (between the years of 2002-2014). A fourth of those incidents resulted in being admitted to the hospital. However, once I started talking about this, I found stories from numerous friends who had experienced some sort of negative result after using a wire grill brush. Many required a doctor visit, or help from outpatient clinics, which means they aren’t included in the statistics above.
Injuries have included lacerations in the mouth and throat, and sometimes intestinal and stomach injuries. Some of these incidents have even required surgical removal.
Some measures that are recommended by multiple sources: clean with alternative tools like tin foil, inspect your grill and food before cooking and eating, only grill in good lighting, and discard grill brushes once you notice they are beginning to lose bristles.
We knew there had to be a better way! We scoured the market and found a wonderful alternative: grill scrapes. We sourced the best quality brand we could find – they are designed and made here in the USA, from natural hard woods, which will give your scrape a longer life. We have found that not only are we fans of this alternative grill cleaning method, but so are many of our happy customers!
*No content on our website should be considered or construed as medical advice. Please consult a physician for questions regarding your health and wellbeing.
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Statistics show that approximately 30% of Americans use DEET containing bug sprays each year. DEET is in many popular bug repelling products, and in some cases in 100% concentration. While many aren’t concerned with the safety of DEET, there are reasons to be cautious and avoid it.
DEET is absorbed into the skin, and can cause major health issues and even death. Children are considered more susceptible, as their skin more readily absorbs chemicals. DEET has been shown to cause harm to the brain and nervous system. The following list (acquired from poison control centers) includes the most frequently reported symptoms of DEET toxicity: lethargy, headaches, tremors, involuntary movements, seizures, and convulsions. In addition, a Duke University Medical Center study found that prolonged exposure to DEET impairs brain function, resulting in behavioral changes and even death of rats, used as subjects in the study. Some of the potential side effects of DEET are: headache, memory loss, muscle and joint pain, shortness of breath, and tremors.
Regardless of which side of the fence you fall on, the good news is, there are safe alternatives that make DEET obsolete. Many studies have found natural alternatives to be effective. Oils such as citronella, cinnamon leaf, catnip, and lemon eucalyptus, are just as effective (and in many cases, more effective) than DEET, at repelling mosquitos.
There are additional precautions that can be taken to help reduce mosquitos. Stay indoors from dusk to dawn when they are most active, dress in light and loose fitting clothing, keep cool (as it lessens your attraction), reduce standing water, stay away from bushes and tall grasses, use a fan when outdoors (it inhibits their ability to fly and land in the immediate area), and consume garlic regularly.
*No content on our website should be considered or construed as medical advice. Please consult a physician for questions regarding your health and wellbeing.
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There are two different kinds of sunscreens on the market. As we are in the peak of Summer, we feel it is important to provide information about your numerous choices, as a consumer. Before you slather up, and sit in the sun, be sure you aren’t actually doing more harm than good.
The most abundant type of sunscreen on the market are chemical sunscreens. According to a recent Environmental Working group study, over two-thirds of sunscreens were found to be ineffective or unsafe. Some of the most popular sunscreen brands were on the list of ineffective sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin, and react with UV rays in order to be effective. Because they are chemical, once they are exposed to sun, they begin to biodegrade. This process makes them ineffective and it is why their instructions include the need to reapply frequently. This can create a whole host of issues. As these already dangerous chemicals break down, they become more toxic to the body, as they release free radicals that we know can cause cancer. In addition, constant reapplication only concentrates the amount of harmful chemicals being absorbed by our largest organ: the skin. So, not only are sunscreens not proven to prevent cancer, but they can be causing cancer itself!
In addition to the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens, there is concern with their inactive ingredients. Many contain preservatives, fillers, binders, and surfactants, to name a few. Many of these ingredients are known irritants, carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and the list goes on and on…. Consumers should also avoid spray sunscreens, fragrance, and towelettes as they come with additional health concerns.
An alternative to chemical sunscreens, are mineral sunscreens. They are usually made of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which sit on the skin and help block sun rays. Because they are made of minerals, there is no concern with the active ingredients degrading in the sun. Titanium Dioxide and zinc oxide also protect against UVA and UVB rays. This is a great benefit to mineral sunscreens, as SPF is only a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to protect against UVB rays. Read your ingredient labels thoroughly, to be sure you are using a mineral sunscreen that is non-toxic, spreads well, and does not use nano-particles.
Activated charcoal is a must-have in any medicine cabinet because of its adsorption abilities, limited side effects, and short list of people who should not use it due to existing conditions. Activated charcoal is very porous allowing toxins and other chemicals to bind to it. This makes it a very effective teeth whitener, air and water filter, and mold remediation ingredient. It is also useful when taken orally for ailments such as bloating/gas, hangover, accidental ingestion, and digestive upset.
External use of activated charcoal can be just as beneficial to the body. Detoxification baths are a popular use. In addition, simple masks can be made from activated charcoal. When applied to underarms, skin ailments, bug bites, and areas of odor issues it can be a potent detoxifier.
One of the most practical uses for activated charcoal is as a skin cleanser. Scrubs and soaps made from activated charcoal make a powerful cleansing regimen.
It has the ability to deep clean without drying, chemically attracting and locking in toxins (from indoor and outdoor pollution) that can cause breakouts and skin irritation. It washes them away without breaking down the skin’s naturally protective mantle. This makes activated charcoal a great solution for those who are seeking healthier skin, work on job sites, are in areas with high chemical use, or have sensitive, irritated or acne prone skin.
Our Detox Set includes a very simple and organic activated charcoal scrub and bar soap. They are formulated to gently remove toxins and support the body’s natural functions. Our Detox Set includes a dry brush for further skin support and detoxification. For information about dry brushing, please click HERE.
*No content on our website should be considered or construed as medical advice. Please consult a physician for questions regarding your health and wellbeing.
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IS PLASTIC BAD?
There are multiple compelling reasons to reduce the use of plastics. Unfortunately, the common consumer does not realize what a problem to the environment and ourselves plastics can pose. Here’s some of the biggest reasons we should reduce plastic use:
Plastic is Not Biodegradable: Plastics will eventually break down into a fine plastic sand that will soak up and release toxins. The plastics will easily move into our soil and water and eventually affect what we grow, ingest and absorb.
There is Just TOO Much Plastic: Even with recycling (that still requires large amounts of resources), plastics are filling our landfills, oceans and other eco-systems at higher rates. You can imagine this results in animals ingesting discarded plastics, toxic chemicals leaching into our environment, plastic micro-beads accumulating in water sources, and floating plastic waste carrying invasive species to disrupt other eco-systems. Plastic bags top the list of our most discarded refuse and unfortunately plastic items are usually intended to be for short-term or even one-time use.
Petroleum Use is Not Sustainable: It is estimated that about 4% of our world oil use is tied up into plastics, and an equal amount is used as energy for the process of production. As we know, petroleum production pollutes our environment and isn’t good for our health.
Plastics are Toxic: Plastics contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, BPA, and flame retardants. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors, meaning they alter hormones, and can lead to other serious health conditions. They leach into our soil, water, and food. They are especially dangerous when heated (think about that container of leftovers popped into the microwave, or a water bottle left in a hot car). As plastics break down, they absorb other dangerous materials such as pesticides. As you can see, they are bad for human health.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Recycle plastics: Recycle as much plastic as you can and support companies who do the same. There are multiple companies who now create toys, plates and other goods from recycled plastics.
Reuse what you can: Find new uses for plastic products. Keep plastic jars with lids to store small items around the house like magnets, paperclips, screws, and hair ties. Use plastic bags over and over, including food storage bags. Plastic water bottles can be repurposed as a sensory toy for children, made into indoor pots, or cut to make items such as a funnel or measuring cup.
Reduce Consumption: This is our best option. It takes some planning and resources in the beginning, but once implemented will become part of your routine. Here is a list of practical ideas:
- Switch to glass food storage containers
- Use and refill stainless steel or glass water bottles
- Find cloth bags with zippers or stainless steel cups with lids for snacks
- Buy in bulk using your own containers
- Bring reusable bags when shopping
- Choose paper products when possible
- Buy wood toys that can be passed down to new generations
- Use glass, ceramic, and stainless steel dishes and utensils
- Purchase quality items that are meant to last
- Switch to personal care products that don’t contain plastic beads
- Replace disposable diapers with cloth diapers
- Give up gum, plastic tampon applicators, disposable razors, and other single use items
- Make your own cleaning products, or buy large refills
DOING OUR PART
We have carefully selected items to reduce our use of plastics, as much as possible (taking into consideration shipping, product performance, and availability). Some of the items we carry are exclusively offered in glass, as we have positively influenced our manufacturers and incurred the increased costs. In addition, we have created product offerings that make it easy to reduce plastic use in your home, too.
You can view them here >>>
Dry brushing has been used for centuries as a way to detoxify, exfoliate and stimulate the skin. While it has critics, many doctors and health gurus suggest otherwise. The skin is our largest organ. Not only does it absorb a great deal of what goes onto it, it also eliminates a large amount of waste acids from the body. This is why the skin is termed the third kidney.
Imagine the amount of work the skin does to keep our body running efficiently. It makes sense that a simple change in morning routine might be worth trying. Some of the touted benefits of dry brushing include:
Reduction of cellulite
More efficient lymphatic system
Strengthens the immune system (many include it in a cancer or chronic disease treatment plan)
Exfoliation
Stimulates glands, circulation, nervous system and digestion
Paraffin has been the wax of choice for many years due to how inexpensive it is. In addition, artificial dyes and fragrances are usually formulated specifically for paraffin wax, simplifying the manufacturing process. However, paraffin (a petroleum derivative) is known for releasing nasty chemicals into the air and being non-renewable. Consider that you are burning petroleum and known carcinogens and toxins, allowing the smoke and toxic chemicals to permeate the air in your home. Paraffin candles may look pretty and smell good, but they are not a clean-burning option.
You have probably noticed alternatives to paraffin like soy, palm and coconut oil have gained popularity recently. However, they create a host of challenges. Many are not sustainable, a large portion contain pesticides, and most require additives in order to make shipping and storage possible.
100% pure beeswax candles, continue to be the clean-burning mainstay. While they are a little more expensive, they generally burn twice as long as paraffin. They are natural, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, bright, and smoke free. In fact, they are a great air purifier, which is the opposite of their toxic counterparts.