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Showing posts from April, 2025

DIY Tooth Powder

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We have been trying different options for better oral health. We already make a mouthwash that we like really well, so it was time to try making something else. We chose to make our own tooth powder. While most recipes claim these ingredients make a "re-mineralizing" tooth powder, we found that whether or not it re-mineralizes, this recipe gets your teeth sparkling clean. After reading through several recipe options, we came up with our own based on the ingredients we had on hand. Here is the recipe we created: Note: This blog post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through these links helps support our website and blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support. Tooth Powder Recipe Ingredients 1/4 c. bentonite clay 3 T calcium carbonate 1 1/2 T baking soda 1 t. cloves 1 t. cinnamon 1 t. sea salt 1 T dried mint leaves, ground to a powder 5 drops peppermint oil (or more, to taste) Directions Mix all ingredients together. Store in a glass jar with a lid.  To use: Scoop a...

Setting (and Re-setting) Goals

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By Frances Thomas In our first blog post I wrote: "My hope is that this becomes a space where knowledge can be shared, successes celebrated, and failures viewed with humor." Well, here is a bit of humor...in one of our newsletters in early 2024, I stated the following two goals for the year: 1) Improve my sewing skills. I love making quilts and have made small items – bibs, aprons, simple skirts, and even a pair of lounge pants – but this has been the extent of my skill. I would like to learn to make some serious clothes – shirts, pants, dresses, etc. – and learn how to do zippers and button holes.    2) Make homemade soap. We have a couple of friends who have been gracious enough to let me watch them make soap, but I have not yet ventured to make it by myself. I have been searching for a recipe that uses ingredients to which I have easy access (I love tallow, but cannot always get it) and that I can store for a long time. I think I found a recipe to try. Now I just have ...

Healthy Snack Series - Refrigerator Snacks

Refrigerator snacks are especially nice in the summertime when it is hot outside. Prepare these in advance and store in the refrigerator for a cool, healthy snack. Pudding Cups Pudding cups are a great option because there are so many possibilities. Chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch, and tapioca are just a few flavor options you can make at home. You also have the freedom to choose your milk - dairy, coconut, almond, etc. - if making a cooked recipe and you can even find egg-free recipes, such as the chia seed pudding recipe below. Taste of Home's Vanilla Pudding - This is one of our favorite vanilla puddings to make. It is easy and delicious! Minimalist Baker's Overnight Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding Overnight Oatmeal Cups These have become popular for breakfast but there is no reason you can't make them as a snack as well! You can find recipes all over. Here are two options to get you started: Budget Bytes' Overnight Oats Love & Lemon's Overnight Oats Fruit Keb...

Healthy Snack Series - Handheld Snacks

In line with our healthy snack series, we present some ideas for  hand-held healthy snacks Zucchini Chips - We have made these in the oven and in the dehydrator. Here is one recipe you can try: The Mediterranean Dish .  Kale Chips - Kale chips are similar to zucchini chips. The Kitchn has a recipe for these here .  Lacto-fermented vegetables - You can make fermented pickles , carrots , or a mix of vegetables . These are tasty and good for your digestion! Follow the links above for recipes from a variety of sources that you can try. Energy Bites - You can find the recipe we use on our website here . Granola - Our favorite granola recipe can be found on our website here .  Trail Mix - Trail mix can include whatever your favorite ingredients are. Basics include nuts and dried fruits. You can include small crackers, chocolate chips, and more. Nuts (regular, glazed, or candied) - Nuts are a good source of protein. We like them salted, seasoned, and glazed. Our favor...