5 Simple Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Kids

“Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.” 

So today is Earth Day, but I only recently realized how awesome this planet really is.

Maybe it's because I'm getting older or because I get to watch my 2-year-old discover things like mountains and worms.

Whatever the reason, I've begun to notice the beauty that surrounds us everyday.

It's funny because kids do this automatically. They see a super tall tree and think it's amazing. They watch birds fly and think they're magical. We should all be so lucky.

As we crossed a bridge one day, headed towards the Catskill Mountains, my 14-year-old said to me, "You know, sometimes I forget how amazing the mountains are because I see them everyday."

Yea my kid's pretty special.

But he's so right. I feel like our appreciation for the planet is dwindling. From the way water gets pumped into our home, to how many bees it takes to make one jar of honey (it's somewhere around 600).

We've become disconnected from our relationship with it all.

Typically on Earth Day most of the world focuses on the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. While I think those steps are extremely important, if kids don't see their connection to the earth, I believe they're less likely to care for it.

So here are 5 simple ways to celebrate Earth Day with your kiddos:

1. Plant a garden. I know this seems obvious, but it's so important for kids to know that food isn't made in a factory, or in the back room of the supermarket. Real food comes from the Earth. Your garden doesn't have to be massive to have an impact. A small backyard plot or even some potted plants, like tomatoes or lettuce will do just fine. Let them dig in, get their hands dirty, and watch their food grow. Once they see all the resources it takes, just to put fresh food on their plate, maybe they'll be less likely to waste it.

2. Go for a simple walk. There used to be a time where people just walked for the hell of it. I know it seems crazy, but people didn't do it for exercise while listening to music, or just to get from here to there, and you didn't do it while checking email or texting your friends. If you were taking a stroll you were also taking in the scene; birds chirping, wind blowing, sun shining, flowers blooming. It's easier to appreciate the beauty of nature when we aren't distracted.

3. Explore a new territory. My boys and I recently took a hike around Lake Minnewaska in upstate NY. There's all sorts of things you come across in the mountains that you don't see other places. During our jaunt we came across a cool porcupine, spotted some tadpoles in the lake, and saw the gorgeous valley below. Experiencing a part of nature that's unfamiliar and new can help your kids hold on to that sense of excitement and wonder.

Lake Minnewaska

My boys

Exploring

Well hello there Mr. Tadpole.

4. Re-purpose Old Toys. If kids only knew that every year, the United States generates approximately 230 million tons of "trash". Including their once beloved action figures, electronic equipment, or whatever else is no longer "cool" to them. One way to avoid the dump is to donate old toys to a local charity like Good Will. Another is to find a new way to use their stuff. Check out these awesome planters made from toy dinosaurs and an old fire truck turned into a lamp.

5. Go Dark. In a world where most middle school kids have cell phones, an iPod, a laptop, or some other device to keep them busy, you can get some quality family time and reduce your use of energy by unplugging for the day. At the very least in might force them to play outside.

We have to remember that everyday should be Earth Day, and if we want to continue to reap the benefits of Mother Nature we need to do everything in our power to protect her inhabitants and her natural resources.

Got any plans for Earth Day? Share them below!

If you're looking for more ways to live a more natural lifestyle, I can help!

To learn more about my holistic lifestyle coaching practice, take a peek at Soul Fueled Living!

And for doula services & birth education for mamas-to-be, check out Soul Fueled Mama

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Granolaville's Best of 2012

Wow! 2012 was a whirlwind. Filled with lots of people joining the Crunchy Revolution! We even survived the overly hyped Mayan Apocalypse. (sorry Mayans)

I look back at all the contributor posts and topics inspired by some of my favorite crunchy peeps and I'm so thankful I got to share all these tidbits with you.

I'll be sharing some BIG news via our next newsletter, so if you aren't a subscriber, get on it!

Sign Up For FREE Weekly Crunch

Just in case you didn't have a chance to peruse all the kick-ass recipes, fresh ideas, spiritual connections, or crunchy videos here's a look back at the Top 10 Crunchy Posts of 2012. 


The Perfect Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I didn't used to be a fan of avocado. Frankly any food that was green and mushy reminded me of baby poop. But when I started introducing solids, to my now 20 month old, avocado topped the list of non-allergenic foods that contained oodles of  healthy fats, with little taste to frighten his forming taste buds.

I figured if he could try something new, so could I. WOW...It was nothing like I imagined. It was smooth and had a buttery quality without the salt. From that day on I was putting avocado on EVERYTHING!...
Read More



9 Tips to Getting Better Sleep

My family and I are on this path to living a more natural and holistic life. We eat better, get moderate amounts of exercise, and try not to put anything in or on our bodies that will knock us off balance mentally, physically, or spiritually.

This morning my husband surprised me by coming home early from work. He said he wasn't feeling well and had gotten little sleep the night before....Read More

Fight the Cellulite, A Starter Guide to Clean Eating

I told my husband after the birth of my first son I refused to have a “Mommy Butt”. You know that flabby, saggy, flat area you see on women who have lost all muscle tone and definition in their once ample behind.

Having gained over 50 lbs (during two pregnancies) it was inevitable that my derriere would get out of place and start heading south...Read More



Do you Need Natural Living to be Easier Than a $10 Hooker?

So here's the deal my crunchy fabulous friends, I love you more than a fat kid loves cake...or in my case organic pumpkin cheesecake.

I also love giving you the BEST and SIMPLEST holistic and naturally living goodies on the inter-webs. The thing is, as with anyone on a journey, sometimes you need to stop right where you are, take a lay of the land and reassess where you want to go and how you want to get there...Read More


The Number One Form of Alternative Care

Chiropractic is the most popular form of alternative medicine, attracting an estimated 280 million visits annually and comprising the third largest profession in health care.  

Derived from Greek words meaning “done from hand,” chiropractic is based on the vital premise that the body has an innate intelligence, or inborn ability to heal.  This ability to heal is regulated through the nervous system, the master control system of the body.... Read More 

I Breast Feed & I Think the Time Magazine Cover Sucks

Finding Acceptance Can Set You Free

I hate being a stay at home mom. Actually, I used to hate it. Two years ago I wanted nothing more than to have the job of my dreams land in my lap (that fantasy usually included a fabulous suit, HUGE pay check, and commuting to NYC where I was appreciated for the amazing work I did).

Reality was quite different....Read More

9 Non-Edible Ways To Use Coconut

Over the last few months coconut oil has replaced all other oils in my pantry, aside from olive oil. When I began using it we had already become accustomed to coconut milk in lieu of cow's milk (though now we are strictly an almond milk family).  My dairy allergic son was even chowing down on coconut yogurt and ice cream. But I had no idea how many uses there were for coconut oil.... Read More

Top 5 Toxic Household Cleaners

You can research the internet until your fingers bleed trying to gather information on which products are safest, and which require a HAZMAT suit. Here's what I've learned: Never Trust Marketing.

Let's face it, companies spend millions, if not BILLIONS of dollars to convince you that THEIR product is the best. At a time when most people have become conscious of the "buzz" words like green, all natural, non-toxic and of course organic....Read More

Charting Your Cycle, How to Get Pregnant (or not) Naturally

Aunt Flo. Dot. My monthly friend or the beast from the East. Most women, from the time they hit puberty, are ruled by the cyclical nature of their bodies.

Some of us, for a time, are obsessed with avoiding pregnancy. Then all of a sudden we hit a certain age and ALL we can think about is making babies. But what do any of us really know about working with our bodies to plan a family?...Read More



Have a Happy & Healthy New Year From Granolaville,

10 Things You Need When Mother Nature Goes Bat-Sh*t Crazy

I don't mean to call Mother Nature crazy. She's a wise and powerful energy that strives to keep this big world of ours in balance.

But seriously, sometimes I think she needs a vacation on one of her tropical islands. With a pina colada. And a ripped native man to give it to her good! Cuz mama seems a bit stressed out.

This past week on the East Coast many families came face to face with her temperamental nature. In my Granolaville we got away pretty unscathed. But my friends in NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey weren't so lucky.

The magnitude of hurricane Sandy, was far greater than anyone, even those well dressed & well paid weather people, could have predicted.

Isn't that always the case?

Homes and irreplaceable possessions were destroyed, families were separated from their pets, and in some cases lives were lost.

Let me first say that I am so grateful that my loved ones were not put in any peril during the storm. Most of us only lost power, briefly, and were able to resume life as we know it.

For many New Yorkers and New Jerseyians (?), the biggest threat to their safety was not 50 mile an hour wind or 10 foot walls of water. Losing power, not having a constant heat source and not being able to access food were their biggest obstacles.

When I returned home from NYC my usually last minute husband had our house prepared for a hurricane, monsoon, alien invasion or anything else that might be thrown our way. He's been saying for a few years now that you never know what could happen so ALWAYS be prepared.

Now I'm not saying you have to become a crazy bunker digging conspiracy theorist to keep your family safe (although my husband would advise you to do that too). But you should enable your family to have the necessary items to survive a few days or more without our modern conveniences.

Being self-sufficient and sustainable can really come in handy when suddenly faced with Mother Nature's unpredictable mood swings.

Here are 10 Things You Need When Mother Nature Goes Bat-Sh*t Crazy

1. Clean Water

Water is the most vital thing we need to survive. You can go month without eating, but only a few days without drinking water. The suggested amount is 1 gallon per day, per person and always opt for "food grade" water.

2. Non-Perishable Food

Now I know this goes against everything I preach about real, fresh food. But in a pinch you want something that won't go bad if you're left without power for a few days. I recommend having this stuff ONLY for emergencies and not everyday consumption. If possible get organic options.

• Peanut butter
• Canned tuna, chicken, turkey, 
• Honey
• Dried Cereal
• Granola bars
• Nuts & Seeds (almonds, cashews, pumpkin, sunflower)
• Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots, bananas)
• Canned fruits and veggies
• 100% fruit juice boxes
• Sports drinks (for the electrolytes)
• Powdered milk 
• Instant Oatmeal

3. Candles & Lighters

You can never have too many of light, but you'll find most store bought candles that might smell like cinnamon & spice or fresh baked cookies won't last very long and can cost a small fortune. (Plus I'd MUCH rather the smell of real cookies.) Check out these cheap DIY 100 hour candles from Salt n Prepper.

4. Propane & a Portable Stove

You might have one of these tanks if your man likes to tailgate or if you have an outdoor grill. It's one of the best sources for cooking fuel that's easily stored. Propane can also be used as a source of heat, but I suggest having other options such as warm clothes, blankets, and fire wood instead. You can find fairly cheap and compact propane stoves at any sporting good store. The one above goes for about $60.

5. First Aid Kit

Hopefully you won't have to do any Grey's Anatomy type emergency surgeries, but cuts and burns can happen.  You can buy a standard kit at your local drug store, but also having on hand some naturally derived products like a healing salve, hydrogen peroxide, and honey can all be useful as antiseptics and antibacterials.

6. Radio & Batteries

I know most kids today wouldn't know what a radio was if they weren't still in cars. But you can find them anywhere. Being able to stay in the loop about what's going on with weather advisories or shelter information is key, especially once your cell phone battery dies. If you really want to shock your kids, get one of the crank up radios like the one above. They can last up to 30 minutes. Their minds will be BLOWN!

7. Flashlights & More Batteries

You can NEVER have too many batteries or too much light. If the open flame of candle makes you nervous, opt for using flashlights first. Having them around is great for short-term light (like going to the bathroom without stubbing your toe). But if you need to see for a longer period of time make sure you have another source.

8. A Generator

The hubby and I have been saying for 2 years now that we need to invest in a generator since our house is heated by an electric oil burner and the power tends to get knocked out from the strong wind of our neighbor sneezing. After what happened with Hurricane Sandy, not having a backup source of energy seems crazy.Whether you rent or own a home investing in a portable generator could save you from throwing out spoiled food or provide you with warmth from a space heater.

9. Blankets & Clothing

You never know how long you'll be without power or how many people you might be housing (especially if you are the only one prepared). Make sure you have enough clean clothes to keep everyone warm and dry for at least a week.

10. Your Community

We don't live in a bubble. And thank the Universe for that! As we've seen from Katrina, to Haiti, to Sandy, natural disasters bring out our natural tendency for compassion and unity.

*BONUS* Solar Powered Cell Phone Charger

As long as the cell phone towers are operational, having a fully charged phone can come in handy for a multitude of things. Staying up to date on weather advisories, where to get food and shelter, and even checking in with your peeps on Facebook are all things that can be difficult to do without a cell phone.

We ARE all connected, which is why being prepared is NOT just about your immediate family. We all have the ability to give when we have little, or go out of our way to help a neighbor in need. Watching communities come together during a tragedy is one of the most inspiring acts I've ever witnessed.

While we can't predict the next time Mother Nature's going to unleash her power, taking these few simple steps could help you ride out her wrath comfortably.

Do you have any other tips for preparing for a disaster? Share them with your crunchy peeps below!

Fully Stocked in Granolaville, 

 



    

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5 Simple Ways to Create a Naturally Awesome Life

You'll never be the "perfect" crunchy person. And neither will I.

It's not because we don't try really hard. Or have the best intentions to rid our lives of chemicals and give ourselves the most nourishing real food. It's not because we are pigging out on our kids' Halloween contraband while they're sleeping. Or eating Mc Donald's apple pies in our car, so that the evidence never enters the house.

We would never do such things.

Here's the thing, most of us are perfectionists. You're saying, "Nah, not me. I'm cool with mediocrity." But I'll guess that the reason you settle for what's less than living your highest potential is because you feel overwhelmed by all the choices and decisions you could make. Eat organic, avoid dairy, get rid of gluten, meat's no good for you, cut out the carbs, juicing is key, yoga is the best for of exercise, etc.

Just making a choice about what to eat can make your head spin.

That's not even taking into account the chemicals in our products that are damaging our health, finding the "right" form of exercise, or doing things that feed your soul.

It's no wonder we choose to keep going on the same path! It hasn't killed us yet, right?

Here's the thing....living a natural and healthy life doesn't have to be so confusing or complex. It's the small steps that lead to greatness.

You don't have to wake up tomorrow morning and overhaul your life. I sure as hell didn't and you shouldn't either. My journey towards natural health has been bumpy. I've gotten lost quite a few times.

The key is to try and not beat yourself up over the minor setbacks and to focus on the journey itself.

I would've never guessed 3 years ago that today I would love drinking green juice, cut off all my hair to avoid chemical processing, and know the difference between kale and swiss chard (all leafy green stuff looks the same right?)

But this didn't happen over night. I have to remind myself of that. And just because I'm not the poster-child for being "uber crunchy" doesn't mean I shouldn't try to continually make those small changes.

For those of you just setting out on the journey I understand it can be difficult to know where to begin. Do you start with food, products, exercise, spiritual growth? What's going to give you the best "bang for your buck"?

One of my readers posed this very request. She said, "I'd like tips for the person who is no ready to go all the way crunchy. Info on what are the crunchy changes that give you the biggest benefit."

While I don't have perfect blueprint for how to implement a more natural approach to your life (because everyone has different needs and circumstances), I do know that it begins with a shift in your heart and in your mind.

From there, these simple tips should get you on your way:

1. Eat REAL, Fresh Food.

If you can't pronounce it or understand it, don't eat it! I don't subscribe to one particular diet or fad. But I know my body feels like shit when it's fed processed garbage. (Especially that Twix bar I had right before bed). I eat meat, fruits, grains, veggies, and dairy, but it's usually fresh and in moderation. Here's a hint: If it comes in a package that allows it to sit on a supermarket shelf for a year DON'T PUT IT IN YOUR BODY! That goes for all the "low-fat", "low-carb", "no-sugar" "healthy" snacks too.

If you aren't scared off by reading labels, try only buying foods with less than 5 ingredients.
 
Reduced Fat Jif Peanut Butter- 15 Ingredients

Jif Natural Peanut Butter - 5 Ingredients

2. If You Can't Eat it Don't Put it On Your Body.

I know it sounds strange, but hear me out. Your body is your biggest organ. It absorbs EVERYTHING. From your daily shampoo to your moisturizing lotion. The scary part is, many chemicals that can cause sickness bio-accumulate. Meaning they build up over time. So the sooner you replace your haircare and skin care products with those made from natural ingredients, the better off you'll be.

Mother nature has provided us with everything we need to cure almost anything. From using garlic to ward off the common cold. To reducing inflammation (which is the root of many things like eczema, arthritis, and IBS) with ginger. And if you want to look younger, slap an avocado on your face to help increase collagen production in sagging skin. If you wouldn't put it in your body, don't put it on your body.

3. Adopt the Pace of Nature. Slow the F*ck Down!

Would you stand over your garden and tell the veggies they need to hurry up and grow? No. Because A. you'd look super cray cray and B. you know change and growth takes time. We've become a world hell bent on instant gratification. If a video game takes more than 10 second to load, our food takes more than 3 minutes to make or we haven't lost 10 lbs in one day we throw our hands up and say, "This is taking too long!"

Breathe. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Take just a moment to appreciate what is and not be in such a hurry to get to the next thing. Change is inevitable and unavoidable. It's the only constant in our world. You can either push, tirelessly, against the flow or get propelled forward by riding the wave. 

So take a minute, or 5, to meditate, pray, or just be. Love where you are, because it's exactly where you were meant to be. 

4. Get Connected (For Realz)

We aren't meant to be spectators. A fulfilling life is about participation. To quote the super awesome motivational speaker and "spirit junkie", Gabby Bernstein, "Add more ~ing to Your Life."

Loving (or making' love), laughing, dancing, swimming, hiking, running, trying, failing, rinsing and repeating. Each ~ing is a new way for us to experience the world around us and make connections with our fellow crunchy peeps. We're now part of a world where we know more people online than we do in real life. The fact that this phrase has an acronym, "IRL", tells me that we aren't making lasting bonds the way we used to.

Part of living a natural lifestyle is recognizing that just like the trees or birds in the sky, WE are a part of nature. Yet we've become SO disconnected from that side of ourselves. You don't have to live on a hippie commune or only wear items that were hand made in your village to live a natural life. All you have to do get up from your desk, turn off your phone, and open your eyes to the amazing world we all live in.

5. Keep an Open Mind 

I know you are super smart and fantastic, but unfortunately even the smartest of the smarty pants really doesn't know shizz. I mean there is a WHOLE WORLD out there that is still undiscovered or misunderstood. So what if thing that we deem "crazy" or "weird" today, becomes the norm 50 years from now (You know Jesus only blew up in popularity after he was vilified, crucified, and a few hundred years passed). 

So what if you know nothing about acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic care, herbalism, zen meditation, or wonders of chia seeds. That doesn't mean those things don't have value, it just means you have a new world to tap into. So be open. Take in what will help you and put aside anything that doesn't mirror your truth. Don't take any one's word as "gospel", not even mine. What works for me, may not work for you, but at the end of the day we are all trying to live OUR happiest and healthiest.

Tell me, what part of natural living freaks you out the most? What small step do you think would  be the easiest? Share you thoughts below!

And if you liked this post and want even MORE holistic living tips and crunchy goodness Subscribe to my weekly newsletter.

One Day at a Time in Granolaville, 

Fresh Idea Friday: Are You Up For Something Awesome?

Today, I'm embarking on an adventure. I know you might consider searching high and low for missing Lego Ninjago pieces an adventure, but this is a little different.

You see, almost 8 months ago I created this website. I wanted it to be a space where anyone, but especially  you moms, could get straight up, no frills, natural living information that wasn't going to overwhelm you. Sharing these tidbits of holistic living tips with all you lovelies has been one of the best things I've ever done.

Those first few weeks I wondered if people would stop commenting, liking, or sharing posts once the shiny newness had worn off. Yet week after week you all kept coming back (crazy!) Granolaville's readership has grown to almost 4,000 pageviews each month, and I owe it all to you!

So, in the grand scheme of things 4k isn't THAT big of a deal (especially when the Epic Rap Battle Between Obama and Romney has 15 million views....wahhh?). But I'm still SO appreciative and grateful for all the support.

Now, it's time to kick it up a notch! Which leads me to my adventure!

I am so beyond thrilled and excited to attend Marie Forleo's Rich, Happy & HOT LIVE in NYC this weekend. If ya'll aren't familiar with Marie, she is like the Marketing Moses for creative and spunky women who want to start their own business or grow an existing one.

I've never been to this kind of conference before, but the way she presents information is some of the most honest, thoughtful and fun stuff around. There's no slick marketing, or "get rich quick" schemes happening with her. You can just tell from her plethora of videos on MarieTV that she really loves what she does and cares about the people she's helping.

Marie's insightful and fresh approach to business considers the WHOLE person, mind, body, and soul. And that's what we are ALL about here in Granolaville! Even the wise Ms. Oprah realized her gifts by inviting her on Super Soul Sunday as a guest.

So this weekend I'm getting a crash course in all the things that can make my life, and hopefully yours, full of all the holistic goodness we are searching for.

I want our community to get bigger and better, so that holistic living can be easy for EVERYONE!

SO off I go, on my new adventure that will hopefully bring all of closer to the Crunchy Revolution!

When was the last time you went on a real adventure? Please share in the comments section below!

Following the Yellow Brick Road to Granolaville, 

Fresh Idea Friday: 5 Surprisingly Delicious Pinterest Recipes

I've been trying to expand my food vocabulary. A few years ago if it didn't come in a box with a name brand logo on it I didn't cook it.

I've definitely opened my eyes to the beautiful rainbow of tastes, colors, textures, and smells that real food has to offer. It can be scary trying new things, but think about the deliciousness (in food and life) you may be missing out on by saying, "I'll pass."

So as I sit here and snack on my organic almonds and dried cranberries let me share with you some daring food finds from Pinterest.

They all have a fresh twist on your favorite meals. Take a peek they just might rock your taste buds!

Roasted Veggie and Black Bean Burrito

Kale Chips with Miso Dipping Sauce

 Creamy Avocado Pasta

 

5 Spice Turkey & Lettuce Wraps

Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese

If you like these recipes and want to see more, follow Granolaville on Pinterest! Have a happy and healthy Friday! 

What are your favorite meals that put a new twist on a old dish?

Happily Chewing in Granolaville, 

   

Fresh Idea Friday: DIY Natural Healing Salve

I don't know many things worse than being criticized by your mother. I think I'd rather step on a Lego with my bare feet than have my mother blatantly point out my short-comings.

 Those "loving" suggestions, as she calls them, are even worse when they put a spot light on your mothering inadequecies. I should clarify that 95% of the time my mom is the most supportive and positive person in my life.

However, no one is perfect.....and she doesn't hesitate to casually that point out.

Case in point: As you may know I live in a house with 4 boys (including my husband). There is never a shortage of cuts, scraps, bruises and other physical injuries. I'm used to bandaging up boo-boo's and sending them on their way. Underneath my bathroom sink is an arsenal, stockpiled with every size band-aid and gauze pad CVS has to offer.

One thing I'm not huge on is ointments. It's not that I have some philosophical aversion to them, I just never seem to have any.

So, when my 6 year old came running in the other day with two knees that lost a battle with our neighbors driveway I cleaned off his wounds with peroxide, threw on some Phineus and Ferb band-aids and sent him on his Ninjago fighting way.

Then I felt a disapproving stare coming from the direction of my dining room. My mom asks, "Don't you have antibiotic ointment or Neosporen?" I held my breath, trying not to sound too annoyed by her question.

"No mom. I was hoping he would get gang green and his knees would fall off so that I could carry him around all day."

So much for not sounding annoyed.

"I don't like that stuff anyway, you have no idea what they put in it. I should just make my own, how hard can it be?"

Fast forward a few nights later, and I'm in my kitchen concocting what I think is the best damn healing salve (pronounced "sav" for those of you like me who've been saying it wrong) you'll ever find. Take that mom!
:-)

This salve can be used for minor cuts and burns. In colder months it is a perfect moisturizer for dry skin.

Granolaville's DIY Healing Salve

Here's What You'll Need:

A large knife

A double boiler or two pots about the same size

Roughly 1/2 cup local bees wax.

• provides a protective barrier for the skin from dirt and other irritants
• has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties
• acts as a humectant, drawing in moisture from the surrounding air
• contains Vitamin A which helps promote cell repair

2 Tablespoons Organic Virgin Coconut Oil 

• rich in anti-oxidants and bursting with the natural microbial and antibacterial agents caphrylic and capric acids. (Natural News)
• Protective sun screen and moisture barrier
• Adds smoothness and a sweet smell to the salve

5 Tablespoons Virgin Olive Oil

• natural lubricant
• retains moisture on the skin 

2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil

• helps prevent/heal minor scarring
• increases collagen production
• very similar in nutrients to Vitamin E

1 Tablespoon Organic Honey

• anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties
• natural preservative (only food that can last FOREVER, literally)

20 drops Essential Tea Tree Oil

• antiseptic
• anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties

10 drops Essential Lavendar Oil

• aids in pain relief
• antiseptic and anti-fungal
• smells soothing

Directions

1. Cut chunk of bees wax off.

2. Fill bottom pot of double boiler with water and place on low heat.

3. Add in bees wax and melt completely. It should take about 15 minutes.

4. Once melted, add in all other ingredients and stir until mixed.

5. Pour into GLASS or Metal container ONLY! Putting it in plastic could melt the plastic or release chemicals into your salve.

6. Wait until it cools and apply anywhere on your body it's needed. The salve is thick, but just place between your hand and rub. The heat will make it into a smooth cream.

Ever made a healing salve. Let me know what you think! 

P.S. I rubbed some on my mom's arthritic hands and she LOVED it!


Feelin' the healin' in Granolaville,