Fixing Congress ~ We The People

October 19th, 2011
This came to me recently in an email and I thought I would post it here.  I don’t know who the original author is.  I tried to hunt down the transcripts and, from what I found, I am not completely sure that Mr. Buffet said all of these things exactly this way, but the gist is there.  Here is a link to here some of what was said. http://www.cnbc.com/id/43671706/
————————————————————————-
WE THE PEOPLE … Thought you might enjoy this. .. . seems fair, doesn’t it?

Warren Buffett, in a recent interview with CNBC, offers one of the
best quotes about the debt ceiling:

… “I could end the deficit in 5 minutes,” he told CNBC. “You just
pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more
than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible
for re-election

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only
3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it.
That was in 1971…before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc.

Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year
or less to become the law of the land…all because of public pressure.

Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to
a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask
each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will
have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.

Congressional Reform Act of 2011

1. No Tenure / No Pension.
A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no
pay when they are out of office.

2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the
Social Security system immediately All future funds flow into
the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the
American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise.
Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and
participates in the same health care system as the American people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void
effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this
contract with Congressmen.  Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in
Congress is an honor, not a career The Founding Fathers
envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their
term(s), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will
only take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive
the message. Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!

If you agree with the above, share this on your Facebook page or copy and paste it to an email and send it to your list.

Posted in Thoughts by Grace | No Comments »

Ultra Skin Ease for Eczema

July 27th, 2011

I recently met a woman at a Farmer’s Market who has severe eczema on her ankles and wrists. Knowing that the Ultra Skin Ease would drastically help, I took photos to document the progress.  She told me that she had been battling her eczema skin condition for many years and that she had given up.  Doctors had prescribed expensive creams over the years that would help with the itching and burning, but they never healed her skin or cleared up her symptoms completely.  She applied the Ultra Skin Ease lotion right there at my market booth the day I met her.  Four days later she hunted me down at another farmers market to buy the Ultra Skin Ease lotion.  She told me that within hours of her first application her skin felt and looked better.  She had immediate results and was very encouraged.   About a week later she decided to give her eczema a one-two punch and layer the Ultra Skin Ease lotion with the balm.  She has started using the Ultra Skin Ease balm in conjunction with the lotion, after her skin absorbs the lotion, she applies the balm over it.  The first two pictures were taken the day I met her and show how irritated her skin was before she started to use Ultra Skin Ease.  She sent me the third picture today to show me how much her skin has healed in two weeks.  I will take another picture next week to document the progress.

 

Posted in Eczema, Skin Ease | 3 Comments »

Magic Ingredients

May 17th, 2011

Aloe Vera Juice is in all of our lotions, body wash, Natural Balance facial toner and facial cleansing bar, Meadowfoam Rose moisturizing Serum, Tangerine C Serum, and Lula Blue Tea Tree & Lavender Dog Shampoo. Aloe is great for the skin.  It has a natural astringent quality.  It helps to soothe burns, rashes, and other skin maladies.

Essential Oils are powerful, natural, concentrated, oily liquids extracted or distilled from plants.  They have been used throughout history for their healing and medicinal characteristics.  I have been known to call them the immune system of a plant.  They are the aroma in the word “aromatherapy”.  Only products made with true essential oils can honestly be called aroma-therapeutic. Essential oils, by their very nature, want to disperse into the air and penetrate into the skin to bring their soothing and healing properties to the body.  Each essential oil has unique qualities to produce precise healing effects on the body and mind.  By mixing different essential oils together, powerful synergistic blends may be created to produce specific healing effects.  The essential oils used in Grace’s Green Garden products are listed below.

Angelica Root
Bergamot
Carrot Seed
Frankincense
Geranium
Grapefruit
Jasmine
Lavender
Lemon
Lemongrass
Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
Neroli
Orange
Patchouli
Peppermint
Pine
Rosemary
Sandalwood
Tangerine
Tea Tree (Melaleuca)
Ylang Ylang

Mango Butter, in my opinion, has been underestimated by the skincare industry.  It has been used for centuries by people in the rainforests for moisturizing and protecting the skin.  It helps to soothe, soften, and moisturize the skin and combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It is a wonderful total body moisturizer. It has natural UV protection properties. Mango Butter also helps reduce degeneration of skin cells, restores elasticity, soothes rashes, and helps heal dry, cracked skin. We use Mango Butter and Shea Butter together in all of our lotions and balms.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that is found in all living things.  It proforms many functions, one of which is to provide the chemical links needed for the body to produce collagen and keratin.  It is sometimes call the “beauty mineral” and helps improve the skins clarity, smoothness, elasticity, and also diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This ingredient is so amazing; I think it might be the fountain of youth.  Some studies indicate that wounds heal faster when MSM is applied topically and used in conjunction with vitamin C.  Based on this information, MSM has been used in products to improve skin wellness, suppleness, and to help improve skin that is acne prone.  MSM is used in the Natural Balance Aloe and Herbal Facial Toner and also in our Meadowfoam Moisturizing Serum.

Neem oil, (Azadirachta indica), is reported to remove toxins,
purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radicals in the body.

The medicinal properties of neem exhibit antibacterial,
antipyretic, antimalarial, antitumor, antiulcer, antidiabetic, and
antifertility effects, as well as positive effects on the central nervous and
cardiovascular systems.

The insecticidal qualities of neem oil are well known. The
main active ingredient in neem is azadirachtin. It is responsible for repelling
as well as limiting the pupation and reproductive abilities of many insects.

Source: Snowdrift Farm, Inc –  snowdriftfarm.com

Shea Butter has natural UV protection and moisturizing qualities.  It is rich in naturally occurring nutrients and melts at skin temperature.  It is non-greasy and is easily absorbed by the skin. It helps to soothe, soften, and moisturize the skin and combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It is a wonderful total body moisturizer.  Used on a regular basis, it helps reduce degeneration of skin cells, restores elasticity, soothes rashes, and helps heal dry, cracked skin. We use Shea Butter and Mango Butter together in all of our lotions and balms. Shea Nut oil is also included in the Grace’s Green Garden body wash, Ultra Skin Ease body wash, and Lula Blue Tea Tree and Lavender Dog Shampoo.

Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds and also for the production of collagen.  Vitamin C helps your skin fight off the attacks it encounters on a daily basis from free radicals, exposure to everyday pollutants, and damage caused by the sun.  Vitamin C also helps to improve the skin’s tone and clarity, and brightens the complexion.  It may also minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Tamanu Oil, also known as Foraha oil in Africa, is obtained by mechanically crushing the dried nuts of the Tamanu tree. The Tamanu tree is typically found in the Pacific and Asian Tropical regions. The oil is rich and deep green in color, and has an aroma similar to Curry leaf. Tamanu oil has a soothing effect on the skin, and it helps to relieve irritations such as sun burn, inflammation and general rashes. Tamanu oil is also known to help regenerate skin cells and has a hydrating effect on the skin.  Research shows that Tamanu oil is a strong anti-inflammatory, which may make it useful for the treatment eczema and inflammatory skin conditions. The oil has been used for its ability to help heal cuts and wounds while acting as a germicide to help prevent infection.  I do not recommend using Tamanu oil full strength around the eyes as it may cause irritation to the eyes.

Disclaimer: All products statements are made by me, (Grace Vitale), from personal usage of Grace’s Green Garden products and the ingredient used in them.  Our products are not guaranteed to treat, heal, or help any medical conditions.  The claims made on this web site are not guarantees.  Grace’s Green Garden products are not intended as a replacement for professional medical counsel.

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Grace’s Delicious Whole Hemp Seed Breakfast Recipe

May 9th, 2011

Hemp Nutritional Information ImageHere is my high protein, high energy breakfast using whole hemp seeds. This is a lot of nutrition and a lot of food.  This recipe may be adjusted to your taste.  Loaded with antioxidants and pro-biotic rich, it is very filling, satisfying, and energizing.  You won’t feel hungry for hours after enjoying this delicious breakfast.

3 TBSP Greek Yogurt, plain, low fat
1/2 of a large Banana, sliced
1/4 C. Walnuts, coarsely chopped
1/4 C. Dried Blueberries, or Raisins, or Dried Cherries, pick one
1/4 C. Coconut, shredded and unsweetened
2 – 3 TBSP whole hemp seeds, sea salted or unsalted, your choice
 2 - 3 TBSP Cocoa Nibs
Hemp Seed Milk, optional

Mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.  A little hemp seed milk may be added to the ingredients if you like your mixture thinner.

Be creative.  Feel free to modify the recipe to your liking.  Use fresh fruit when you have it on hand.  If you like breakfast smoothies, all of these ingredients can be turned into a smoothie simply by adding them into a blender, with a little water, fruit juice, or hemp seed milk, and pressing the puree button.  Enjoy!

 

Reference: Hemp Line Journal, July-August 1992, pp. 14-15, Vol. I No. 1, Lynn Osburn.

Posted in Hemp For Nutrition | 1 Comment »

The Secret to Better Skin Isn't Rocket Science

March 30th, 2011

Growing up my skin was always a challenge for me.  I struggled with blemishes and rashes from the time I started 5th grade and through most of high school.  My face and arms seemed to always be marked with bumps, blotches, and blackheads.   Oh, how I wished for smooth, clear, unflawed skin.  I tried many over the counter remedies that promised to make my breakouts disappear, control my excessively oily T-zone, and calm my rough, patchy skin.  Many of the products I tried had no effect at all.  Some of the products, especially cream cleansers, made my condition worse.  Some would work for a week or two, but then I think my system would become immune to the active ingredients, and the skin maladies would reappear.

My quest became finding the answer to better skin.  I wanted skin I wasn’t embarrassed of.  Lucky for me, I was raised in a family that believed in natural, holistic, alternative medicine.  As I got older, probably around the age of 13, I became more aware of the qualities of ingredients one might find in their own kitchen cupboard.  Encouraged by my parents, I started concocting all sorts of interesting natural mixtures to combat the imperfections of my blemished skin.  Some things worked and some things didn’t.  I practiced making my natural concoctions and by the time I was finished with high school my skin, although not cheerleader skin smooth, was completely presentable. 

The products I concoct and market now are still natural but are a little more sophisticated than they were when I was 13.  As I mentioned before, when I was trying over the counter preparations, some would work for a short time and then my condition would reappear or worsen.  In my opinion, and let me remind you that I am not a doctor, preparations that are made with chemicals, although they may work for a couple of weeks or even a month, eventually will be rejected by the body.  Our bodies are organic (living) organisms.  It is natural for our bodies to develop defenses against synthetic substances.   Natural, herbal, and holistic remedies, because they, too, are organic and derived from living organisms, work with the body to help bring itself back into balance.  The body is less likely to develop resistance to natural preparations which is why they continue to provide positive results indefinitely.

I have been concocting my own skin benefitting creations for over 40 years now.  My secret to beautiful skin is simple, cleanse tone, nourish, and moisturize when needed.  Here are the 6 steps that have worked for me for many years.

  1. Loosen up pore clogging sebum, makeup, and dirt with high quality Natural Balance Herbal Facial Cleansing Oil.
  2. Follow by a good old fashioned lather with Natural Balance Herbal Facial Cleansing Bar and rinse with plenty of warm water, at least 20 splashes, to hydrate and pave the way for smoother skin. 
  3. Nourish and restore the skin’s PH with Natural Balance Aloe and Herbal Facial Toner. 
  4. We all need vitamins and our skin is no exception.  Apply Natural Balance Tangerine C Skin Repair Serum after cleansing and toning to help combat damage caused by the sun and brighten the complexion; it also helps fight breakouts, blemishes, and blotchy skin. 
  5. For those of us over 35, follow Tangerine C with Natural Balance Anti-Wrinkle Serum to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
  6. Finally, use Natural Balance Meadowfoam Rose Moisturizing Serum if your skin needs a little extra moisturizer.  It is lightweight and loaded with nourishing ingredients that also help the skin to appear firmer and lifted. 

It may seem like a lot when reading it here but it takes only about 5 minutes, twice a day, to complete all 6 steps.  Your healthy skin and the way you feel about how your skin looks is worth the time.

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Caring People Are The Cure – The Homeless Animal Epidemic

February 4th, 2011
Petey, my daughter's rescue dog

My daughter's rescue dog, Petey. Petey got a second chance. She showers us with love and gratitude every day.

The last two years have been incredibly intense for me.  Along with all the hours I put in making products, filling orders, and managing my web site, I have also been working a part time job to help me get back on my feet financially after my move across county, a divorce, my daughter’s wedding, and the reorganization of my company.

My life finally has finally gotten to a place that is manageable and I was able to step away from the part time job and take some time to do something I have always wanted to do.   I gave myself the month of January go through orientation and begin volunteering at my local county animal shelter.  After orientation I shadowed a seasoned volunteer for 10 hours before I was allowed to work directly with the dogs myself.  The local shelter I decided to volunteer at is the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter.  The volunteer coordinator there charges her volunteers with socializing the dogs.  We walk the dogs, play with them, teach them basic commands like sit, come, and shake, show them affection, and sometimes just sit with them while holding and petting them.

I chose the county kennel because I wanted to concentrate my efforts where I believe there is the most need.  All the dogs at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter are picked up from the streets.  The shelter does not take dogs that are surrendered by owners.  The animal is held for five days in hope that its owner will come to claim it.  If the animal is not claimed in 5 days it becomes the property of the county and is put up for adoption.  If it is a Pit Bull Terrier or if a dog fails the temperament test, and it is not claimed by the owner, it will be euthanized.  A sad fact is that only about 6% of stray dogs that are picked up by the Dog Warden are reclaimed by their owners and taken back home.  Recently one of the deputies reminded me that, at some point, all these animals had owners.  The deputies are not digging these animals out of caves or holes in the side of a hill.  Some of them come with the deputies willingly and others come not so willingly.  Some of the dogs are well adjusted with wagging tails and happy barks, some are a little shy, and others are downright terrified.  Some look as though they have been well treated while others have clearly been abused.  Some of the dogs have been hit by cars or are injured in other ways.  We have had dogs that came in with collars embedded so deeply in their necks that the collar had to be surgically removed.  Some dogs that end up in the shelter have been so badly injured that the only humane course of action is to euthanize.  We are one of the fortunate shelters in that we have a local celebrity, Dick Goddard, the weather man on a local Cleveland channel, who started a medical fund for the purpose of helping savable animals.  Any money donations that come to the shelter go into that fund.  Many dogs that would not have received medical attention if they ended up in a different shelter have benefitted from the care they have received because of that fund.  Thank goodness for kind people.

Once the dogs become accustomed to shelter life they are happy to see the volunteers.  Anticipating the moment it will be their turn to get out of their cage for a short while and enjoy a walk and a little interaction with people; they wait at the front of their cages, looking thru the bars, tails wagging, voices barking, and legs dancing back and forth.  I am not sure if they all just want to be the first or if they are trying to get the volunteers attention so that they will not be left behind or forgotten.  The few minutes of freedom the pups have from their pens, coupled with the personal attention from a volunteer, is the best part of their day and sometimes their week, especially when they haven’t been out in a while.  Although the volunteers do try to get all the dogs out every day, the main kennel has 75 cages and we don’t always have enough volunteers to make that happen, but we do the best we can.

Those of us, who work with the dogs, get to know them and appreciate how special each animal is.  Some of the animals are in the shelter for weeks.  We begin to feel the intensity and seriousness of the plight of these homeless dogs.  You see, we know that these dogs are all in a life and death race.  If the animals, who are so full of trust, life, and love, don’t find homes, it won’t matter how much time we have spent socializing them because, they will be euthanized.   This is the hard part for all of us who work with the pups, whether it be the shelter staff, the volunteers, or the deputies, we all interact with these animals and it is impossible not to have feelings about them.

Millions of animals end up in shelters every year.  Television commercials, print ads, and other media remind us of this every day.  Intellectually we all know it.  After having had the privilege to work with these innocent homeless bundles of joy and love, I now know it, and feel it, in my heart.

This is becoming a dilemma for me.  I love spending time with the animals and other volunteers.  It is not only gratifying to watch these neglected and often abused animals gradually begin to trust humans and allow their personalities to emerge, it feeds my soul to spend time with these beings who accept us humans so unconditionally.  The dogs don’t care if I dress in Gucci or Salvation Army.  It won’t matter if I put on makeup that day or show up natural.  They just want me to show up.  Yet, there is always that little bit of fear in me that even though we do have a pretty good adoption rate at the shelter, some of my animal friends may not make it out of the shelter alive.  This thought crosses my mind every day.  I remind myself that I keep going back to spend time with the pups in hope that the time I spend there, will make the time they spend in the shelter a little happier, regardless of the outcome.

Anything that is alive has consciousness and a will to live.  Even plants will go to great lengths to find light when put in a dark place.  All one has to do to see it at the shelter is look into the eyes of one of the animals and feel it’s will to live.  These animals have no control over their situation and none of them want to die.  They are all there, mostly, because of human error.  As I mentioned before, at one time they all had a home.

So, what are we to do?  We can all be responsible pet owners.  Licensing is an important way to make sure your beloved pet does not become a shelter statistic.  Animals that are properly tagged have a better chance of making their way back home if they get lost.  Spay or neuter your pets.  If you have already taken care of that responsibility of pet ownership, encourage friends and family to do the same.  There are many organizations that offer low cost procedures.

If you have room in your life and in your heart, adopt a shelter animal.  For every animal adopted from a shelter, another animal gets a chance at life.  Freeing an animal from a shelter also frees up a cage for another homeless animal.  Sometimes animals are euthanized because there isn’t enough space at a shelter.  By saving one life you may actually be saving two.  If you cannot adopt but like animals and have the time to spend a few hours a week or even a few hours a month, pick your favorite animal and volunteer to spend time at a shelter in your area.  Several people I volunteer with live in apartments or have jobs that make it difficult, if not impossible, to own a pet.  They get their “dog fix” by walking and playing with the dogs at the shelter a few hours a week.

Donations are generally welcome at shelters which are always in need of items like laundry detergent, bleach,  pet shampoo and conditioner, grooming tools, towels, blankets, old newspapers, plastic grocery bags, pet toys, pet food, treats, collars, leashes, room freshener, and of course, money.  Call your local shelters to see what their needs are.  Believe me, with hundreds of animals coming and going every month, there is always need.

There are also opportunities to foster homeless animals of every kind.  You may be surprised to find that dogs and cats are not the only animals that suffer homelessness or abuse at the hands of humans.  I have a friend that works with the Pot Belly Pig rescues.  I was astounded when I first started examining the different pig recue sites and shocked at the stories I read.  Horses, cattle, and other farm animals also suffer and have need.  I have also found bird and rabbit rescues.  Just Google your favorite animal and see what comes up.

In a perfect world there would be no need for animal shelters or animal euthanasia due to lack of space.  We all know the world is not perfect.  Sometimes because of changes in financial and living situations animals need a place from which to start over.  However, the magnitude of the homeless dog and cat epidemic we are experiencing as a nation now is avoidable.  Although it is nothing that can be fixed overnight or even in a year, if we all start working on the epidemic of homeless animals, the proportions of this dilemma are fixable.  Our goal should be to reduce the homeless animal population to a manageable fraction of what it is now so that no healthy, wonderful, adoptable animal ever has to be euthanized.  Here are a few points to remember.

  • Licensing is an important way to make sure your beloved pet does not become a shelter statistic.  Animals that are properly tagged have a better chance of making their way home.
  • Spay or neuter your animal.  There are already plenty of unwanted animals in life and death situations in shelters all across our county.  Fixing your animal can be a start to help reduce that number.  I know some folks who have taken it a step further.  They trap, spay or neuter, and release feral cats.  The animal cannot reproduce any longer but will live out its natural kitty life doing what kitties do.
  • Adopt an animal from a shelter.  Saving one life may actually save two or more.
  • If adopting isn’t for you, consider becoming an animal foster.
  • Volunteer at a shelter if you can.  Volunteering will bring happiness to you and the animals, and will also create awareness in your friends, family members, and your extended community about the plight of homeless animals.
  • Donate supplies or money to your favorite animal cause. Most of us can donate something.  Every little bit helps.

Animals in shelters of every kind are in need. Our country is in a homeless animal epidemic.  Caring people like you are the cure.

http://www.cuyahogadogs.com/
Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter
9500 Sweet Valley Drive
Valley View, Ohio  44125
216-525-7877

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Hemp – The Renewable Resource

November 11th, 2010
Hemp: Nature's Answer

The hemp plant may very well be Nature's answer to many health and environmental concerns.

Recently our first nutritional product, whole hemp seed, was added to the Grace’s Green Garden family of products.  Nutritional hemp may well be one of nature’s most nutritious foods.  It is high in fiber and loaded with protein, essential fatty acids, amino acids and other nutritional components perfect for human kind.  Because it is illegal to grow any plant with the word “Cannabis” in its botanical name here in the United States, all nutritional hemp is imported from other countries.  The seeds are sterilized or shelled before importation to prevent them from germinating if planted.  We import our toasted and sea salted and unsalted nutritional hemp seeds from Canada and offer them under our label for retail and wholesale.

Hopefully our government will one day soon legalize the farming of nutritional/industrial hemp in our country.  Nutritional/Industrial hemp is a renewable resource and grows from seed to harvest in 120 days.  It could be grown in all climactic zones here in the US.  It contains virtually no THC and should not be confused with marijuana.  Its seeds were an important source of food here in the United States until the 1930’s when our government made it illegal to grow here.  Hemp seeds are an important and nutritious source of food in many other countries.  Unlike cotton, little or no in-crop pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides are necessary for growing this amazing plant.  Its naturally mildew and fungus resistant fibers may be used to make fabric for clothing and textiles.  The more course components of the plant can be used to make building materials and paper, thereby reducing the need to destroy precious forests for the manufacturing of these items.  The entire plant is usable and is a wonderful source for nutrition, fuel, textiles, oil, paper, housing, mulch, and animal bedding.  For more information on hemp and its uses please visit http://naihc.org/hemp_information/hemp_facts.html.

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Why Hemp

October 13th, 2010

For the last couple of years I have played with the idea of adding nutritional products to my web site.  I do not take any supplements all the time.  I will take a vitamin every now and again when I feel like my system is in need of additional support.  I do take a liquid vitamin D3 in the winter, I swear it keeps me from getting the winter drags and also bolsters my immune system.  But on my way to becoming a vegetarian, for the last 4 years, no kidding, I am so on and off with it, I started to feel really tired.  My thinking seemed less sharp to me.  I thought for a minute that I was just getting old, then I thought, “NO WAY”, but I was concerned.  I am pretty good about not eating red meat or pork but there were times that I felt I just had to have a piece of meat.  The next day I would be physically more energized and clearer thinking, while feeling guilty about the animal I just ate.  Just to be clear, I have no problem with anyone else’s choice to not eat or to eat meat.  I think most people to do what works best for them.

Anyway, this pattern I had created really needed to end.    One day I stopped by the local coffee shop and saw a bag of hemp, wow, that sounds funny, on the counter.  I looked at the gal behind the counter and said, “Really?”  She thought that was kind of funny and began to explain the difference between nutritional hemp and its mischievous cousin that was so popular in the 60′s and 70′s.  The hemp seeds she was selling were toasted and sea salted but she assured me I would not get toasted from eating them and even suggested I try them in a smoothie to help with the cold I was coming down with.  I bought them, took them home, thoroughly crunched and enjoyed them.

Within a few hours of ingesting the seeds I felt a little stronger.  Sort of how I feel when I eat a piece of meat.  I was intrigued.  I started to research the hemp plant and, believe me, there is a lot of information online.  I became so impressed with this little, tiny, superfood seed that I decided to hunt down sources to buy them from.  Now, this plant is not legal to grow in the United States but the sterilized seeds or hulled seeds may be imported and sold without issue.   I found a 20,000 acre farm in Canada that not only grows and harvests the seeds but also cleans and packages them.  How convenient!

The hemp seed is a powerhouse of nutrition.  How many times have you heard that Omega 3′s are good for you?  Well, this little seed is loaded with them.  It also has the  right balance of Omega 6.  Most people don’t know that they should be getting Omega 6 or that there is an important ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 that should be observed for optimum health benefits, which the hemp seed has.  This little seed also has Omega 9, all 22 essential amino acids, lots of fiber from the shell, minerals, vitamins, and plenty of protein.  It might be natures perfect food.  One does not need to worry about toxicity which can happen from overeating Flax seed or worry about the downsides to over consumption of Soy protein because of the phytoestrogens inherent in the seed.  So far, researchers have not found a downside to eating nutritional hemp.

As I mentioned previously, nutritional hemp and it’s naughty cousin from the 60′s do not have much in common except for part of a botanical name, cannabis, and the appearance of the leaf.  There is hardly a trace of THC in the nutritional hemp, see http://www.testpledge.com, and it is loaded with health giving benefits for the body.  Its roguish cousin can’t make either of those claims, in fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Here is another upside, these little seeds taste great.  The whole toasted seeds are crunchy, nutritious, and delicious.  I eat them by the handful, like popcorn.  I have also used them in smoothies, as suggested by the lovely young lady that introduced them to me.  I put them in salads, on ice cream and, yes, I did make brownies with them once and boy were they good.  Anyway you look at it, these seeds are nutritious, good for you, delicious, and fun to eat.  I hope you’ll try some today.

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Use Talc Free Body Powder: The Correlation Between Talcum Powder and Cancer

July 3rd, 2010

I love using scented body powders on my skin, especially during the humid Mid West summers.  It makes my skin feel silky, smell pretty, and absorbs excess moisture which helps me feel more comfortable in my skin.  All of my body powders are made with a natural corn starch/arrowroot blend.  I have known for many years that Talcum Powder is a dangerous carcinogen.  My mother always kept up on the latest information on holistic medicine and remedies.  I remember her reading the Mother Earth News and other similar publications along with her medical books when I was a young child.  Baby powder and other talc containing products were not allowed in our house.

Talc is a mineral and is produced by the mining industry.  One of the components of talc are tiny fibers that are similar in structure to asbestos.  Because talc is closely related to the carcinogen asbestos, studies have indicated that tiny talc particles can cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims.  This is truly unsettling when you stop to think about all the products on the market that contain talc.  There are many facial products that are made with talc as well as BABY POWDER folks.  Please read your labels.  How many of us powder our babies up out of love to keep them dry and comfortable only to find the product we are using could be causing serious harm to the little people we love most.  There is so much information on this subject that is only a google away.  Here is a link to get you started.  Check out the Cancer Prevention Coalition web site to see what they have to say about the carcinogen talc.

I would love to see your thoughts on this.  Please add a comment to the blog before you leave this site.

Warmest Regards,
G.

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Tamanu Oil a new ingredient for GGG products

June 15th, 2010

Recently my mother was watching the Dr. Oz program.  She very excitedly called me to ask me if I had heard of Tamanu oil.  I had not but her excitement made me curious.  It seemed like something I should check out.  A couple of days later I googled, thank heaven for google, tamanu oil/dr oz. A video clip came up on youtube and the clip was impressive.  I went to some other sources and gathered more information.  The more information I gathered the more impressed I became.  I found a supplier and ordered enough to do some testing with.  I’m telling you, I love this stuff.  It’s practically magic.  The beneficial effect it has on the skin is remarkable.  Here is a link to hear what Dr. Oz has to say about the magic of Tamanu Oil. Dr. Oz on YouTube

The Tamanu oil used in GGG products comes from Madagascar.  It is a new discovery for our part of the world although it has been used for hundreds of years in Polynesia.  Its anti-aging properties are amazing, as are its ability to benefit many skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, rashes, and diabetic sores, to name a few.  It does have an interesting aroma, almost like curry leaf.  Some say it smells like butter pecan ice cream.  I’m sticking with the curry leaf.  I was a little apprehensive at first, not knowing how it would affect my essential oil aromas.  Then I was so pleasantly surprised.  It makes the already exotic Jasmine Breeze smell more like Jasmine Breeze.  It warms up the Lavender and I didn’t notice any change in the Happy Feet aroma at all.  What it does do is make skin soft, comfortable and smooth.   I am using the pure, unaltered, form of Tamanu oil and the pure form is green, not a little green, it is a dark green.  So it also imparts a slight green hue to most of the products I have used it in.

I have made Tamanu oil, in its pure form, available on this web site for those of you who would like to experiment with it yourself.  It may be added to lotions, body wash, hair shampoos or used straight from the bottle.  I use it straight from the bottle on skin irritations, bug bites, dry patches and especially around my cuticles.   It is amazing how it instantly moisturizes and feeds the nails and cuticles.  I will caution you, however, not to use it in its pure form around the eyes.  It must be diluted first.  Because of its natural chemical elements, it can be a bit stingy to the eyes.  At least it was on mine.  Remember, I test everything I make on me first, then on my two legged family members, thanks mom, dad, brothers, and sisters, then on friends.  I never test anything on animals that are not human.

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