Cauliflower Power!

Good Morning, Cauliflower Au Gratin!

Make Way for the New "It" Thang!

What a great way to start your day with Cauliflower Au Gratin! Did you know that cauliflower is full of vitamin C and a cancer killahhhh?! Check out these great Cauliflower Facts and EAT MORE! Need help?? Try something new with these super yummy cauliflower recipes:

• Cauliflower Soup
• Charred Cauliflower Tacos (Check out Tin Kitchen Food Truck for this dish- YUM)
• Mashed Cheesy Cauliflower 
• Cauliflower Puree
• Cauliflower Pizza Dough
• Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower Au Gratin

Zee Ingredients:

• One Head of Cauliflower
• One Yellow Onion
• One Package of Gruyere Cheese
• Half of a Package of Aged Cheddar by Kerrygold
• One Cup of Parmesan
• 2 TBSP Kerrygold Butter
• 2 TBSP Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 Cups of Unsweetened Coconut Milk
• 3 TBSP All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 TSP of Nutmeg
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1/4 Bulb of Garlic
• An 8x11 Baking Dish

Serves 4-6

How do I Make This?! 

I found this recipe on Pinterest and made a few vegan tweaks for a more healthier and tastier dish. I avoided bread crumbs, added an onion for texture, garlic, used coconut milk instead of milk, and 50% less butter by substituting with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I also added an Aged Cheddar, because I'm cheesy!


Step 1: Prep Your Stuff

• Preheat Your Oven to 375 Degrees F.
• Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. 
• Cut your cauliflower into florets. Don't know how? Learn something new today!
• Dice your onion and saute for later.
• Grate the Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 2: Combine Zee Ingredients!!

• Boil the cauliflower for 5-6 minutes and drain them bad boys. Make sure that your cauliflower is firm! 

• Place your saucepan over low heat, add the oil and butter, and stir in the flour (thickening agent). After the flour is mixed in with no lumps (1-2 minutes), add the coconut milk and whisk until it begins to boil and thicken (1-4 minutes).

• Remove from heat and add your remaining ingredients: salt, pepper, garlic, nutmeg, sauteed onions, Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan Cheese (save a little cheese for the top of your dish).

YAY CHEESE!

Say Cheeeeese!

Onionssss Yum!

Cauliflower Power!

Zee Cream Sauce!!

Mmmmmmm Goooooodddddd!!

Step 3: Bake Zee Dish!!

• Pour the cauliflower into your baking dish and combine with your cream sauce. Salt, Pepper, and cover with the remaining cheesy goodness. 
• Bake your dish for 25-30 minutes and broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to brown your cauliflower.
• DIG IN!

And Voila...

Pair it with a super awesome veggie sandwich!!

I brought a double serving of this dish to my family picnic this past weekend, and it was almost gone!! We paired it with an amazing veggie sandwich, and as you can see, there was nothing but VEGGIE SMILES!

Flower Power!! Another great cauliflower dish. 

Trendy Kendie Meets Kettler Cuisine!!

Kettler Kendie Katastrophe

A Birthday Jubilation Crash Course!!

I always love a reason for visiting Raleigh, and I am a sucker for enjoying a solid birthday weekend. Happy Birthday Jess Kettler!! Of course, I would never arrive empty-handed and settled for a couple new gifts that were unique, and would make all of the other ladies jealous...that's key! I settled for a homemade Vanilla Lavender Honeysuckle Perfume and homemade Cloth Napkins for the Mr and Mrs! They were both a hit, and I gotta' tell you how to make 'em!

Cloth Napkins

I don't like to use paper towel, because it's super wasteful. I love cloth napkins! Not only are they way cute and snuggly, they're super easy to make! Get out the ol' sewing machine and get crafty!

This tutorial will teach ya how to make a set of napkins (2). It is a great beginner sewing project, because you will learn how to pin, and it's a straight line stitch. The time will vary depending on your sewing abilities...1-3 hours?

This Sewing Adventure Requires:

• A Threaded Sewing Machine.
• Pattern or Good Eye.
• Stick Pins
• Scissors
• 2 Napkin-sized pieces of Fabric.

Step 1: Cut Yo Fabric. 

I used my own cloth napkin as a pattern and used some pins to secure the fabric. Remember to give yourself an inch. You'll need it to create a nice finished edge on your masterpiece. Don't have a pattern? Measure out your dream napkins and simply cut your fabric. Don't forget, you'll need two!


My Muse...

Step 2: The Hardest Part, Pinning. 

• Pick your favorite side!
• Fold the napkin side about a half inch, fold over again, and try your best to hold it in place.
• Secure the napkin seam by pinning the folded area. Place your pins in the same direction and pin every 3 inches. You will avoid any "pin finger disasters" by placing the the sharp end of your pins, in the opposite sewing direction of your fingernails! 
• Pin all 4 of the napkin sides.

Step 3: Sew

• Place your fabric in your machine and sew the folded fabric piece forming a nice and even seam. You will use the sewing machine foot as a guideline keeping your stitch even.
• Remove your pins as you sew and VOILA!
• Washing Machine Ready! Environment Safe!

The Aftermath...

Now, we gotta' use 'em!

Homemade Body Spray

That Smells Divine! What is it?!

Oh, you know, just a homemade Lavender Vanilla Honeysuckle Body Spray! BOOM!

What you will need...

• A couple sprigs of Lavender (remove the stems).
• 3-4 Honeysuckle Flowers
• 1/2 shot of Vodka, Bourbon, or Gin. 
• Distilled Water
• Spray Bottle

I scooped up some wild Honeysuckle and Lavender while running and stored it in the ol' Camelbak. Look around your neighborhood and snag some fresh flowers for your next concoction. Vanilla Bean smells super yummy, and I suggest using almost one bean for your perfume spray. I purchased the Vanilla Bean at The Healthy Home Market. Mountain Rose Herbs is another great place to buy herbs and essential oils. 

How Do I Make It?!

I purchase my spray bottles from The Healthy Home Market or Mountain Rose Herbs. You will use alcohol to extract the aroma from your flowers. It will take about 2 weeks to extract the purdy smell needed for your perfume spray.

Step 1: Perfume Extract

Place the Honeysuckle, Vanilla Bean, and Lavender into your container and cover with your choice of alcohol for two weeks. I suggest Bourbon, Gin or Vodka.  In this particular spray, I used an airplane bottle of Seagram's Extra Dry Gin and made two sprays.

Step 2: The Final Touches

The perfume will gain more scent as it sits. After the two week period, fill your bottle to the top with distilled water and that's it! The spray will not stain any of your clothing, but will clean and deodorize anything it touches, because it is alcohol-based. If you would like a moisturizing spray, I suggest adding about 10 drops of Almond Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil to your spray.

Kettler Cuisine Time!

Every time I visit Jess, she spoils me! Man, her hubby's soooooooo lucky...adopt me please?! Not only is she one my fave cooks, she teaches me a lot about nutrition and inspired my blog. She is the genius behind Kettler Cuisine! A blog loaded with great ideas, recipes, substitutions, and I wanna eat right now! She's on a mission to eliminate gluten from her diet, forcing creativity, healthy and unique food combos. She looks great, feels great, and a person I want to know. ARGGGHH, why do you live so far away?!

Post-Race Bliss...Bummin' it With Cake!

Glass o' wine and a Gluten-free Cupcake...wait what?! Ew right?! Ew NO!! The little gem is topped with raspberries and drizzled in a chocolate sauce from Jessup Cellars! Wanna know how to make it?? My lips are sealed. You'll find everything you need at your new fave blog, Kettler Cuisine!

Microgreens

Mrs. Kettler Cuisine Makes Breakfast For Dinner...jealous?!

Yuuuuummmmm, breakfast for dinner super rocks! Hold on just a minute, what's all that green stuff?? I had no clue that microgreens are super awesome for us...thanks Jess!! Wanna know how these bad boys should be introduced into your kitchen and diet?? Check out Kettler Cuisine, and she'll let you know!

Cheers to another great visit with friends! Happy Birthday Jess!!

Taste the Rainbow...Taste the Water!

I Already Drink Distilled Liquor...

Why Not Water Too?!

The following entry is very controversial and contains a topic that I am very passionate about and don't take lightly. I am on a journey to remove toxic, synthetic, and foreign substances from my diet and surrounding environment. It is important to determine what these harmful things are and how to properly eliminate them while supporting companies and groups following the same principles and agendas. 

The Great Culling: Our Water is a free documentary that gave me that final "kick in the butt"  to purchase my distiller and remove Sodium Fluoride from my drinking water. Water is responsible for human life and our planet's survival. It is the most important solvent necessary for life's processes, cycles, and body functions. Without water, our world and its contents would cease to exist, including us, PAY ATTENTION! 

My friend, James is one of the most inspiring confidants, I have had the pleasure of knowing. He is brilliant, creative, and a profound thinker that I am so thankful to have in my life- challenging things in our country that require change. I enjoy sharing ideas, news, and information that allow us to improve and enrich each other's lives while making necessary changes and setting an example. 

We are very passionate about personal health and the dangers that are served to us and our loved ones on a daily basis. He recently took a trip to the Raleigh City Council to discuss the dangers of Sodium Fluoride in our drinking water. Not only am I super inspired, but blown away at his speech and courage! Check out his 3 minute video at the Raleigh Council, an excellent way to introduce this must-read-blog! 

My buddy, JAMES, killin' it at the Raleigh Council and makin' people cry YESSSSS!! GO JAMES, Click Here!! Have another minute?? I thought Ms. Katie was pretty solid too!! 

Make a difference! Water Fluoridation is determined by every city, let your voice be heard.

Don't know what Fluoride is and how it is dangerous? Before we get into it, watch this short cartoon presentation by Natural News, The Fluoride Deception. 

What is Fluoride and Why Is It Tryin' To Kill Me?!

Sooooo, uhhhhh, why did we start to mess with our drinking water?? Let's find out, because I DON'T KNOW!

According to the FDA, Sodium Fluoride is added to our drinking water to strengthen our teeth and enamel, but this is simply not true (page 2). The FDA claims that mouth rinses containing Sodium Fluoride will not remove plaque or prevent gum disease, just cavity prevention...if this is true, why do we go to the dentist? Why do we have cavities? We are receiving more than enough Sodium Fluoride which can be found in our tap water, bottled water, sodas, sports drinks, juice, infant formulas, beer, food-processed meals, seafood, salt, pesticides, herbicides, toothpaste, dentist visits, mouth rinses, cookware, baths, showers, and your garden water. That seems extremely excessive...how much Sodium Fluoride do we need exactly? 

Sodium Fluoride is an Inorganic Mineral added to our drinking water and extremely toxic. The Fluoride added to our drinking water is man-made and created from Phosphate fertilizer, these chemicals are known as, Hydrofluorosilicic Acid and Sodium Silicofluoride. Our government purchases these chemicals from factories and countries like, China, for our drinking water. By selling hazardous waste material as drinking water treatment, companies do not pay a hazardous waste fee and are able to charge us to rid their hazardous waste material. When handling Sodium Fluoride, if touched or inhaled without Hazmat suits, workers will die having the ability to eat through concrete. In fact, it recently did at a Water Treatment Plant in Rock Island, Illinois.

It has been proven through countless studies that Fluoridation causes many health problems and Fluorosis, an over-abundance of Fluoride that breaks down the tooth enamel, and provides no benefit to our teeth; instead, it causes tooth decay, stains, lesions, and pits in the enamel while permanently damaging our teeth. 

Hydrofluosilicic Acid YIKES!

Not Everybody Likes Your Crappy Sodium Fluoride!
 

The Sodium Fluoride Package is warning us!

Communities that reject Water Fluoridation.

• A variety of communities have rejected the use of Sodium Fluoride in their drinking water. A recent victory in Portland resulted in NO MORE Sodium Fluoride in their drinking water!!

Countries that do NOT support Sodium Fluoride.

Here is a list of European Countries that do NOT add Sodium Fluoride to their water. In fact, the US consumes more Fluoridated water than all countries combined. 

• Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Irish Republic (27% No Fluoride), Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain (89% No Fluoride), Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom (89% No Fluoride).
• Other Countries: Australia (20% No Fluoride), Chile (30% No Fluoride), Israel (30% No Fluoride), New Zealand (39% No Fluoride), South Korea (94% No Fluoride), and United States (36% No Fluoride). 

Unfortunately, these companies and organizations are still supporting claims that Fluoride is safe.

• Companies and organizations that support Fluoride and the claims that it is safe for us to consume are listed in this PDF.

Why Fluoride is Harmful to Us...Super Depressing!

• Fluorosis is caused by too much Fluoride in our body. I have noticed the white spots on the bottom of my front teeth and wasn't sure how they were formed. After watching, The Great Culling: Our Water, I found out that these spots ar formed by an over-exposure to Fluoride, and I couldn't believe it! And, there's more, Enamel Fluorosis.



My poor toxic Sodium Fluoride teeth! I wonder if the spots will diminish as my Fluoride intake decreases- they say no, it's permanent?

• Protect Your Pineal Gland. The Pineal Gland attracts and absorbs Fluoride like a magnet. Fluoride has been linked to destroying this very important gland which contains the highest concentration of Fluoride in our body, even more than our teeth or bones. Don't know what or why the Pineal Gland is important to us?? Check out this AMAZING free documentary, Resonance: Beings of Frequency that discusses the importance of protecting our Pineal Glands. 
• Brain Function and Lowering IQ.
• Osteosarcomas
• Children's Neurodevelopment Harvard Study, IQ decrease, Villages In China with Significant Lower IQs, Impaired Development of Intelligence, and Growth.
• GI System- Nausea and Vomiting.
• Hardening of Arteries
• Arthritis
• Bone Cancer in Young Boys, Study by Harvard.
• Damage Liver and Kidney Function.
• Bone Pain, Tenderness, and Fractures by The EPA.
• Endocrine System and Thyroid, Thyroid Function "Hypothyroidism"  (Page 3).
• Skeletal and Dental Fluorosis- Village Study (EPA Website, Page 6-9).
• Fluorotic Radiculomyopathy, Arizona Study (EPA Website, Page 10-16).
• Crossing the Placental Barrier During Pregnancy and Calcifying the Fetal Skeleton- The FDA banned Fluoride in Prenatal Vitamins (Page 4).
• Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Risk, and Coronary Calcifications.
• Turkish Study causing Stillbirths (Page 2).
• Bone Fractures
• Neurotoxicity
• Kidney Stones and Kidney Function 
• Lungs (Inhalation)
• Testosterone Levels, Rats-Low Litter Counts, and Causes Fertility Problems.
• Cancer and More Cancer (Page 3)
• Tissue Damage, Collagen Damage, and Premature Aging (Page 2).
• Suppressed Immune System (Page 3).
• Malignant Tumors 
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms from Fluoride Poisoning- Hooper Bay, Alaska
• Air Pollution, Livestock, and Vegetation Poisoning.
• Skin Allergies
• Poisoning our Ground Water
• A List of Poisons In Our Drinking Water: Inorganic Minerals, Disinfectants, Heavy Metals, Bacteria, and Organic Chemicals by The EPA. The National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.

Well, I don't know about you, but that's SUPER depressing...don't worry, there's still hope!!

Sooooooo...What is Distilled Water and How Can It Save Us?!

I researched a variety of different filtration systems and decided that distillation is the cleanest form of water purification which won my vote. The distillation process is seen in nature, The Hydrologic Cycle, in which the earth's water is heated by the sun, the water evaporates, and is carried into our atmosphere leaving behind toxic material when cooling, and is released to earth in the form of rain (concentrated pure liquid). 

Hydrologic Cycle

Distilled Water is used in the a variety of different ways. For instance, we are able to drink distilled water, distill liquor, it's used in labs for its "pure" qualities, ships and cars- their cooling systems, batteries, and parts to avoid corrosion, aquariums, medical procedures, ironing, and cleaning surfaces to avoid residue...see, it's not so bad!

The distillation process is the purest form of drinking water known to man. The process consists of heating a liquid causing evaporation, which reaches a cooling agent, causing condensation, and producing a pure and concentrated liquid while leaving behind the residue. I purchased an Electric Distiller for $120 containing a stainless steel chamber that takes 5.5 Hours to distill 1 gallon of water.  I store the distilled water in different sized Mason Jars in my refrigerator and don't use ice anymore. I usually run my distiller once or twice a day using the water for drinking, washing my face, brushing my teeth, my neti pot, morning coffee, and cooking. 

Solar Distillers- put this bad boy on the wishlist!

Why Drink Distilled Water?? 

Minerals can be classified under two groups, Inorganic or Organic. Organic Minerals are found in plants and animals, contain Carbon and are or were living, and essential for our body. Inorganic Minerals are found in soil and water, do not contain Carbon, and are not needed and harmful to our body until processed by organisms and turned into organic matter for us to consume.

As pointed out to me in this awesome article, both types of minerals share the same chemical composition but play very different roles when absorbed in our body. For example, organic Iron found in leafy green vegetables is an organic mineral and rusty Iron nails are an inorganic mineral. We are able to use and absorb the Iron found in the vegetables, as they are plant material, but NOT the Iron found in rusty nails.

Distilled Water is pure and notorious for absorbing inorganic minerals, heavy metals, and toxins that are stored in our body giving us the opportunity to flush and remove these potentially hazardous toxins. Don't be fooled, research different filtration systems and the importance of removing these toxic substances from your drinking water.


Distilled Water Body Detox...BOO!

It is important to understand that distilled water is able to remove a variety of contaminates such as: Fluoride, Chlorine, Lead, Insecticides, Herbicides, Prescription Drugs, various Heavy Metals, Chemicals, and Pollutants. I did not initially know this, but distilled water is used as a body detox and will make you very sick during the detoxification process. Sickness occurs, because you begin removing inorganic minerals, heavy metals and a variety of toxins during the process which will last 2-4 weeks. By acknowledging the potential illness, it is important to take necessary precautions, alternative medicines, and healthy foods/juicing during this process, to ensure health and reduce potentially awful symptoms. 

During my distillation detox, I was unaware that distilled water was used as a body detox, and I didn't think anything of the symptoms until it was too late...oooppppssss!! I have never been so sick and couldn't understand what was wrong with me or what was going on. My body ached uncontrollably with muscles that would tighten and seize, my jaw felt like I had been hit in the face, I got an ear infection (which I cured with a Homemade Garlic Oil), laid in bed for 3 full days in 2 weeks, suffered from massive headaches (which I never get), had swollen lymph nodes in my neck and jawline, and felt incredibly disoriented and out of it. In order to reduce symptoms, I consumed raw honey (antiviral, antibacterial), Apple Cider Vinegar (reducing headaches and lymph node inflammation) and homemade Garlic Oil (antiviral, antibacterial). As the distilled water continues to cleanse, I am more energized, feel amazing, and look forward to seeing the health benefits that my body will continue to receive from this type of water. 

And, the aftermath after the distillation process...I scrub the stainless steel container with a stainless steel pad for about 2-3 minutes after every distillation process has ended. The residue is thick and requires a lot of effort to remove. I am going to take a water sample of the residue and send it off for testing to see the toxins left in our water and will report back with my findings.

It's time to break up with Fluoride! Don't worry...you'll be fine!


In order to remove Sodium Fluoride from our body, it is important to purify our drinking water, cooking water, food, and the products that we purchase using Sodium Fluoride. 

A Brilliant Way to Kill Your Baby!
Distill Water and add Sodium Fluoride...logic?

• Drinks: Tap Water, Bottled Water, Sodas, Beer, Wine, Infant Formulas, Sports Drinks, and Juice.
• Foods: Processed Meals, Snacks, and Frozen Dinners.  
• Grapes and Wine which are treated with a pesticide known as Cryolite
• Teflon Cookware will contain Fluoride. 
• Toothpaste-don't forget about your teeth! Check your current toothpaste and read the warnings, which range anywhere from consuming this product will result in poisoning or death...why are we putting this product in our mouth?
• Fluoride Treatments or Varnish from your Dentist.
• Washing your Face, Showering, and Bathing.

Sodium Fluoride and Poison Control at its best...

I purchase a Fluoride Free Toothpaste by Desert Essence from The Healthy Home Market, and I LOVE it! If you are not familiar with Fennel, it tastes like black licorice- YUMMMMMM!!! That being said, if you are one of the gazillion people that hate that taste, opt for another flavor! Tom's of Maine also offers a variety of Fluoride Free Toothpastes. By removing these factors, you will begin your body detox and be well on your way to "Fluoride Free" livin'- Ohhhhh Yaaaaaa!

Don't forget about your shower. Fluoride and Chlorine are absorbed through your skin and sinuses and linked to skin disorders and sinus allergies. You can purchase a Fluoride Filter for your shower ranging from $70-$100.

Omica Shower Filter

I am new to Distilled Water and the New "Fluoride Free Me"...

Information, Logic, Studies, and Questions are welcome and encouraged. 

Spread the word in your city and make a difference before it's too late!