Natural Flea Control For Dogs and Your Home

Welcome to Jeanpatch blog!  We are glad you are sharing a part of your day with us.  Fleas are such a hard insect to get rid of and here in Florida they are giving us a fit this year.  But, before you break out the arsenal of deadly chemicals to kill them, stop and read this first.
This is how my family treats the flea problems here in Florida and I hope you will give it a try.  It is safe for you and your pets.

 There's only one pesticide, natural or otherwise, that's a specific for insects and completely safe. Diatomaceous earth is a type of fossilized algae that resembles chalk dust. The fine, sharp-edged particles attach themselves to and penetrate the waxy coating on a flea's shell-like exoskeleton, causing the little bloodsucker to dehydrate and die.

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/natural-flea-control-zmaz85mjzraw.aspx#ixzz2zG63dxuX
My plan of action for these pests is always an all natural one.  This part of Florida seems to be getting a strong out break of the fleas this year.  At the health food store where my daughter works, people are coming in saying that even the Vet prescribed type of flea control is not working.
So, I have been researching and found several ways to kill them naturally that won't hurt you or your pets.  The first one is the above mentioned powder, Diatomaceous earth, that can be bought at any hardware or home improvement store.  We bought ours for around $10.00 for a huge bag.

Next, I found that several herbs do a good job and one being Rosemary.  So, I followed the directions on one site and it said to boil 2 cups of the leaves in 2 quarts of water for 30 minutes.  I did a low boil.  Then, you put in your pets cloth collar or cut strips of flannel fabric like I did and soak for several hours.  Let the liquid cool then hang the collar or flannel up to dry.
After, it is dry put it on your pet.  Be sure to wash them first with a natural flea soap and their bedding as well.

I'll let you know in about a month if the flea problem gets under control.  Anything that you use that is natural always takes longer to work, but once it starts it does the job perfectly!  Here is our little guy wearing his flannel soaked in Rosemary for natural flea control.  We shaved his fur down short so we could see his skin and any fleas.

Thank you for visiting Jeanpatch Blog today and I hope this information helps you and your pet get rid of fleas naturally.

A Holy Night and A Day To Meditate

Here I am with my daughter and her co-worker (back row) and her two sweet and adorable grand-daughter's at a very special celebration we attended last night, The Lord's Evening Meal. 
To me and my family Jesus did the most loving thing that any human can do for another, he gave his life so that we could have our sins forgiven and have the hope for everlasting life on a clean and beautiful earth!  John 3:16, 36
One of my friends is dealing with her second round of cancer.  We are all praying for her.  

We got home around 9:30 p.m. and I put my dinner in the oven, fish and yucca.  It was a late night for me but I would not miss it for anything short of death. 

The Lord's Evening Meal is the only celebration in the bible that Jesus commanded us to do in remembrance of what he did for us.  Therefore, you will not ever see any posts on my blog about any other holiday. 
His resurrection is not even celebrated in the bible, so that is why I do not celebrate the worldly holiday of Easter.  It is in fact a pagan holiday celebration.  If you research all the holiday's you will find they all started in pagan religions and are not Christian at all.
I am not condemning anyone who decides to celebrate any holiday, that is your choice. But, what I get puzzled about is why people react so shocked when someone does not celebrate a holiday they think is so wonderful when in fact they are not celebrating a Christian holiday but a pagan one! (This information is for education purposes only)
The bible says that we can hurt God with our actions and attitude and I for one do not want to make him feel regret for my actions.  I want to do what Proverbs 27:11 says: "Be wise my son or daughter and make my heart rejoice so that I may give a reply to the one that is taunting me."
Soon, Jesus is going to come to rid the earth of all who oppose God and his Son Christ Jesus.  I want to be on the side that survives, don't you!
Psalms 37: 10, 11, Daniel 2:44
I want to live on the earth and have perfect health so I can do all the things we were meant to do, serve God and enjoy life!
If you would like more information about what the bible really teaches, feel free to contact me.  I am a bible instructor and can conduct a free bible study with you online using google hangout.  Email me at easybiblelessonsonline@gmail.com

Have a blessed day!

Resources:
Religion Facts 
Encyclopedia Britannica

Faithful Friday: T.G.I.F. Scripture of the Day!

Take time this weekend and reflect on these four words that express what I think of when I think of T.G.I.F.!  T stands for Trust. G stands for Good news.  I stands for Integrity.  F stands for Faith.    Find out what they  mean to you.  Discover who you really are and where you are really going.  Even if you are not religious, read these four scriptures and use the cross reference and see if you learn something new! 
If you don't have a copy of the bible you understand, click here to read one in modern English.  It is the most accurate translation available world-wide.

Play the Game: What four words can you think of using these four letters and the scriptures for T.G.I.F.?  Leave them in your comments below!

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!

Trust - Psalms 84:12: "O Jehovah of armies, Happy is the man (woman) who trusts in you."
Good News - Matthew 24:14: "And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."
Integrity - Psalms 26:11: "But as for me, I will walk in my integrity..."
Faith - John 3:16 - "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life."

                             Read God's word the bible daily! 

Inspiring Travel Destinations In Florida: Blue Springs State Park

            Blue Springs State Park - Orange City, Florida
I've lived in Florida for the last 51 years, okay, I was born and raised here.  My family dates back to the Mayflower and not too long after landing they headed straight for Florida.  I guess they liked things peaceful and quiet.
I've visited a few springs here in Florida and plan to visit a few more in the future.  Here is a short list of the ones I have been to:

• Rock Springs also known as Kelly Springs
• Blue Springs
• Wekiwa Springs
• Silver Springs
• Cedar Key Scrub
• Collier-Seminole
• Deleon Springs
• Hontoon Island

If you like the outdoors and the water then you'll love our springs.  The water is cold and clear.  Not all of the springs can boast they have an attraction as Blue Springs does in the winter months, Manatees!
                  

Along with swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving you can also rent canoes.  Beware, there are Alligator's in all of Florida's water holes, not just fish and manatees.  They won't bother you as long as you don't bother them.  For more information about this park visit this site Florida State Parks.
Florida has 161 state parks and 10 state trials.
Bring your fishing gear along, swim suits, sun screen, ray-bans and a picnic lunch and you'll be all set to visit any of these great parks in Central Florida!

5 Tips For A Beating Anxiety and Depression: Change Your Attitude! Change Your Life!

Make Monday's magical and beat the Monday blues. Use these 5 tips for beating depression.  First, start off your day with a big smile on your face.  Before you even get out of bed, smile.  It really works to change your mental attitude if you smile instead of frown.  Give it a try and see if you don't notice the difference.  My favorite gratitude journal says; Change Your Attitude!  Change Your Life!

Do this easy exercise every day of the week and you'll beat not only the Monday blues, but you'll ward off negative thinking any day of the week!  I have Lyme disease and use these methods to help me to deal better with situations when I get depressed and stressed.

Magical Monday:  Do these 5 things starting on Monday and ending on Sunday to turn a moody day into a magical day!  Write down in a gratitude journal these five categories; home, family, friends, phone and public.  Take it with you if you leave the house and re-read it throughout the day if you feel your mood turning negative.  At the end of the day, make notes next to each one as to how it turned out and how you felt afterward.

• Write down 5 things you are thankful for in your life (family)
• Smile to 5 people (public)
• Eat something new for breakfast (i.e. fruit, nut butter or seed butter, quinoa) (home)
• Do something nice for 5 of your (friends)
• Be patient and kind when using the (phone)

Continue the exercise all week with this list above using these themes or make up your own. 

• Thankful Tuesday (tell others 'thank you')
• Wordless Wednesday (think before you speak)
• Thriving Thursday (take time for yourself, grow a garden)
• Faithful Friday (read the bible, show forgiveness not resentment)
• Surviving Saturday (make each chore, errand or task shine)
• Servitude Sunday (do kind and helpful things for others)

                                         Change Your Attitude!  Change Your Life!

Faithful Friday: T.G.I.F.!

T.G.I.F.! What does that mean to you?  If you learn one thing about me today from this blog post it will be that I am not a follower of human tradition.  I am a follower of something much bigger than that, it is out of this world.

T - Tradition - Matthew 15:6
G - Garden - Genesis 2:15
I - Industriousness - Proverbs 6:6
F - Faith - Hebrews 11:1

                                                Garden equals industriousness

                                                   Faith equals tradition
Take time this weekend and reflect on these four words, tradition, garden, industriousness and faith.  Find out what they  mean to you.  Discover who you really are and where you are really going.  Even if you are not religious, read these four scriptures and use the cross reference and see if you learn something new!

Play the Game: What four words can you think of using the scriptures for T.G.I.F.?  Leave them in your comments below!

Have a great weekend!

Crafter's Wanted: Guaranteed Product Placement Advertising

Yesterday you saw me out in the community of Deltona, Florida promoting the handmade artists products from all over the U.S.  This kind of marketing is a huge success!  It is so much better than any print ad you pay for because you don't know who will read it and if they will buy from you or not.

But, with my kind of personal marketing technique you are guaranteed to have your products and business card placed in the hands of a potential customer.  If you would like to have your products promoted by my company, Markets of Sunshine, visit our website and join today.  Here is the link to our join page, click here!
In the last three years I have promoted my vendors on over 200 different media sites both online and offline.  We have been featured on blogs, online magazines, national magazines, websites, YouTube, Facebook ads, product reviews, Celebrity Gifting, TV advertising, print ads, Gift subscriptions and direct marketing as you saw in yesterday's post.
Where else can you get all of this for less than a $1 a day?  There isn't anywhere that I have found.  With our group advertising efforts we have made Markets of Sunshine known throughout the world.  We have clients in Japan, UK and Canada! 
I am also the Captain of our Etsy Team, Markets of Sunshine Promotion Team.  We have won two Fellowship Awards in the last two years.  We had our own book published with the ad of Etsy's program in 2012.  We also won the Etsy Team Spirit Award in 2012.  We might be a small team but we are full of spirit and we help each other to success.
If you are wanting to get the word out about your business the way I have mentioned here, then we'd love to have you on our team.  We take family friendly and eco-friendly products only.  We promote in al all occasion theme each month through our Gift of the Month Club program.
The great thing about my website is that you don't have to sell on Etsy to join.  You don't even have to have computer skills.  You can live anywhere in the U.S.  All you have to have is a positive, patient and persistent attitude to succeed.  It takes hard work and dedication to make a business successful.  I'm here to give you that helping hand if you want it. 
If you have any questions, use the contact button on my website, Markets of Sunshine.Com!

Product Promotion Day: Deltona's Newman Vet Clinic on Deltona Blvd.

Smile you're on Candid Camera!  Do you remember that show back in the 70's?  Business owner's were caught off guard and surprised by the show host who would play funny tricks on them.  Well, I am taking my camera to local businesses and surprising them with products from my website Markets of Sunshine!  Wahoo!
It is great fun to see the surprise on their faces when I tell them they are receiving a free gift today from Markets of Sunshine vendors!  Today, I'll be going out to a local Vet's office here in Deltona, Florida, Newman Vet's located on Deltona Blvd.  They will be totally surprised.  I did visit their Twitter and Facebook pages and left a comment telling them I was coming.  We'll see if they read it or not by their reaction that I'll catch for you on camera later today.
I don't tell them what time I'm coming in and they don't know what I look like so it will be a totally candid moment.
They'll be receiving our pet themed products today from Markets of Sunshine Etsy Seller's.
Aprons and Home Décor, Woodstream Dream, Stitchin Hip Chicks, CJW Design Village and Country Cents.  click the link below to find out all about our Artists.
Tune in later today when I post the pictures of them receiving their free handmade products from Markets of Sunshine vendors!

 

It was so nice to meet members of the stall.  They all loved the jewelry from CJW Design Village.  Be sure to visit her shop and request a custom order for earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more!

 

I even brought along 2 catnip toys for the resident cats on staff!  Nacho and his pal are loving their toys and say a big Meow Thank You to Country Cents and Woodstream Dream for providing them with their free toys!  Pick up a catnip toy for your fur-friend today.  Visit our website to find out where you can purchase more great handmade products, click here!

 

We thank all our new friends at Newman's Vet Clinic for being such a great bunch and allowing us to take time out of your day to share some Sunshine with you!

 

Give us a shout out and tell us what you think about your surprise!

 

Sending You Sunshine!

 

Marsha Jaramillo

Owner

Markets of Sunshine

 

Florida Vegetable Garden Tips: Germinating Heirloom Seeds

Why grow a vegetable garden?  The benefits are endless.  First, you get the satisfaction of raising your own food and saving money.  Second, you gain better health by getting outdoors and taking in sunshine on a daily basis.  Third, it helps your mental well being and makes you happier.

I have a beautiful variety of flowers and trees in my yard.  I can grow just about anything, with the exception of edible plants.  Since, my health is not as it was 10 years ago, I can not get out on a daily basis to weed and do bug control like I used to do in years past.  So, my family has graciously volunteered to help me still have the enjoyment of a garden though the majority of the labor is their own and not so much mine.

We have been working at growing an organic vegetable garden now in our Central Florida backyard for the last three years with no success.  We have either encountered bugs, heat or excessive rain that has killed our plants.  We are not the type to give up trying, so we patiently keep looking for ideas and ways to overcome these obstacles.
We have used the layered method of newspaper and soil and put the seeds right into the ground.  That did okay and the plants grew to about two feet and then died for no apparent reason.
We tried the square foot gardening and the same thing happens.  The plants grow to a certain height and then die.  If they get to grow to any substantial height the next attack is from the bugs.
So, this year we are trying the bag method.  We bought those Walmart reusable bags that are about 2 feet tall and will fill them with the prepared potting soil mixture you see below.  I got the mixture from reading different sites and combining all the suggestions into one mixture.
Here is what we are using this year.

• horse manure dried and then about 2 cups per bag (remember the last post I did about finding a local farm for stuff you need)
• compost (did my own)
• vegetable potting soil (miracle grow or other organic mix)
• Jiffy seed starting mix
• Peat pots
• vermiculite
• coffee grounds (takes a few weeks to release the nutrients in the soil)
• egg shells (crush into a powder)
• heirloom seeds (soak for 3 days as in the picture below)

I'm just beginning and have the seeds germinating in the containers you see below.  They will soak for 3 days in the dark and warm room off my kitchen.  Once, they sprout I will transplant them to their own small peat pot.  I am using all heirloom seeds so they are all GMO or pesticide free.  Follow the directions on the pots for moving the plants outdoors before putting them in the ground. 
To find out how to grow a vegetable garden in Florida or your state visit the local University Website and follow the growing guide for your area and county.  For more information on sprouting seeds check out Hallmark's Home & Family garden expert, Shirley Bovshow.

As soon as they sprout I'll take more pictures and show you the progress as I go along in my planting stages.  I also have potato seeds drying and will plant those in a few more weeks.  If all goes well we will have enough vegetables for our family for the next few years.  We will also share the left overs with our friends!
 I hope you will give it a try and start your own vegetable garden with us.  You'll save lots of money growing your own organic food as well as improve your overall health.
 

Florida Beeswax Candles In Mom Care Packages: Supporting Local Farmers

Today I am going to share with you my passion for buying from local farmers and small businesses.  Have you ever thought about visiting a local farmer and seeing what they have to offer?  You can use a great website called Local Harvest and find out what is growing in your neck of the woods.  I usually am looking for organic foods such as vegetables and eggs.  But, in my crafting business I was on the look out for beeswax! 
Buying beeswax over the internet is very expensive because it is heavy to ship.  Supporting local small businesses is very important to me because it helps them stay in business and supports the local economy.
I found a great farm in Deland that grows all kind of things and has beehives.  They do not spray their flowers with any harmful pesticides, which is very important for the health of the bees and it makes great natural honey and beeswax.  All of my beeswax candles are made from chemical free beeswax bought here in my area of Florida.
                  Introducing my Mom Care Packages made with natural Florida beeswax!

Delicious Organic Sweet Potato Muffin Gluten Free Recipe

Today is recipe Thursday here on Jeanpatch Holistics blog.  This is a southern comfort food for sure!  Today it is cold and cloudy out and the perfect day for making something warm and yummy in the oven.   I'll be sharing a delicious gluten free recipe today which is one of my favorite's for breakfast;  Gluten free Organic Sweet Potato Muffins!  Let's get started on the ingredients and what the finished product looks like.

I use my ceramic muffin dish that I got off of QVC year's ago and absolutely love because clean-up is a breeze.
Ingredients List:

• 1 cup gluten free organic flour of your choice (amaranth, rice, soy, corn, millet, buckwheat, quinoa)
• 2 large organic eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum free)
• dash of salt
• 1/2 cup gluten free baking mix of your choice
• 1 cup mashed organic cooked organic sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon cold butter cubed

I always use organic ingredients in all my cooking.  It is better for you and it really makes a difference in how your food tastes, not to mention helping you to feel more energetic.  The first thing I do is beat the 2 eggs in a large mixing bowl.  I add in the water and sweet potato and mix well with a wood spoon.  Next, add the flour, baking powder and salt and blend well.  Last add in your cubed cold butter mashing it a little in to the mixture.  If the mixture is too dry just add a little more water until it is just moist but not runny.
Now oil your muffin dish and spoon in 1/4 cup of the mixture into each opening.  I use a 6 cup muffin pan.  If you have any left over batter just portion it out into the 6 sections.  Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for 20 minutes or until knife comes out clean.  Let cool 10 minutes before removing from muffin dish.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious gluten free sweet potato muffins!

Green Springs: A Hidden Trail By The St. Johns River In Enterprise, Florida

Green Springs is a hidden trail located in Volusia County, Florida.  It's a short drive off of the interstate (heading north) once you cross over the St. John's River Bridge from Seminole County.  Take the first exit into Deltona and turn left at the traffic light.  Heading east on Dirksen Drive you'll come to Providence Blvd. where you'll be greeted by a traffic light.  You'll want to turn right heading south ending up at a dead end street.  Now, turn left and you'll come to the Green Springs trail parking lot on the right next to Lake Monroe.

 

"Green Springs Park offers nature trails and scenic overlooks. This park is also a trailhead to both the Spring-to-Spring Trail and the East Central Regional Rail Trail. The East Central Regional Rail Trail begins at Green Springs and travels 5.7 miles to State Road 415 in Osteen. More segments of this trail are in the works."
To see more beautiful pictures and why the water is green visit the official website, here!  If you like this post, visit their Facebook page here.
So, on your next trip to sunny Florida, drop by and take a gander at this lovely hidden secret of Deltona, Florida.  If you call ahead, I'll have sweet tea and strawberry shortcake waiting on the porch!

Is 50 The New 30?: Top Ten Tips Of How To Have a Fit Body In Your 50's!

Some of us were just born with that model thin body and some of us were not.  Fess-up, are you one of those women who would like to look like you just stepped off the runway?  I'll give you my top ten ways that you can use to keep that killer figure in your fifties! 
So maybe 50 isn't the new 30, but it could be if you make a few simple changes in your eating habits and life-style.
First, off if you think having a model perfect figure doesn't require sacrifice then you are fooling yourself.  Do you think your spouse or boy friend doesn't care how you look?  You are wrong again!  Do you care how they look?  If you are honest with yourself, you know you do.  The bottom line is having a killer body in your fifties or at any age is going to improve your health.
The way you see yourself when you look in the mirror affects your overall mental health.  If you just through yourself together in the morning and think that is good enough with the attitude that's as good as it gets, you are setting yourself up for being fat and unhappy.
If you take the time to fix yourself up like you were going to meet someone really important that day it will make a wonderful transformation come over you.  You'll start to really take pride in how you look and in turn will care about yourself and that will make you happy.

So, let's get started on the top ten tips for having that killer fit body in your fifties (50s) or at any age.

#1.  Find out your blood type and follow the latest updated information for your type.  The reason why this is so important is they have done all the research and found that the foods you eat can either make you gain weight, loose weight or stay at your ideal weight. 
My research has found that food allergies can cause weight gain in most people.  In a few others it does the opposite and causes weight loss due to the inflammatory reaction in the intestines.  A simple blood test kit can be ordered online that will tell you your blood type in about 10 minutes. (see resource section below)

#2.  Cut out all refined and processed foods.  They have high amounts of fat, sugar, salt and preservatives.

#3.  Cut out all white starchy foods.  That includes dairy because the fat from it causes weight gain in most people in the form of blotting.

#4.  Don't eat after 7 p.m.

#5.  Walk at least 30 minutes a day somewhere that makes you feel relaxed and is quiet like a park.

#6.  Eat more fiber such as organic beans, grains, vegetables and a few fruits

#7.  Drink 8 to 10 - 8 ounce glasses of water or liquid a day.  Improves kidney health and function.  Your kidney's are a major part of your immune system.  Keeping them healthy and detoxed will help you loose weight and feel better.

#8.  Get plenty of rest.  At least 6 to 8 hours a night and go to bed before 11 p.m.

#9.  Stop eating out for one month and see how much weight you loose.  Restaurant's add on the pounds because most of what they prepare is processed and comes with salt, sugar and oil added and then they add even more of the same ingredients so you'll like them.  Unless, you are eating fresh vegetables that have been steamed you are adding on the pounds.

#10.  Cook your meals at home for one month all from scratch.  Switch to organic ingredients and see if you can tell the difference in how you look, feel and think.   You'll see that fit body start to appear in the mirror before you know it!

Resources:

Blood type test kit
What Is A Blood Type Diet

Handmade Gift Shopping Guide Directory

Each Tuesday I will feature my Etsy team member's in my Handmade Gift Shopping Guide directory.  Etsy is an online marketplace for artist's to sell their handmade goods as well as vintage products and supplies of all kinds.  Browse, my blog to see what treasures I offer from my Etsy shops; Jeanpatch Holistics, Pioneer Fundraiser, My Secret Compartments, Beeswax Holistics and The Gift of Month Club.

'One Lump or Two?' by Pioneer Fundraiser                          

I loved having tea parties with my friends and family. Here are a few things that you could use for a tea part!

Toddler Spring and Summer Dr... mycottoncandyd... $38	Special Occasion // BLUE& GO... MainelyBooks $9.5	Beige Peacock Hair Clip. Cha... MyDreamWedding $44.99	Genuine Rose Quartz Freshwat... VisionsofEmera... $24.99
Happy Mood Natural Room & Li... JeanpatchHolis... $10	Organizing Theme Surprise Gi... GiftofMonthClu... $60	Box Chocolate Candy Design P... SewBizzyGifts $7.5	Table Numbers, 5 by 7 inch P... FiligreeFlare $12
Stunning Vintage Sarah Cove... SkyBoutiques $11	Bible clutch NettysNook $15	food, cakes, pastries, baked... Ecosostenibili... $16	Pure Natural Soy Candle Tin ... BeeswaxHolisti... $5.95
Aurora Borealis Crystal earr... StoneworksByJa... $12	Steaming Swirls Quilted Mug ... IcingOnTheMoon $7	Owl Bag, Applique owl on tre... keepeweclean $35	Chinese Knot Sea Turtle - ol... sarahcollectio... $7.99

Sponsored by send bulk email from excel.

 

Fun tip of the day.  How to add a cool Etsy treasury like this one to your blog posts.  Visit this site, Whale Shark Generator, to generate your html code quick and easy as 1, 2, 3.                           If you've never made an Etsy treasury and would like to know how, read this great post by Rural Woman.

Saturday Is Photo of the Day

Every Saturday Jeanpatch Holistics blog will be bringing you great photos from around my little corner of the world, Florida!  Today, I am so happy to see my cactus beginning to bloom.  The buds are pink and just beautiful.  See for yourself!  What is your photo of the day?  Share your blog post with us in the comments.

There are more buds as you can see getting ready to open over the next few days.  I'll be snapping their picture and sharing the flower party with you again next Saturday, so stay tuned to this blog!  Remember, Saturday is photo of the day here on our blog each week.  We hope you'll share your great world with us in our comments box below.

                                            Have a safe and happy weekend!

Gluten Free Organic Split Pea Soup Recipe in the Crock Pot or Slow Cooker

Organic Gluten Free Split Pea Soup made easy with my quick and easy recipes that are easy on the budget and good for you.  I found it works best in the slow cooker or crock pot.  That way it won't burn or boil over.  Yes, I have done both!  I minute I turn on the stove and put the pot on the burner add the ingredients I walk away into the other room and go back to what I was doing and totally forget I have something cooking until it boils over.  It creates such a mess and usually burns my food, so I now put my beans and soup in the slow cooker and don't have this problem anymore.
I have Celiacs disease which is an allergy to gluten and gliadin.  Two proteins found in grains that are not easy to digest and cause mal-absorption in some people.
I don't take pictures of my food but decided I will start doing that to show you just how good the food looks that I eat.  So, be on the lookout for pictures with my next recipe.
I also have food allergies so I have to rotate my food every 4 or 5 days, which means I don't eat the same things every day.  Here is a list from my food diary log to help you understand what I mean and how to keep track of what you eat and what might be causing you problems.
Monday - Breakfast: Quinoa and butter
                 Lunch: Black-eye peas and quinoa
                 Dinner: Turkey and sweet potato
Tuesday - Breakfast:  Oatmeal and butter
                 Lunch: Black beans and spaghetti squash
                 Dinner: Flounder and yucca
Wednesday - Breakfast: Buckwheat Hot Cereal with Sesame Butter
                      Lunch: Pinto beans and butternut squash
                     Dinner: Chicken and multi-grain pasta and acorn squash
Thursday - Breakfast: Oven baked pancake (eggs and amaranth flour) and 2 scrabbled eggs
                   Lunch: Split peas soup (homemade)
                   Dinner: Tilapia and zucchini

If you have allergies or digestive issues you should think about rotating your foods like this and see if you start to feel better.  My only beverage is 10 to 12 cups of water a day.  It might be more now since I have to take 15 pills at every meal.  I can't swallow with just water so I have to take them with my food as I am eating.  My daughter taught me how to do it and it works great.  I would choke with just water to the point of it getting in my lungs and not being able to breath very good and coughing until I turned red in the face.  Not a fun experience to say the least.
Okay, now let's get to the fun gluten free recipe I said I would share with you today.

Money Saving Split Pea Soup by Marsha Jaramillo

Ingredients: 1 to 2 bags Organic green and yellow split peas, water, large crock pot, salt, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic and 1 teaspoon onion if you can eat it.  I can't so I leave it out, but it is good in it if you can have it add it along with the other spices.  All spices and herbs are organic and ground.

Rinse the peas in a strainer or colander until the water is clear.  Add them to your slow cooker and fill to the top with purified water.  Add in your other ingredients and turn on high and cook until soft and smooth about 5 hours.  If I put mine on at night I put it on low and cook it overnight.  Serve with rice, potato or pasta and enjoy!

The split peas are very cheap about $2 a bag.  I buy mine in bulk from shop organic along with all my dry beans.  I order their minimum to get free shipping!

DIY How to Make A Secret Compartment Book

My husband is a great diy expert.  He takes old books and turns them into altered books better known as hollow books.  They come with fun secret compartments and sliding drawers for hiding your treasures and mementoes.  Here are a few pictures of the ones he has made and can be found in this unique Etsy shop called My Secret Compartments.

• Supplies You'll Need Are:
• tacky glue
• carpet knife
• clamps
• wax paper
• scrap paper or handmade paper
• measuring tape
• fine sandpaper

First, lay out a sheet of wax paper on your work surface.  Next tear off two sheets that are a little bigger than your book.  Follow these steps:

1. Open book and lay one sheet of wax paper on the inside cover and tape it to the front cover with masking tape.  Do the same for the back cover.
2.  Mark a straight line 1 inch in from each end of the book.
3. See pictures above for step 2
4. Glue the pages together on the outside edge of the book pages.
5. Close the book and make sure the wax paper is covering the inside cover so no excess glue gets on it. Use the clamps one of each side of the books 3 edges.
6. Let dry overnight.
7. Remove clamps and remove wax paper.
8. Draw a 1/2 inch line across the back of the book to meet the two lines you have for the sides.

Using your knife start cutting inside the pencil line in a straight line from the back of the book to the front edge.  Remove a few sheets at a time until all the pages have been removed.

Use your piece of fine sandpaper and smooth the edges until all the little wispy pieces are gone.
Now you can choose your paper for the bottom of the inside back cover and glue it in place.  You'll next glue the back of the book and close the book and lay a stack of 3 or 4 heavy books on top overnight. 
Remove the books the next day and your book is ready to use.  Have fun and let me know if you give this a try. 
If you're not up to the challenge but would like to have a hollow book of your very own, just drop by My Secret Compartments shop on Etsy.