really? the 'r' word, again? (sigh)

So, I didn't want to get into this...it's just a person who will never be swayed to seeing how nasty they really are and so I chose to focus on MY SON rather than the hurtful words of someone I'll never meet or will never interact with my son. In fact, I chose to share this blog because they really do share my view on this matter- that feeding the troll only makes it worse.

But, my word. 

Her initial insult was repulsive but her response to the insult is reprehensible. My stomach *literally* hurts. This is when I can tell that too many people have turned their backs on God. Because those who embrace God's values would not treat people this way. 

These people who stand in filth, spew it out and dare people to respond to the stench they emit. It amazes me how they get through their days. What pain is in their lives? What is it that she has gone through to throw out so much hatred? 

I don't even know that I have any more words to say. 

I'm hugging my son a little tighter tonight. Encouraging him a bit more than I would normally and making darn sure that he knows how fully he is loved. 

~Joy
(c) 2012 Joy-Jasmin Brunnelson All Rights Reserved

milk it.

Umm...it's actually rather ridiculous how easy it is to make homemade almond (nut/seed) milk. I'm embarrassed it took me this long to do it. Got a big bag of almonds from Costco and I'm on my way to saving a noticeable amount of money making almond milk myself! I've done, pumpkin almond milk (used pumpkin pie spice but I might add a tablespoon or two of pureed pumpkin to add more flavor), vanilla milk (using vanilla rice protein powder). For this batch I'm showing you, I added a few tablespoons of cocoa powder because Boogie asked for "chocolate almond milk". 

What you need:

• 1 cup of raw almonds (or other nut or seed)
• 4-5 cups (I've done both) of water (spring or filtered)
• 1-1.5 tsp of vanilla extract
• Just a dash of sea salt
• 1-2 Tbsp of maple syrup (you can also use raw honey/honey or stevia) NOT pancake syrup!! (Feel free to leave this ingredient out if you prefer to make a batch of unsweetened milk).
• Nut milk bag
• Blender

Soak your nuts or seeds in filtered water overnight. 

Drain and rinse the nuts. 

In your blender, put in nuts, water and all ingredients.

Blend. And blend until chunks of nuts are pulverized. About 1-2 minutes.

Pour the blended mixture into your nut bag (which should be inside of a medium to large-sized bowl).

Pull nut bag up and gently squeeze out all of the liquid into your bowl. 

If you have froth at the top, scoop it out.

I am known to make lots of messes while I cook, so I use a funnel to pour the milk into my container.

Ta-da!!! Again, I made chocolate milk so that's why it's not white. Feel free to play around with different flavors! Just put in the fridge to cool. You may notice it settles and separates while in the fridge...just shake it up before drinking and ENJOY!!!!

No really. That's it! I told you...

~Joy
(c) 2012 Joy-Jasmin Brunnelson All Rights Reserved

and by "tomorrow" i meant "tuesday"...

**Please note that you should consult your doctor before using any of these herbs. You also should work with a holistic health coach or herbalist for proper dosage and uses (i.e., tinctures, teas, etc.). This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.**

There are two herbs I want to focus on today specifically for women with PCOS and/or fertility issues. 

The first is Shatavari, also known as "hundred husbands" and is used for reproductive health. 

This herb promotes fertility, helps regulate menstrual cycles and ovulation, relieves anxiety and stress, helps heal vaginal tissue and cervical inflammation. It is great for energy and libido. It also supposedly helps to improve the production of milk in nursing mothers but I've also read in other articles that it should not be taken by pregnant and nursing mothers. Again, this is where you should consult an Herbal Practitioner to make the best decision for your situation. 

The second herb I want to focus on is Licorice. 

Not the candy! Licorice can help decrease testosterone in women with PCOS. You must avoid high doses if you have high blood pressure. This herb helps increase the production of stress hormones when they are too low. 

There are several other herbs that women in general should include in their diets but these two specifically are amazing for balance and to help the difficult symptoms that come along with PCOS.

~Joy
(c) 2012 Joy-Jasmin Brunnelson All Rights Reserved