Guys it’s August and the most exciting thing is happening. On August 21st of this year there will be a total solar eclipse visible in North America. This hasn’t occurred since 1979! So it’s something special to see for sure. As a former science teacher, I would be remiss if I didn’t share this news and how to view it with you guys!
The path of totality crosses diagonally across the US from Madras, Oregon to Columbia, South Carolina. The path is about 70 miles wide where you can see the eclipse in totality. Now at this point unless you’ve already made arrangements to get into the path of totality it’s going to be quite difficult to do so, but the eclipse will be at least partially visible from many places on Earth. If you’re wondering when or if it will be visible from your patch of Earth NASA has a map that can tell you that information for any place in the world! Check it out!
Now if you want to view the eclipse DO NOT just go outside and STARE AT THE SUN! Staring at the sun without proper protection will ruin your vision. Regular sunglasses will not protect you vision. There are a few options you can use to safely view the eclipse.
The easiest, though perhaps not as exciting, is the projection method. This is a way to indirectly view the eclipse, so you won’t actually be looking at the sky. But it is safe to do.
For this you will need
In one of the sheets of paper poke a pin hole. Now project the image of the sun onto the other paper through the hole. It may look like just a pin prick of light but it’s actually an image of the Sun! This is the same science as a camera. You are focusing the light and the image is being projected on the 2nd page. If you’d like a more detailed, but still easy to understand explanation I found this site that explains how it works.
Another popular method that is safe is using special glasses that allow you to directly view the eclipse without harming your eyes. You will need to make sure you order ones that are CE and ISO safe certified.Steve Spangler is on NASA’s list of approved vendors selling solar eclipse glasses. They sell the glasses in packs of 15 and are offering free shipping! So it’s a great package to order to throw a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party! Order by the 15th of August to make sure you get the glasses on time. NASA has information on how to use these glasses to safely view the eclipse. You should only remove the glasses when the eclipse is in totality. Read more about them at NASA's website here.
I’m so excited about this eclipse! Hopefully you guys get to view it in some way.
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This is going to be a very personal post. I haven't ever blogged about the time about 5 years ago that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I guess I haven't shared it because in some ways I feel unworthy to label myself as a breast cancer survivor because so many other women have had to suffer with long treatments to overcome this terrible plague, and we all have had people we love who have not survived breast cancer. I was very blessed during my experience. First, the radiologist who read my mammogram was extremely vigilant and caught the little dot on my film that was so small. Second, I was able to have a lumpectomy to remove the little lump, and although it was larger than it had looked on the scans, they were able to get it all. Third, I was eligible for a treatment called brachytherapy, that was much shorter to endure compared to regular radiation. I didn't have to undergo chemo treatment. There was no trace of cancer in my lymph glands and most of all, I was surrounded by a wonderful, supportive family, sweet friends and great doctors. So, I have survived breast cancer. I continue to be vigilant about getting my mammograms each year and I hope that all of you are as well.
Here is the thing now about me going for my mammograms. Now, that I have had this experience with Breast Cancer, each time I go for the screening, I am a nervous wreck! I get myself so worked up and worried that they will find cancer again that I can't sleep the night before and I am sure that my blood pressure goes through the roof because of my fears. I pray and try to turn it over to God and to have faith, and for the last 5 years, my screenings have been clear, for which I am so thankful, but I still want to be proactive in protecting myself against another occurrence of cancer anywhere in my body.
I have researched ways to help our bodies be less susceptible to cancer cell growth. One of the things that we need to do is eat more vegetables and fruits and keep our systems on the alkaline, rather than the acidic side of the spectrum. One way you can check that is to use pH indicator tape or strips and check your saliva. I purchased some of the tape at Sprouts, or I just found strips at Bulk Apothecary that you can use to test your pH levels.
Another thing I have done is research essential oils and I have learned some amazing things about how they can help me be more active in my own health maintenance. I am not a doctor and I don't even play one on TV, but I have had some success and a little more peace of mind as I have added some essential oils to my daily routine. Remember that if you are pregnant you should not use essential oils because they could harm your baby! Some may not, but don't take the chance! Also, be very careful about young children, essential oils are too potent for them in many cases! Do your research before you try new things. I am sharing my experiences, but always use caution. When using an essential oil, do test patches to check for allergic reactions on your skin.
One of the first oils that I researched in terms of being a cancer cell inhibitor is Frankincense Oil. For years, a German Dr, Dr. Budwig has promoted the use of Frankincense oil in fighting brain tumors. I have also read this article about studies using this oil on bladder cancer cells. Other homeopathic doctors recommend it. Dr. Axe explains the many benefits of Frankincense here. So, after all that I have read, I came up with my own balm that I have incorporated into my daily routine.
I purchase all of my essential oils from Doterra. I have been so satisfied with their company. They carry pure, therapeutic grade oils.
Essential oils are very strong and concentrated. You need to use them in some kind of a carrier oil. For my Frankincense Balm, I usually make just a couple of containers at a time because they last me quite a while. I put it in these little containers that you can get at the Dollar Tree. Here is the recipe:
Frankincense Balm
Blend together well:
In temperatures above 75 degrees F. the coconut oil will stay liquid. But, when temp gets cooler, it will solidify. I like to use coconut oil as the carrier because it has a myriad of its own benefits, that you can read about here.
Every morning, after my shower, I use this balm on my scars from my past surgeries and anywhere I feel like it will work on me! It has an earthy scent and it gives me a little more confidence that I am fighting cancer cell growth, which counts for a lot when it comes to my overall mental health! Frankincense is also supposed to be good for fighting wrinkles! So, a little on my crows feet areas never hurts!
The next oils I have learned a lot about are Clary Sage, Cinnamon Bark and Sweet Orange. All of these oils are supposed to be great mood lifters so that is why I call this uplifting balm. Clary Sage has also been found to reduce blood pressure and to be good at treating wounds and infections. Here is one study. It is also said to help alleviate PMS and menstrual cramping.
Cinnamon Bark oil is said to have the ability to dilate blood vessels, increase circulation and decrease inflammation. I have personally experienced the mood uplift of the scent of the Sweet Orange oil. So, I decided to come up with a balm that would work for me in the mood, blood pressure, circulation areas. Also, to fight toe nail fungus in certain family members. I have just started using it, so I will let you know how it all turns out. So far, I love the smell and I do feel like my circulation is better already! Here is my recipe:
Uplifting Balm
Blend together well:
I rub this oil on my neck, my wrists, my feet and any bruises or varicose veins I might have. The smell is very cinnamon, and I love it! I packaged this balm in these containers from Dollar Tree!
(I used these same containers to hold dry shampoo that you can read about in this post.)
I also made the labels for the balms that you can copy off for your own use. I used the Avery website and their 2" round label product. Their site is so much fun to use to design your own labels, business cards, etc.
Have you had success in using essential oils? Tell us your story! I would love to know more. It gives me a sense of peace to know that there are natural ways to help keep myself and my family healthy. Just a reminder, use caution and do your homework. I hope this info that I provided will be of benefit to you.
This post contains affiliates. I may be compensated if you purchase anything through our links. Thanks for your help!
A few years ago, I had a real problem. My husband and I had taken our two youngest up north for a weekend of camping. When we opened up the chuck box, we realized that for some reason all of our cooking equipment hadn't been put away and the only cooking utensil I had to cook with was one wide blade chef's knife, kind of like this one. Let me tell you, I got really good with that knife. I was kind of like the 13 year old kid in the book by Gary Paulsen, Hatchet, who was able to survive in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash, with the use of his small hatchet. I could do everything, from chopping up whatever we needed, to flipping pancakes and eggs with that knife. The challenge of having to do everything with only a knife made the trip a challenge, and when I could handle it, it was so much fun and so rewarding! (That was also the trip when a young elk came down the path toward us and stared at us and stomped his foot at us. It was awesome!)
For me, cooking on the campfire has always been one of the highlights of camping. For one reason, food always tastes so good when you are out in the wilderness. I love a camp morning breakfast! The challenge of cooking in different ways is always a blast. One year, we found a really smooth flat rock. My husband cleaned it off really well and built the fire right by/semi-under it and it got nice and hot and we cooked our eggs and bacon right on that rock. The kids thought that was really cool!
Well, guess what! Today is National Campfire Day! So, in honor of that day I have chosen this as our Friday Fave question:
What do you love to cook on your campfire?
As soon as the question was asked, Lindsey said, "I call Peach Cobbler!" She continued, " Growing up the only time I remember having peach cobbler was when we went camping. (If you made it any other time, Mom, I guess I wasn't paying attention.) But, you always made it when we went camping. It was tradition and I looked forward to it every time. Peach cobbler was like family time to me and whenever I have it now, it is comforting. I didn't know people made cobbler when they weren't camping until I was in college!" Ha Ha! I know I made it other times when we weren't camping, but it is cool that she has those good memories of the camping times.
One thing that I used to make to take up with us camping is a recipe called Bierocks! I would actually make those in advance to take up. They are bread dough filled with shredded beef, onions and cabbage and whatever other veggies you would like to add to them. Madalynn says she loves them because they are so customizable and filling! You could grab them out of the ice chest and eat them cold, or wrap them in foil, throw them on the coals and warm them up. Bierocks are versatile like that! They are great for picnics and hikes. (That is another recipe I will have to share!)
Alicia says that she likes s'mores because they are classic and delicious. I know that she lived in a house with a fire pit when she was in college and while she was dating her husband, they would often make s'mores together. Consequently, at their wedding reception, there was a S'mores Bar.
Alicia said that she also loves banana boats because you can load whatever you want in them and they are also super delicious.
I asked my son, Jacob, what he liked to cook over the campfire and he said hamburgers and hot dogs! The old classics are great. And, there is something awesome about staring into the fire as you roast a hot dog on a stick, or a marshmallow, or don't forget the stuff 'm sticks! But, for me, I guess I have to pick anything we make in the Dutch Oven!
I have given you some recipes that we love in the past. Here is a Dutch Oven Breakfast Casserole! And, this Blueberry Cobbler can also be done with cherries or peaches or apples in the Dutch oven! They are all so good, and like I said, cooking them in the Dutch Oven in the outdoors makes them taste even better!
So, let us know what you like to cook on your campfire! What do you put in your foil dinners? We always like to try something new, even in our backyard fire pit! Oh! And don't forget the roasting sticks!
Here are some of the things we talked about:
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What is the hardest part of being pregnant?
No, not the insomnia despite the fact that you're perpetually exhausted. Not being able to eat cookie dough. That is the worst part of being pregnant. I know all about those warnings of not eating raw cookie dough because of the eggs and the eggs=death. Under normal, non-pregnant circumstances I give those warnings no heed. I've been sampling the cookie dough all my life, nothing is going to stop me now! Except, now I am pregnant and carrying this tiny little six ounce creature whose immune system is only just developing. She counts on me for everything. I live in perpetual fear that I will do something to injure her in some way. Thus it is that cookie dough has become off limits for me. Except it's hard to make cookies and not take a swipe, so I've made some substitutions to keep my dough egg free and my daughter salmonella free. It's a win win! I told PH I was going to make some cookies and blog about it and his response was, "why doesn't anyone ever make peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips?" So, being the loving wife that I am, and knowing that for the past several months PH has done all of the cooking and cleaning in our house without complaint, I make him some chocolate chip peanut butter cookies. They are soft, sweet, and delicious, and you really can't tell there are no eggs in there at all.
I know there are a lot of egg substitutes out there, like the ones I linked to at the bottom of this post. Those are each from Bob's Red Mill, remember how much I love them? One of them is even gluten free!
Sometimes though, if you don't have one of those egg replacements handy there are lots of other options. Some people like applesauce, others vegetable oil or flax seed. Personally though, I think the best way not to affect the texture of the cookies is the following combination: 2 tablespoons water, one teaspoon vegetable oil, and two teaspoons baking powder. That quantity is equal to one egg. Your cookies won't taste any different, and neither will your cookie dough!
Now, these cookies. These chocolate chip, peanut butter cookie delights. Ever since one person with his spoonful of peanut butter ran into another person with her spoonful of chocolate we have all loved the joys of the chocolate peanut butter combination. These cookies are soft, creamy, peanut buttery, and chocolate-y! I personally prefer dark chocolate or semi sweet morsels in my cookies, but you do you, and use whichever type of chocolate chip you'd like!
Now, get to baking, and don't forget a swipe of the cookie dough, there is no egg, you're safe! |
Creators of Hot Cocoa Bombs! (copyrighted)
Author
Helen Reynolds: Mother of six children , grandmother to eleven! I love to cook, craft and create things and I especially love doing that with my family, So, when my lawyer daughter, Lindsey, my artist daughter, Madalynn, and I came up with the idea of Hot Cocoa Bombs, this blog was born. Then, one more daughter, with her technical and science skills, plus creativity has joined in to round us out! Read more about us here! Archives
April 2024
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