Time to SLOW down and relax.....!

Hello everyone- Sorry, I have been MIA for a a week or so. I was running circles and jumping through hurdles trying to accomplish all of the usual holiday preparations, shopping, cooking, decorating, parties. Now, my body has given me some pretty loud signals to SLOW down.I wish it would seriously keep its opinions to itself--BUT, it is speaking too loud with a few body aches and a throat that feels like I have gargled razor blades. So, with this is mind---I plan to relax this week and catch up on reading. I wanted to share a trailer of a new book that intrigued me recently. I have a kindle on my phone and have just downloaded Tim Ferris's "4 Hour Body"! VERY cutting edge and this author has a brilliant mind. I will let you know my final review this week as I plan to finish the book within a day or so. Check it out......



If you have read the book, please share your opinion with me- please! Have an AMAZING day. Be back soon <3

Another Primitive Beauty tip Inside and out.....Coconut Oil!

You guys know how much I love my Coconut oil......I eat it and wear it! I had a friend send me a message that she needed some advice on Coconut Oil.I am planning to share alot of information in my book.However,I would like to touch on a few of the numerous health and immune supporting benefits of my favorite oil.

Coconut oil has received a bad rap through the years because it is THE most saturated of all the oils (at 92% it is nearly solid at room temperature- this is the difference between saturated and unsaturated, FYI)Of course if you have listened to me EVER--you know that Saturated fats offer amazing health benefits. Coconut oil has been proven to normalize blood lipids, nourish Thyroid function and protect the liver from damage associated with alcohol and other toxins. It has wonderful anti-inflammatory and immune supporting properties. It is anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial, naturally. So, you can see how beneficial it can be to use internally and externally.

BEAUTY:I use the coconut oil exclusively on my skin and at almost 45, its keeping the wrinkles away and leaving soft, smoothe and supple skin. My husband uses it as a hair gel-no more flakes or product build-up.

COOKING: I use it as my primary cooking oil- as it is very heat stable offers great flavor to any dish from eggs to my sons favorite gluten free brownies!

Here is a bit more information: Oh and by the way....my favorite brands are Nutiva and Tropical Traditions. Enjoy!

1. How much coconut oil should one ingest daily to receive its benefits?

The benefits of coconut oil are mainly from the nutrient value of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). The best comparison in nature as to the percentage of MCFAs being consumed in a diet is human breast milk. To equal the amount of MCFAs a nursing infant would receive in one day, an adult would need to consume about 3.5 tablespoons of coconut oil a day according to researchers. Since coconut oil in nature is packaged inside the coconut meat, it is recommended to consume this amount throughout the day with food high in fiber and protein. However, for those not used to coconut oil in their diet, it is best to start out with an amount far less than this first, to see how your body reacts.

2. Are there “side effects” to Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is a food, not a medication, and therefore it does not have “side effects.” Since individuals vary, there could be adverse reactions, especially if your body is used to a low-fat diet regimen. The most common reaction is diarrhea. While 3.5 Tbsp. is recommended as the daily intake by some researchers, it is probably best not to start with that amount, or eat it all at once. Spread it out over the course of the day, and reduce the amount you ingest if there are unwanted effects. Like any food, some people could possibly have allergic reactions to coconut oil as well, although it does NOT contain any appreciable amounts of protein as the meat of the coconut would, and most food allergies are related to proteins. Traditionally coconut oil has nourished millions, if not billions, of people throughout Asia for thousands of years.

3. How does one use Coconut Oil?

There are many ways to use coconut oil and incorporate it into one’s diet. Since it is a stable cooking oil, one can simply replace unhealthy oils in their diet with coconut oil. Since it is a solid most of the time at room temperature or when refrigerated, it can be a butter or margarine substitute for spreads or for baking. Any recipe calling for butter, margarine, or any other oil can be substituted for coconut oil. It is popularly mixed in with “smoothies.” Many people do eat it simply by the spoon full. If you refrigerate or freeze Virgin Coconut Oils the taste changes completely, and some describe it like a “candy” or “white chocolate.” Some people fill up ice cube trays with coconut oil and then store them in the freezer. Some people use it as a spread, and a lot of people put it into their coffee or tea.



4. Does Coconut Oil need to be kept in the refrigerator, and how long does it last?

No, coconut oil does not need to be kept in the refrigerator. In the Philippines and other tropical climates, where the ambient air temperature is much higher than North America, people traditionally have not refrigerated coconut oil. Virgin Coconut oil is very stable since it is unrefined and mostly saturated. The expiration dates on our Virgin Coconut Oils are for two years, and on our Expeller-pressed coconut oils they are 18 months, but they will usually be fine much longer than the expiration dates. We do recommend you store the oil out of direct sunlight. In the tropics coconut oil is almost always a liquid, since it’s melting point is about 76 degrees F. In North America it will usually be a solid, butter-like consistency. It can be stored in either form.

5. Is Coconut Oil a liquid or a solid?

Coconut oil is liquid above 75 degrees F. (25 C.), and below that it will be a solid fat. It can be stored in either form, and it can be liquefied easily by applying low level heat.


6. Is Coconut Oil safe for pregnant women?

Since coconut oil is a food and is a staple for many living in Asia, it is considered safe for anyone. In coconut producing countries it is considered normal and good food for pregnant and lactating women, since it contains lauric acid which is also present in breast milk. However, the cautions of reactions as stated above should be noted. Many in Western countries are used to a low-fat diet, and it is best NOT to begin experimenting with coconut oil while pregnant if your body is not used to it. If, however, you have been consuming coconut oil regularly without any adverse reactions, there is no reason to discontinue while pregnant, and many good reasons to continue consuming it.


7. Will cooking with Coconut Oil cause it to become hydrogenated and toxic like hydrogenated oils?

No. Hydrogenation is an industrial process where hydrogen molecules are introduced to the oil to make it solid at room temperatures. It chemically alters the oil and creates harmful trans fatty acids. Cooking with coconut oil does NOT introduce hydrogen into the oil or hydrogenate it. Coconut oil is a very stable oil even at higher temperatures. However, it is best not to cook beyond the smoke point of coconut oil, as this will begin to deteriorate the oil and turn it yellow. Once it has turned dark yellow, the oil should be discarded and no longer used. The smoke point of coconut oil can be increased by combining it with Palm Shortening or Virgin Palm Oil. Both of these oils have a much higher smoke point, and are suitable for high heat, such as deep frying.

A very intriguing and informative book on the many benefits of Coconut Oil....



My Favorite Coconut Oil.....

Primitive Kids~ Saving our children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

Several years ago, I read a book titled Last Child in the Woods by, Richard Louv. It had such a profound impact on my parenting style. As I was organizing notes for Primitive Kids this week--trying to focus ALL of my spaghetti noodle brain on my DIVA book first-hmmmm....?(for those who know me personally-you know thats impossible, haha)I came upon this well loved, dog-eared book. I could not wait to share it with you. I found a nice description from the authors website (I could have not said it any better). I highly suggest this book if you are a parent, know a parent, or for any educator. It is a new foundation for many progressive educational institutions. If I could go back in time, I most certainly would have placed my youngest son in a school without walls.It has encouraged alot of my advocacy on letting my kids be barefoot, get in the mud, climb trees, pick up bugs and just be KIDS! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Use the link below to purchase directly through my bookstore- If you would like to support my blog and research.

An Overview of Last Child in the Woods

In this influential work about the staggering divide between children and the outdoors, child advocacy expert Richard Louv directly links the lack of nature in the lives of today’s wired generation—he calls it nature-deficit—to some of the most disturbing childhood trends, such as the rises in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.
Last Child in the Woods is the first book to bring together a new and growing body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. More than just raising an alarm, Louv offers practical solutions and simple ways to heal the broken bond—and many are right in our own backyard.
This new edition reflects the enormous changes that have taken place since the book was originally published. It includes:
◦100 actions you can take to create change in your community, school, and family.
◦35 discussion points to inspire people of all ages to talk about the importance of nature in their lives.
◦A new progress report by the author about the growing Leave No Child Inside movement.
◦New and updated research confirming that direct exposure to nature is essential for the physical and emotional health of children and adults.
Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder has spurred a national dialogue among educators, health professionals, parents, developers and conservationists. This is a book that will change the way you think about your future and the future of your children.




Here is another little jewel that I bought before our Colorado trip last year:

Primitive Kids~ Food or Fodder?

By now, you all realize that I have a very energetic passion for sharing and empowering others to take charge of their lives and make positive changes that will give them many healthy options for vibrant longevity. But,as a mother, nothing can get me as excited and/or ranting as the state of our world and the future of our children. A record number of American children are being diagnosed with Asthma, Diabetes, ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia and Bipolar Disorder this year. Along with surging food, medical and pharmaceutical costs. We must come to a grips with a harsh reality----IF we do not make drastic changes in our childrens lives, we WILL have a serious decline in life expectancy from all current and future generations to come.

Food manufacturers market the craziest of the "Franken-Foods" to our children!Those that are loaded with chemicals, preservatives, dyes, additives and Fodder. Yes, I said Fodder. Lets look at the definition of Food -vs- Fodder!

Food: 1)Material consisting of protein,carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and aid vital metabolic processes, to supply energy. 2)Something that nourishes, sustains or supplies.



Fodder: 1)Something fed to domestic animals; coarse food for cattle, horses or sheep. 2) Inferior or readily available material used to supply a heavy demand.

In other words....Fodder would be the corn, wheat and soy that make up 80% of todays market available foods.This is exactly what we use to fatten livestock quickly for butchering-not to sustain their health!!!! We are feeding our children Fodder, laced with toxic chemicals, engineered petrochemicals and genetically mutated cells! Seriously, people- wake up- Its not a complicated choice!

In my upcoming Primitive Kids edition book(Spring/Summer 2011), I will share loads of advice, tips and recipes. But in the meantime, the first step to educating yourselves about what your kids are eating is to just READ the labels.....is it a real FOOD? or is it TOXIC Fodder.

You can begin to empower your kids for change by having them read the labels also. Talk about a great science lesson. They will soon discover that foods requiring a label, usually are not foods at all. I am preparing for an upcoming grocery store for a specialized childrens diet that I have promoted for several years and I just keep coming back to one simple rule....the tour could be over and done in a few seconds if you just use this magic formula......ready.....****drum roll*****! Okay, here it goes

EAT REAL FOOD

Ta Da!


Okay, so maybe it is not completely simple....Yes, you may experience a few meals that your children will not eat. There will be a few tears shed IF your household is anything like mine. There may even be a few nights where your kiddo's go to bed hungry. It will simply be a battle of wills....your kids will NOT starve, I repeat- they will NOT starve. There will not be a news story at 10pm saying; "Parent convicted of witholding Hot Dogs and Chicken Nuggets". OR "Lack of pizza or fast food happy meal contributes to starvation of local children". My favorite...."Evil mother forces children to drink water instead of soda"!

So, educate and empower yourself and your children.....you have a right to feed your family FOOD not FODDER!

Be healthy Be Primitive~
Melissa

Primitive Pumpkin Poblano Chili

So are you looking for a new way to use the pumpkins left over from a fall harvest? Most people think of Pumpkin Bread, Cookies and Cakes. Here is a savory spin that will warm you heart. I picked some beautiful poblanos from my garden to give the sweet fruit a nice warmth. We enjoyed this Fireside watching a football game last night- I hope you do as well!

Primitive Pumpkin Poblano Chili

2 lbs Grass Fed Beef or Bison (ground)
32 oz (1 quart) of Beef broth/stock
1 small Pumpkin (peeled and diced-about 4 cups)
1 Onion (diced)
4 cloves Garlic Diced)
4-6 Poblano peppers (seeded, roasted and julienned)
1 Tablespoon Organic Chili Powder
1 Tablespoon Cumin
1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Brown the meat on medium high, in a large cast iron skillet. When browned add onion and garlic and reduce heat. Continue on low heat until the onion and garlic are softened with the beef fat. Now add the diced pumpkin to the mixture along with spices and stir for 2-3 minutes, adding the Poblanos as you stir. Transfer mixture to an iron pot and add the broth/stock. Bring to boil, reduce heat for 5 minutes. Serve with Diced Avocado and Green Onions.

A gift to cherish......."Naked Beauty"

There are rare moments in our journey through life that we encounter something or someone that will forever be imprinted on our soul. This experience is such a gift to cherish like a beautiful and wondrous jewel. Naked Beauty reintroduced me to my feminine strength that I was so searching for. The gratitude that I feel from my heart is overwhelming. There are so many beautiful nuances in Shakayas perspective that she shares in this inspirational work on health, beauty and living your most celebrated self. This is a guide on how to be beautiful from the inside out. If you want to “feel your beauty, know your worth and celebrate your power” You must know the Earth Empress and her beautiful creation~ “Naked Beauty”!



Visit: http://earthempress.com/nakedbeauty/ you will love yourself for this gift <3


Much Love and Many Blessings~
Melissa, The Primitive Diva

Primitive Beauty Secret: Dry Skin Brushing

Okay Divas....I have a brief quiz before I give you one of my most favorite beauty secrets.....
What is the largest organ in the body?
ANSWER: THE SKIN!

What organ is responsible for ¼ of the body’s detoxification each day?
ANSWER: THE SKIN!

What organ eliminates two pounds of waste acids daily?
ANSWER: THE SKIN!

What is one of the most important elimination organs in the body?
ANSWER: THE SKIN!

What organ receives one third of all the blood that is circulated in the body?
ANSWER: THE SKIN!

When the blood is full of toxic materials, what organ will reflect this with problems?
ANSWER: THE SKIN!

What organ is the last to recieve nutrients in the body, yet the first to shows signs of imbalance or deficiency
ANSWER: THE SKIN!



A Primitive Approach to Healthier Skin

The practice of dry skin brushing may be old news to those who practice the daily routine, but with all the skin care products and hypes out there, we thought it important to re-introduce a process that is not only a great way to maintain healthy skin, but also helps you to maintain a healthy body. The ability of the skin to excrete toxins is of paramount importance to you.

Dry skin brushing is one of the healthier self-help methods available to us today.And has been around for thousands of years. Stimulation of the skin sets in motion natural healing pathways within your body. Additionally, it encourages nerve beds within its structure that in turn increases normal healing processes throughout the body.

There are several automatic systems contained by the body including healing processes. Your heart beats by design—you breathe automatically—and your body’s “automatic healing process”, is another. It is set in motion when your body generates an itching response to the required areas. You will obviously scratch that area, and in turn, the area turns red with a fresh blood supply and the natural healing process has now been set in motion. This is the same healing process that will follow a skin brushing session.

Your skin is the primary sign of an internally toxic body. As soon as your internal body becomes toxic, it will spread out into your skin causing your skin to become irritated and itchy. There are numerous ports of elimination of the skin including your mouth, face, and arm pits, the inside of your upper thigh region, feet, and toe nails. Did you know that body odor is also an additional indicator of toxic build-up and is eradicated through the same channels. Let’s not forget your tongue, which builds up a plaque and is yet another gauge of toxins in the body.

Our skin is permeable or porous, and can absorb toxins directly from the environment. According to Jacqueline Krohn, MD, “Caustic chemicals, such as alkaline solutions, can also penetrate the skin. Once a chemical has penetrated the stratum corneum (the most superficial layer of the skin), it moves through the epidermis and into the dermis. Skin brushing will enhance your health significantly. You may wonder how this is accomplished using, “skin brushing”. It is a fact that the skin is one of the optimal ways to getting to the endocrine system and all the glands it reaches very quickly. In addition, at the same time, it triggers them to react successfully. The instantaneous result from a brushing session is a feeling of increased physical well being.



The Benefits Of Dry Skin Brushing


• Dry skin brushing helps to shed dead skin cells, which can help improve skin texture and cell renewal.


• Dry skin brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, which greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body. When the body rids itself of toxins, it is able to run more efficiently in all areas.


• Dry skin brushing also helps to tighten the skin because it increases the flow of blood. Increasing the circulation to the skin can also help lessen the appearance of cellulite.


• Dry skin brushing stimulates the lymph canals to drain toxic mucoid matter into the colon, thereby purifying the entire system. This enables the lymph to perform its house-cleaning duties by keeping the blood and other vital tissues detoxified. After several days of dry brushing, you may notice the gelatinous mucoid material in your stools.


• Dry skin brushing helps with muscle tone and more even distribution of fat deposits.


• Dry skin brushing also rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.


• Dry skin brushing helps your skin to absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health.


• Individuals who sit at a computer screen all day long will particularly take pleasure in the benefits of skin brushing. People who have inactive lifestyles or jobs usually experience stiff and sore necks and shoulders that reach even into their arms and down their spines and into their lower backs. Increased blood flow begins entering the areas brushed and you will experience an increase in electromagnetic energy that permits you to feel energized and invigorated.


• LADIES—Cellulite is toxic. Cellulite is toxic materials that are accumulated in your body’s fat cells as they are unable to be eliminated. So, rather than liposuction surgery, how about utilizing the “dry skin brushing” techniques coupled with an alkaline diet program and a great exercising routine. It will break down the unwelcome toxic body deposits and send them scurrying out of your body through the elimination channels we discussed above.



How to Get Started With Your Skin Brushing Regimen

1. Purchase a natural, NOT a synthetic, bristle brush. (vegetable bristle)


2. Purchase a brush with a long handle, so that you are able to reach all areas of your body. Best-case scenario would be one that had a removable head with a strap for your hand.


3. Skin brushing should be performed once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. If you are feeling ill, please do it twice a day until you feel better.


4. Skin brushing should be performed prior to your bath or shower and your body dry and naked.


5. Begin brushing your skin in long sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction. Always brush towards the heart. Try and brush several times in each area, over-lapping as you go.


6. Avoid sensitive areas and anywhere the skin is broken.



7. After brushing your skin, rinse off in the shower. Paavo Airola, author of Swedish Beauty Secrets, recommends alternating temperatures in the shower from hot to cold. This will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation, bring more blood to the outer layers of the skin.


8. After getting out of the shower, dry off vigorously and massage your skin with pure plant oil, such as almond, jojoba, sesame or coconut. We like to use a small amount of Euro Organic Oil which is a blend of sunflower, almond, apricot, avocado, and jojoba oils.

9. Don’t forget to clean your skin brush using soap and water once a week. After rinsing, dry your skin brush in an open, sunny spot to prevent mildew.


10. For a thorough lymphatic cleansing, perform skin brushing daily for a minimum of three months.


Caution: Do not brush on or over skin rashes, wounds, cuts, infections, poison oak or poison ivy.

Note: Any well designed program will take about 30 days to see and experience the changes. Please be patient and keep up the program! Before long you will have healthy glowing diva like skin....!