12 Days of Boots: Day 12 PW

Day 12
thePioneerWoman.com

12 Days of Boots Day 11 PW

Taffy Boots for Sure!
PioneerWoman.com

12 Days of Boots Day 10 PW

Day 10
PioneerWoman.com

12 Days of Boots Day 9 PW

Day 9
PioneerWoman.com

Found My Soap Box. And I'm On It!

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BL

 STOP DISTRACTED DRIVING

Cognitive Attention vs Distracted Driving!

Two weeks ago while I was being transported to the hospital in an ambulance. The ambulance driver went on to the rumble strip because she was reaching for her laptop!!!!

Yesterday my husband and I were rear ended by a Garbage Truck at 30 mph while stopped at a red light. The police officer said this was "inexcusable". The driver was on his phone!!!!!! A trip to the ER, xrays and mri's, Totaled our car! !!!! When Does This Craziness Stop!!!

STOP DISTRACTED DRIVERS!
That Call/Text Can Wait! It waited for thousands of years.

DISTRACTED DRIVING?

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:

Texting
Using a cell phone or smartphone
Eating and drinking
Talking to passengers
Grooming
Reading, including maps
Using a navigation system
Watching a video
Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player


I spend half of my time driving watching for distracted drivers because there are so many distractions!!!

Text messaging, onboard computers, laptops/tablets etc., requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.

                                    http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/facts-and-statistics.html


                                                        JUST DRIVE - WHEN DRIVING!

12 Days of Boots DAY 8 PW

I LOVE THESE!!!!
thePioneerWoman

12 Days of Boots Day 7 PW

Day 7 Gorgeous!

12 Days of Boots Day 6 PW

DAY 6

Twelve Days of Boots Day 5 PW

Look like TAFFY boots to Me!

Go Check it Out!

Twelve Days of Boots by thepioneerwoman

12 Days of Boots

This week The Pioneer Woman http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2012/12/twelve-days-of-boots-day-4/  kicked off her Twelve Days of Boots giveaway. Every day for the next nine days, she’ll be giving away a different pair of boots.

Check it out...  This Backyard Country Girl is Lovin what The Pioneer Woman is Givin!!!!

Whisper! I am in LOVE, LOVE LOVE!

$24 80/100 drops

Just got My Whisper today, and I am in Love Love Love.

Just the scent is blissfully delicious

Here's what's in this Essential Oil Blend.

Bergamot
Cinnamon
Cistus absolute
Cocoabean
Jasmine absolute
Patchouli
Rose absolute
Sandalwood
Vanilla bean extract
Vetiver
Ylang Ylang

Here's why it is so Wonderful.

I have been on hormone replacement medication for twenty-five years. A friend of mine has been able to go off her HRT and anti-depressant medications by using this amazing Essential Oil Blend. That is why it is so wonderful, finally a product I can use that is completely natural and works with my body to heal itself!  

dōTERRA  describes Whisper's subtle fragrance in this way.  Once applied Whisper mingles with your own individual scent to enhance the essence that is all your own. For topical or aromatic use.

The following observations about Whisper is from Julia.  Thanks for her thoughtful research.

After doing some research and asking questions about anxiety, I ran across something interesting about Whisper blend that was an eye opener to me! I've always looked at that particular blend as the "women's oil" or natural perfume, but didn't question it. When I was looking at what oils I should suggest for anxiety, well... 

Whisper had the most of those oils!! Here's Whisper pulled apart:

All have anti-pathogenic properties, all have anti-septic properties, all have anti-inflammatory properties.

On absolutes from wikipedea: Similar to essential oils, absolutes are concentrated, highly-aromatic, oily mixtures extracted from plants. Whereas essential oils can typically be produced through steam distillation, absolutes require the use of solvent extraction techniques or more traditionally, through effleurage. Absolutes are usually more concentrated than essential oils. Also, the efficiency and low temperature of the extraction process helps prevent damage to the fragrant compounds. With a good understanding of the solvent they are using, extractors can produce absolutes with aromas closer to the original plant product than is possible with essential oils produced through distillation. 

Patchouli: Helps depression, anxiety, apprehension, compulsiveness, is anti fungal and an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, a circulation decongestant, tissue regeneration, immune stimulant, tonic, relaxing, anti-depressant, sedative, treats anxiety and is an aphrodisiac, febrifuge, and treats diarrhea, acne and scars. This oil is valuable in the treatment of skin conditions and nervous system and for stress related imbalances.

Bergamot: Helps Anxiety, depression stress, tension, emotional imbalance, despondency, negativity, obsession, regret, shyness.. 

Sandalwood: Helps cynicism, recurring dreams, insecurity, irritability, listlessness, nervousness, procrastination, self- centeredness, self-critical, anxiety, tension, mood swings and promotes intuition, perseverance, security, self-esteem. Helps with Balancing, circulation and respiratory decongestant, diuretic, hormone balancer, relaxing, tonic, male aphrodisiac, treats inflamed skin and is a mental upliftment. It is antiseptic, calming, sedative, anti fungal, treats cystitis, coughs, dry skin, weeping/inflamed skin, eczema and athlete's foot. Is called "heart wood" because it comes from the heart of the tree, oily skin, improves lymphatic flow (with Grapefruit) and venous congestion (with Cypress); toning to the muscles and the nerves,  toning muscles, excellent for UTI /bladder infections (great with Lemon and Oregano), internally it will go to the liver to be converted to a water soluble molecule and will then go to the kidneys; great for sperm count and raising testosterone levels; can be topical with heat too. This oil  is beneficial to the respiratory system and skin, especially for fungus related conditions. As a masculine oil, it aids the reproductive system for impotence, the nervous system for stress and anxiety. 

Rose Absolute: Attachment, bereavement, envy grief, irritability, fretfulness, regret, sadness, anxiety, frigidity, depression, insomnia and mental fatigue, and promotes self awareness It is an astringent, antiseptic, it is softening, and a tonic.  It is a female aphrodisiac, hormonal regulator, treats female reproductive problems, and is relaxing, soothing, an anti-depressant and a sedative. It treats PMT, infertility, is anti-inflammatory and helps dry skin. This oil aids in conditions related to the reproductive and nervous systems and the skin.

Jasmine Absolute Helps apathy, lack of concentration, distant, detached feelings, emotional outbursts, jealousy, analytical, rigidity, sadness, secretiveness, shyness, depression , listlessness, nervous debility, anxiety. It is a tonic, astringent, vulneraria, is soothing, relaxing, treats lethargy, and is an aphrodisiac. It is emotionally warming, and analgesic, sedative, is uplifting and helps with coughing, aiding labor contractions and dry skin. This oil is valuable in treating disorders of the reproductive and nervous system as well as the skin and has been called a cell-regenerator. It will help with the elasticity of the skin and will diminish pigmentation on the face when used in conjunction with an exfoliator.

Cinnamon: Helps with held grudges, inability to forgive, debility, depression, infection, pathogens, especially bladder, mouth rinse, gingivitis, surface cleansing, diffusion, speeds body metabolism, digestion,  stimulates circulation, reduce blood sugar, cholesterol (both, reduces lipid production), stomach ulcers (Cinnamon), COX1,2 inhibitor – anti-inflammatory (arthritis). Is a stimulant, aphrodisiac, sudorific, analgesic, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericide, expectorant, emmenagogue, treats parasites, is a nerve tonic, respiratory tonic, circulation stimulant, is warming and an astringent. is skin toning and treats lice and scabies. This oil assist the circulatory system, digestive system, skin and immune system. 

Citrus Absolute: anxiety, debility, insomnia, bitterness, depression, frustration. These types of oils aid the nervous system , digestive system. skeletal system, and skin. its antiseptic properties may benefit other systems where infection may be prevalent such as respiratory or urinary systems. They are also relaxing and relieve headaches. A valuable detoxifier, and benefits the lymphatic system.

Vetiver: Helps with ADD/ADHD and helps calm the mind. Is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, insect repellent, relaxing, hepatic, calms digestive disturbances, and is also anti- depressant, aphrodisiac, helps with muscular aches, pains, oily skin and stress. This oil is wonderful for the nervous and muscular system in alleviating stress and tension. 

Ylang Ylang: helps with anger, detached feelings, guild, hostility, impatience, irrational behavior, irritability, jealousy, stubbornness, anxiety, depression, frigidity, impotence, tension, post natal depression, rapid breathing, shock, fear. It is anti-spasmodic, balancing in effect, a nerve tonic, an aphrodisiac, sedative, immune stimulant, relaxing , antidepressant, general tonic, helps with high blood pressure and palpitations. Great with Clary Sage for hormones, childbirth, to stimulate uterine contractions, I would choose Lavender for a son.  Ylang Ylang very strong and powerful in very small amounts. This essential oil is beneficial to both the circulatory and nervous systems. 

Cocoa Bean Extract; Cocoa Butter contains natural antioxidants that give it a long shelf life of over 3 years. It is naturally rich in Vitamin E as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E helps to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin and also provides the skin collagen which assists with wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Cocoa Butter also contains cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP), a substance that inhibits the production of the immuno globulin IgE. IgE is known to aggravate symptoms of both dermatitis and asthma. For centuries pregnant women have used to Cocoa Butter formulations to prevent and treat stretch marks, but this pleasant-smelling substance is added to countless other topical preparations. Lotions and oils containing Cocoa Butter are often used in aromatherapy massage to promote relaxation and the feeling well-being. Research indicates that massaging the skin with Cocoa Butter may help relieve stress, boost the immune system, and even prevent cancer. This is because Cocoa Butter, like chocolate, contains a lot of CMP and there is some evidence that the CMP in Cocoa Butter may also help prevent heart disease and ease arthritic symptoms. Cocoa Butter is mainly used is a thickening agent and is a common ingredient in lipsticks, soaps and emollient creams. It is also a folk remedy for burns, cough, dry lips, fever, malaria, rheumatism, snakebite and wounds. It is reported to be antiseptic and diuretic. 

Vanilla Bean Extract: Vanilla beans are a misnomer. The long, thin pods of the vanilla orchid are actually the mature fruit of the orchid plant. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world to produce, being both labor and time intensive. The sweet, bland flavor is one of the most popular the world over, and while it is considered plain', it is really a complex layering of sweet and spicy flavors that have been used for centuries to flavor everything from chocolate to milk. 

 

Twenty-five years ago I was 28 years old, I had two babies (very difficult pregnancies. back-to-back), ages two & three, and then I had a complete hysterectomy and double oophectomy (uterus, tubes, both ovaries and cervix are now gone).  I have been on Hormone Replacement for twenty-five years.  Over the years I've suffered with hormonal imbalance causing emotional issues. I am a very spiritual person and have been thankful for my faith, as I believe it has been my salvation.   

 

I've tried every kind of medication, both traditional and homeopathic/natural remedies. Recently I went to an doTERRA Essential Oil Class.  FINALLY REAL RELIEF!

Let Me Share With You!

If you would like to attend or host a class contact me!

NOTE:  I provide this product to you at my cost.  Yes! It's true.  I will sell to you at wholesale the same exact price I am paying.  Why? Because I want you to experience this truly amazing "Gift of the Earth" (doTERRA) product for yourself.  I bet you will feel the same as I do.  Just get it into everyone's hands!

doTERRA essential oil products are the highest standard of quality, purity, and safety used in the industry—CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade^®.

http://www.mydoterra.com/naturalhealthyalternatives/

Order Wholesale directly by Contacting me Personally

530-208-7593

ttaaffyy@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shifting Gears ~ Medicine Cabnet Makeover

What is an Essential Oil?
Essential Oils are the natural aromatic compounds found in flowers, leaves, stems, bark, and the roots of plants.  Essentail Oils are nothing less than Nature's Medicine Cabinet.  In comparison, modern medicine is designed to treat symptoms but essential oils help minimize symptoms and address the causes.  They are made from Hundreds of plant components that enhance physical and emotional health. Essential Oils are safe, inexpensive for use, and very effective in offering real people health care solutions." 

Why I Love Them!

They are Natural and Affordable.  Here is a story from a doTERRA Essential Oil user.

Over the last two months, my family has saved HUNDREDS of dollars in medical care thanks to essential oils.   Let me break it down for you with just one example:  In just the last two weeks, both of my kids got pink eye.  Before I learned the Medicine Cabinet Makeover class content, I would have taken the time to make an appointment at the doctor – two separate appointments as they didn’t get it at the same time.  Then, I would have paid a $25 copay per kid, which would have ended up being around $200 per kid when I got the final bill because we have a $500 per person deductible ($1500 total for our family). Not to mention the time and money it would have taken me to get to the store for a prescription eye drop that would have been a nightmare to get in their eyes!

Instead, I went right to my essential oils and put melaleuca and lavender oil around their eyes (on the eye brow area and cheek bone underneath).  I also put OnGuard and the melaleuca and lavender oils on their second and third toes (the areas of the feet connected to the eyes).  For both kids, I only had to do this every few hours for two days and they were completely cleared up!  In total, it cost me a few dollars in essential oils.  I was doing the same on my own feet a couple times, just to make sure I didn’t get it (and I didn’t!).

A Fad? or New concept? 

Historical Use of Essential Oils
Ancient civilizations used plant oils in one form or another, before the emergence of essential oils as we know them today. The earliest recorded use of aromatherapy can be attributed to the use of plants and plant extracts for medicine and personal hygiene in places; records indicate that people in India, Egypt, Greece and the Romans used some form of "aromatherapy." However, it is likely that plant oils were in use long before even these early beginnings and record keeping.

Modern day usage of essential oil usage was defined in France in 1928 by the French Chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. Amazingly, it was by some accident that Gattefosse "re-discovered" the powerful and  natural effects of what we today commonly call essential oils. Gattefosse severely burned his  hand, whilst carrying out his work, and plunged it into the nearest container, thinking that it was water; in fact it was a vat of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). To Gattefosse's surprise, his hand did not bear the burn scarring that he feared.  Gattefosse’s Aromatherapy is accredited as being the first modern book written on the subject of essential oils and was first published in 1937.

Why I choose doTERRA! 

doTERRA essential oil products are the highest standard of quality, purity, and safety used in the industry—CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade^®. Every single batch is tested for quality and purity.

My Story!

During a recent outing with a friend, she gave me some "Slim & Sassy" to mix into my water bottle.  I liked the taste, it reminded me of lemongrass.  About fifteen minutes later, not thinking about the water, I said to my friend.  "I feel Good. I just feel Really Good." She laughed and said it's the "Slim & Sassy"!  

"Well, I want more, and I want to know what it is!"  She said; It is a blend of essential oils that curbs the appetite and elevates the mood.  My response, well Yes it Does!  

Stay tuned as that was only the beginning....  Several classes later and a lot of oils later, I have a lot to say about it.  I hope you will enjoy the side trip the backyardcountrygirl is going to take you on...  

At any time Feel Free to Contact me!

Home Off the Range, On the Grill

For Cowboy Bill its gotta be off the range and on the Grill.  He says everything taste better cooked outdoors on the BBQ.  City folk (no disrespect), cook on the range....
Here are a few of his Favorite (and secret) BBQ things!

Cowboy Breakfast

3Sunnyside Up
Fried Red Potatoes and Onion

It Just Taste Better on the BBQ

Heat pan during Grill pre-heat. Cook onion & potatoes first (close lid for best results).

 Cowboy Bill's "Secret ingredient" BBQ Onions

Shhhhhh don't tell him I told you...  It would be the end of the World!

Cook on High Heat BBQ.
Place halved onion in foil, put in a healthy hunk of butter, salt and pepper, 2 tablespoon of the Secret ingredient EVOO Yes! Mame, it is Olive Oil! Close up the foil (like a hershey kiss).  Close BBQ. In about 10 minutes or so, Listen for the Crackling of the Oil under heat.  Close the lid for about 10 more minutes. Perfect BBQ Onions will be Caramelized. Check every 5 minutes after the first 20 minutes.  They take time to get there, but, Worth it!

BBQ BROOK TROUT

Fresh Caught Wild Brook Trout!

Slather fish skin with a lot of Mayonnaise, Salt & Pepper!

BBQ High Heat 
about 10/12 minutes each side. To test if the fish is done, take a fork and lift a section of the skin, if it lifts & seperates easily and the meat is firm (not slimmy and glossy) it's super Delicious & ready to Eat and Enjoy~

YOU ARE JUST GONNA LOVE IT!

Spar for the Spurtle CONTEST Bob's Red Mill

Ha! What a Pair!  I Am Entered...  Bill's Is Not, But YOU have to Watch his Video!  So Great!

Bob of Bob's Red Mill is having it's 2nd ever Spar for the Spurtle Contest, And I am Entered.  Seems like I'm always right in the middle of What's Happening Now! And, What is happening right now is that the Winner of this Contest will Represent USA in Scotland !!! I really really really Want to Go Back to Scotland, I need More Scotland Stamps in My Passport! And I Will Win for Bob's !!! Cheers!

This Contest has been extended.  Originally the final date to submit a video was July the 20th, but Now it's extended until the 22nd.  So, this gives All of You A chance!  go to the Website http://www.sparforthespurtle.com/
And enter Your Video.

Be Sure to Check out Mine Video entry too!  And, tell me when you send in your Video I want to see it! Oh, and of course if you win, You will have to take me. (It's in the small print)!

Taffy~

Wild Eats & Other Lean Meats

Wild Eats & Other Lean Meats

Buffalo, Elk, Venison!

Lean Beef, Pork tenderloin, and Poultry~

So here's what this backyard country girl has gleaned from all the info out there on the subject of eating less unhealthy fat and increasing good fats. Oh, real quick... Fat does not make you fat (someone said that)... 

Yes, I know that is a Highland Cow!  Just wanted to see if Anyone is out there...  while I know that no one is....  I am laughing really, really hard right now and completely enjoying this!

For Me, I didn't like the buffalo, having said that, I was told that it may have been how it was prepared.  I have some faith in that because I was told the same thing for Venison.  I did not like it either. But, I gave it another try and cooked it myself, And, it was delicious.  

So I will try again and let you know.

Haven't had the Elk yet, but I just made arrangements with a Elk Hunter Champion (by his own admission), for some Elk this Fall.

I'm starting to think I'm a bit premature on posting Wild Meats info, but, I'll do it anyway. Venison is very good if you cook it right. And, I do.

If you want my recipe, make a comment to me and I will post the recipe (this is a test)!

Follow on twitter:  ttaaffyyss

 http://pinterest.com/ttaaffyy/

 http://www.facebook.com/backyard.countrygirl

Enjoy~

 

My Favorite One Ingredient Recipe

My Favorite One Ingredient Recipe

by backyardcountrygirl

ttaaffyyss

FROZEN MANGO

For One

Select One Ripe Mango

Cut around the pit, and cube the fruit meat (discard skin)

Freeze the chunks of Mango

Place frozen Mango in Magic bullet (blender)

Add water to slushy consistancy

EAT IT!

For two or more ingredients you may add, a splash of milk, or if you are like me...  half&half just to get that creamy texture.  Really this is the best one ingredient recipe because it just doesn't need anything added!

NO ADDED SUGAR (just natural sugar of the fruit)

VEGAN & VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY

GLUTEN FREE

Enjoy~

NOTICE: Health claims are non-intentional. It is up to the reader to determine if you can eat this or not!

copyright images & written material 2012

Gluten Free Flour Berry Pies in a Jar

 What to do with all this Summer's Fresh Fruits? Put them in a Pie!

We've been hearing a lot about Retro Rad lately. In the Cooking world, if you follow Food Network Star then you know all about the recent cut of Emily from the Challenge. Quite a Scandal!

In her honor...  this post is how I think she would take the traditional, classic pie and bring it to us today Retro Rad Style!

Note: this is NOT Emily's recipe...  it is My Nod to Emily~

Ferndale Cementary Vacation Travel

Yep...  my vacation continues...

If you are squeemish, you may wanna pass on this post...  but, I tell ya, it was gorgeous! 

I Love Ferndale CA.  Walk with me...

 and now...  walk through town...

A Day at Eureka's Sequoia Park Zoo & Garden

Well I forgot to get the name of this beauty!  but, isn't she a beaut~

Snapped this image today in the Sequoia Park Garden in Eureka CA. in an 80 year old garden!

This is a working vacation, hubby is working I'm on vacation.  I Like It!  Here are some pics of my day.  

 On the foot path.  Sorry I don't know the names of these flowers just that they were so pretty and I want to share them with you.

 Wait till hubby see this...  cuz, he's gonna be building me one!

 In fact I want this too...

 and these...
Wait there is more...  keep scrolling!

Lovely~