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Alison*s Back to Basics Journal: Getting in Touch with My Ikigai

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Lately ‘Back to Basics’ A Simple Healthy Green Natural, Relaxed and Thrifty Life has become my Ikigai, my reason for being. Ikigai is a Japanese word that roughly means what motivates me ‘to rise and shine’ each day. My Back to Basics projects certainly qualify as just that. On a daily basis, I rise and head for my laboratory (also my kitchen) to see how something is fermenting, gelling, infusing or whatever process is used as a back to basics alchemist.

I am not very good at remembering things. I have numerous paper recipe notebooks. But I either forget to write things down or do a terrible job of it. On the other hand, I love to blog. So I decided that Alison*s Back to Basics Journal, an online collection of blog posts, would be the best way to go. This also provides a recording of my current Ikigai and an archive of these activities.

MY BACK TO BASICS JOURNAL

Back to basics is my Ikigai
Journal notebooks. Photo credit: notebookstories.com

Here I am at a new beginning. I have completed a few ‘Back to Basics’ projects. So before I forget what they are and the details, I better get going with this journal. I have been working on five projects that are at various stages of maturity. They include:
• orange essence infused vinegar (not shown)
• homemade apple cider vinegar
• Kombucha
• Kefir water/Kefir milk
• homemade laundry detergent (not shown)

 
HOMEMADE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Making Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar
Making Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar, Photo from JanellaPurcell.com

I have already written a blog post about homemade apple cider vinegar. Ironically, it is the last project to be started and the first to be written about. I have followed Janella Purcell’s instructions as indicated:
“Here’s what you need –
cores and peels from 6-8 (preferably) organic apples (colour not important)
2 tbsp organic sugar or raw honey
filtered water to cover

Return the liquid to the jar and cover it again with a paper towel and band. Leave it for 4 more weeks, stirring daily.
Taste it and see if it has the acidity you would like. If it does, transfer it to a bottle with a lid for storage. If not, leave it in the wide-mouthed jar for a little while longer, checking every few days.” ‪#‎applecidervinegar‬ ‪#‎janellapurcell‬ ‪#‎fermentedfoods‬”

Since I just started yesterday, I have to wait until the 28th to remove the scraps. Then I have to wait another 4 weeks to taste it. I am going to have to be very patient with this project. Next, I think I will explain how to make orange vinegar. It is easy, fun and great for house cleaning. It also smells great.

KOMBUCHA

Why You Should Be Drinking Kombucha from www.positivehealthwellness.com
Why You Should Be Drinking Kombucha from www.positivehealthwellness.com

The most involved are the Kombucha and perhaps the Kefir. They involve not only fermentation but also a special mushroom to transform the ingredients added to them to give them probiotic qualities for consumption. Both Kombucha and Kefir have links to them so you can learn more about them. In fact, if you can’t wait for me to include them in my Back to Basics Journal, you can learn how to make them from watching YouTube videos and asking lots of questions, yourself.

 

KEFIR

The Difference Between Kefir and Yogurt from CulturesforHealth.com
The Difference Between Kefir and Yogurt from CulturesforHealth.com

Kefir water can look very similar to Kombucha. But Kombucha has some effervescence and Kefir does not. They are both supposed to be very healthy. So I guess it is a matter of taste preference. I actually prefer Kombucha to Kefir water and Kefir milk to kefir water.

 

 

 

HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Last but not least is my homemade laundry detergent. I am having lots of fun working on perfecting the consistency. I may wash all the clothes in my neighborhood by the time I perfect it. One bucket goes a long, long way. But I am going to wait for another day to go into detail on that project in my Back to Basics Journal. Suffice to say, I have grown to love it. The savings makes it even more desireable. There is a blog with a recipe in the additional resources below.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Why You Should Be Drinking Kombucha
Kombucha Health Benefits
What Is Kombucha
How To Make Kombucha
Making Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar
The Difference Between Kefir and Yogurt
Back to Basics Laundry Detergent For Only Pennies A Day

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Welcome Back to Basics: a simple, healthy, green, natural, relaxed and thrifty life

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Back to Basics has become a necessity for many of us. For some it may be a trend, a fad, even an adventure. It is all of those. But at the same time, it is an imperative for those of us who:
• Need to simplify our lives
• Become healthy
• Live a green life
• Live naturally
• Relax
• Practice thriftiness

What started out as a project called, The Middle Class Poor and Resources for the Middle Class Poor, is evolving into a whole lifestyle, Back to Basics.

Let’s examine each of the above points to get a better understanding of the Back to Basics Movement.
• Need to simplify our lives
One need look no further than the skyline to see the proliferation of self-storage facilities. We have so much stuff. How much stuff do we need? How many cars? televisions? Internet devices?
How many of us have gone into debt, maxing our credit cards, to have the things that we keep consuming to fill the hole inside us?

• Become healthy
We are a nation of sick people. We have been led to believe that disease is inevitable. We are committed to a deteriorating life-style as we age until the point that we die an unnatural death.
Disease is not our birthright. Wellness is.

• Live a green life
We suffer from allergies. We can’t breathe. We get headaches. These have become the norm. They are not normal. Due to all the chemicals and toxins in the air and in the food we eat, we are being poisoned. Our very immune systems are being compromised.

• Live naturally
How great it would be to live free of allergies, breathing difficulties, headaches, other symptoms and illnesses. Imagine that as well as not having to take a cabinet full of medicines for these ailments. Living more naturally can go a long way in helping to bring this about.

• Relax
Our lives are very stressful. We work longer and harder than ever before. We have tremendous financial pressures. We have lost the ability to just be. We are always having to do something.

• Practice thriftiness
Increasing numbers of people are having to be very thrifty. In addition, the number of people who need government assistance are employed. But the money earned is not enough to live. We need to be thrifty, very thrifty.

The intention of going Back to Basics is to recapture something good that we have lost while seeking more. We need to surrender the glut, greed and self-destruction. It requires letting go of the baggage that weighs us down by literally and figuratively. We live lives based on immediate gratification and ‘gimme-gimme-gimme’. The idea is to regain a good life, a really good life. Slow down. Get back to basics and let’s see what happens. The results may be very pleasantly surprising.

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Back to Basics: Making My Own Apple Cider Vinegar

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I have been buying and using Bragg’s apple cider vinegar for years. It has many wonderful properties and uses. Here is a link to the Bragg website to learn more about this live food. When I found the following recipe by Janella Purcell, Nutritionist, I decided to give it a try.

“Making Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar – with the Mother.
The ACV available in supermarkets is refined and distilled, over-processed, over-heating, and filtered. DIY vinegar is easy, and cheap.

By making your own ACV you’re boosting the natural fermentation qualities of the apples. When the vinegar is ready, it contains a dark, cloudy, web-like bacterial foam called mother, which becomes visible when the rich brownish liquid is held to the light. The mother can be used to hasten maturity for making more Apple Cider Vinegar. Natural vinegars that contain the mother have enzymes and minerals that other vinegars in grocery stores may not have.

apple cider vinegar
Back to Bascis: Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar. Photo credit, Janella Purcell

Here’s what you need –
cores and peels from 6-8 (preferably) organic apples (colour not important)
2 tbsp organic sugar or raw honey
filtered water to cover

Method – After you’ve dried apples, made apple muffins or fruit salad etc, place the cores and peels in a large, wide-mouthed jar. Cover the scraps with water and stir in the sugar or honey.Place a paper towel on top of the jar, and secure it with a band. Let the mixture sit for 2 weeks at room temperature, then strain out the liquid. Discard the solids. (compost or worm farm.)
Return the liquid to the jar and cover it again with a paper towel and band. Leave it for 4 more weeks, stirring daily.
Taste it and see if it has the acidity you would like. If it does, transfer it to a bottle with a lid for storage. If not, leave it in the wide-mouthed jar for a little while longer, checking every few days. ‪#‎applecidervinegar‬ ‪#‎janellapurcell‬ ‪#‎fermentedfoods‬”

The above photo shows what is should look like when you start to make it. I started today, Monday, April 14, 2014. I have to wait until April 28, to discard the solids. Then I have to let in stand for four weeks at room temperature, stirring daily. This is a fun back to basics project. But it does require a lot of patience. We’ll see if it is worth it. More to come.

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Spreading Joy : Posting some of my favorite things today

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Spreading Joy from +Diply

Spreading joy is an essential component of a fulfilling life.

This statement may seem like a profundity. But is it one of the most basic elements of a joyful life. We are all so busy keeping busy. Social Media has become all consuming. It is a gift and a curse.

Today, I am inspired to share the joy I am finding on it. I have been drawn to Google+ lately. I am sure it has many more profound uses than the one I have just discovered. It is the Pinterest component. In face, I feel like I am on Pinterest when I use the ‘posting’ feature. So let’s pin some Google+ posts (from +Diply and +Fashion is my Attitude) as a way of spreading joy today.

These hydrangea cupcakes make the most appealing photo and irresistible treat. I smile every time I look at this image and the others that follow.

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Egg Labels: Everything You Need to Know to Unscramble Your Egg Purchases

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“If you’ve been wondering what all those terms printed on egg cartons mean, this (Egg Labels Infographic) should clear things up.” from the post of the same title by Will Blackmore of Takepart.com.

A Guide to Understanding Egg Carton Labels
Via: TakePart.com

How much product information provided today to consumers is for educational purposes? And how much is merely the latest advertising hype filled with buzz words to grab our attention? We live in an age where the media mesmerizes us into buying a product. All too often the message is filled with misinformation.

We are forced to find out the facts for ourselves. There are often so many choices that it is dizzying. This is no accident. Millions of dollars are spent on product research. The goal of most food companies is not to produce what is best for us. It is to produce what makes the most money for them. But at least with eggs, now we can now be informed consumers. This is because of ‘The Egg Labels Infographic’.

In case you would like a translation of ‘The Egg Labels Infographic, read Jane Says: Here’s How to Unscramble Egg Carton Labels by Jane Lear also of Takepart.com. She goes into great detail to explain what all the terms mean. As consumers, we are entitled to know what the products we purchase contain. May this egg label post set an example for other areas in the food industry to become transparent. But more about that at another time.

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GMO food labeling, deer population culling: What should we do?

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deer management

There has been a great deal of noise in the news lately about food related issues. From state battles over GMO food labeling to the most recent debate over deer population “culling” on the East End of Long Island, one can become very confused about what to think, what to do and what to eat.

Deciding what one believes in is much easier as an intellectual exercise. It takes on a whole new meaning when it is a matter of hunger. In the case of GMO foods, for those who believe that genetic modification is dangerous, of course one wants food labeled so it can be avoided. But what if non-GMO food is too expensive and beyond ones budget?

    Image credit left: from the DEC, White-tailed deer – Odocoileus virginianus, Photo: Susan Shafer. Image credit right: truth-out.org, Photo: Shuttershtock.

In addition, we keeping hearing that the number of hungry and needy people keeps growing. Statistics show that the face of food stamp recipients has changed. The majority has shifted from the elderly to working age folks who can not make ends meet.

We are part of both the new demographic and the old demographic of hungry people. We have had our food stamps slashed to 5% of our original monthly benefit. The immediate result of that was that we had to turn to the food pantries. I have never seen food pantry packaging indicating whether or not the contents contain genetically modified food. I suppose I am consuming GMO food. So I ‘bless it’ before I eat it. Not only that, it is actually already blessed. The mere fact that someone has donated it so that I can eat is a blessing.

What about the latest news about shooting some deer or culling the deer population as it is called? The East End of Long Island is overrun with deer. They eat vegetation on people’s property. They ignore the boundaries that man has set for what is his and what is theirs. They are also disease infested. But they are regal as bucks and does. They are adorable as fawns. How can we justify killing them? It is inhumane or is it more human than many realize? Nature keeps a balance when left to its own devices. When we take actions that ignore or destroy the balance, something has to be done to rebalance it. In this case, it is called ‘Deer Management’.


Here are the choices with the issue of deer population culling:

    1. Kill off some of the deer population to trim down the herds.
    2. Sterilize the males.

I see no point in sterilizing the males. Contrary to my liberal, formerly ‘New Age’ thinking, I am now a pragmatist. I believe there are two very good reasons for choosing deer population culling:
1. The food is needed by the growing number of hungry people including myself.
2. We need to trim down the deer over-population since other methods are not working or being introduced.

If things go as planned, sharpshooters will be brought in from the Department of Environmental Conservation to carry out the deer population culling. The deer meat will be donated to Island Harvest and if I am lucky enough, my food pantry will receive it. I will get to have some of it. I was introduced to elk earlier this year. It will be interesting to see how deer meat tastes now since I have not had it for about 25 years.

GMO food labeling
ThoughtShaker | GMOs: Get To Know Your Food
thoughtshaker.com

Have I compromised my beliefs? Do I think GMO food is as healthy as non-GMO food? Do I no longer care about wildlife protection? The answer to all these questions is NO. So what has happened to my optimistically liberal perspective? I became one of The Middle Class Poor, the hungry Middle Class Poor and I am grateful for the blessed food I receive. It may not be up to my ‘preferred standards’. But when one gets hungry, one is grateful to eat.

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Mother Nature Triumphs Over Man Made Deadly GMOs

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Mother Nature Triumphs

About I month ago, I saw a video about the history of GMOs, based on the book Seeds of Deception. It made me so depressed I had to find a new focus for the Global Food rEvolution. I started to turn the corner when today I read about a new approach to crop production. It very much reaffirms my commitment to a future where Mother Nature triumphs over man made deadly GMOs.

The venture, named BioAg Alliance will “use microbes and fungi to enhance crop growth and yield, help with pest resistance, and reduce inputs like water. Monsanto paid Novozymes $300 million to partner in this ‘game changing’ venture. Monsanto will do marketing and field testing. Novozymes will do the manufacturing.” K. McDonald, Monsanto Going Green: Using Bacteria and Fungi to Increase Crop Yields and Lower Inputs

I am not naive enough to expect perfection. But like many people, I feel a sense of hope that at least we are not doomed to a death by consuming food consisting of nothing but genetically modified organisms. I do not know what dollars deal made Monsanto willing to change colors. But I do understand the sense of it.

the food rEvolution
The Food rEvolution, a food journey from Personal to Political

Although Monsanto has received almost unanimous government support or lack of opposition due to lobbying and other enticements, there is tremendous opposition amongst the people. There have been huge public protests flooding the Internet. None were mentioned on the major TV networks due to collusion between corporate giants. But globally, there is a refusal to accept American exports due to GMO contamination. Apparently other countries have already realized what the US government and agricultural giants are just waking up to. GMOs are deadly.

The groundswell can no longer be held at bay. To see a change of heart, or at least wallet, to a greener approach restores hope and faith that Mother Nature triumphs to the good of all.

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Economic Faith Leads to Acceptance of a Simpler Life

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The Middle Class Poor

Back in 1929, when the stock market made its most precipitous crash, there were millionaires turned paupers who jumped from their office windows to their death. They could not bear the thought of a simpler life, one stripped of the glitz and glamour that accompanied the rarified air they were used to breathing.

Today, the economic see-saw is sending millions, not to their deaths, but rather to face the challenges of the 99% and The Middle Class Poor. For me, economic faith has led me to not only the acceptance of a simpler life but also the joyful discoveries that have accompanied it. This is not to say that it has not been a huge adjustment. But rather than plummet to my death, I have found my circumstance such that with the cultivation of economic faith and the acceptance of a simpler life, I seem to be keeping my head above water and enjoying it as well.

As the 1% continues to need to glut themselves on more and more, the ranks of the growing Middle Class Poor have increased and are tightening our belts. But, you know, it isn’t nearly as bad as I thought. Once you get an understanding of what financial assistance is available and just how to get it, you have a place to start. Here is an example.

Two years ago, we were granted food stamps, $367/month to be exact. Little did I know, this was considered a hefty sum. You see, I had a bit of the ticker tape millionaire attitude and was humiliated by the meager amount since it was a fraction of my monthly healthy food expenses. This past summer we had to file our SNAP (as food stamps is now called) recertification. To our mortification, our monthly allotment was reduced to 5%. That’s right TO 5% or $16 not by 5% as many other folks were. How the hell were we going to eat on $16/month. Short of dumpster diving or stealing, neither was an option, I had no idea.

Being one who perseveres rather than falls into self-pity, I knew this was my opportunity to make some new discoveries. These would be discoveries for my own salvation. My goal is that they could also provide information to support other souls who thought they would have only crumbs to pick at to survive.

image-RMCP blog post
There are so many things that I have learned to do simpler and even do without. My confidence in my ability to survive in challenging times has given me a sort of economic faith. I am resourceful. I know how to take little and make it into more. I know how to take things from the garbage and make them into treasures. I know how to accept a simpler life. In fact, I appreciate things more now than when I had more.

Future blog posts will focus on the specifics of making due, having more with less, and cultivating economic faith with acceptance of a simpler life. ‘Stay tuned’ for some fun projects, food recipes and ideas that will help you be a resourceful success as part of The Middle Class Poor.

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Five Essential Superfoods to Eat Everyday

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Five Daily Superfoods

OK, I admit it. It has been disgracefully long since I have ‘created’ and not just ‘curated’. I can’t tell you how many times and how many topics I have come up with. They are in the front of my mind, on the tip of my tongue, or my fingers. But then, nothing happens. So, enough is enough. Nothing heavy duty or earth shattering. But a simple, straight forward post summarizing one I saw from Takepart. It is so on target that its content bears repeating and in my own words.

The topic is Five Essential Superfoods to Eat Everyday. I will confess right up front, or at least in the second paragraph that I don’t have them daily. But I am very familiar with all of them. None is strange, nothing like the information about the ten weirdest foods I had ever read about. I had only even heard of one in terms of its being a food. I admit. It was gross and really required an cast iron stomach to even look at the pictures and consider them as food.

No this is an easy, pleasant, palatable and extremely healthy group. I actually enjoy them and you can easily find them, too. So without further delay, I would like to introduce them.

NUTS
Surprised? Well it won’t be the last time. Nuts are really good for you. So many people love them but don’t eat them because they think they are fattening. There are essential oils in nuts. Yes, I said that anti-diet word, oils. We need oil. People who diet by removing oil from what they consume are depriving their bodies of really important nutrients.
eat nuts

QUINOA
OK, this may be one you never heard of before. So get used to it. It is pronounced keen-wah. It is native to South America and has been voted the Food of the Year by a branch of the United Nations. It is super packed with nutrients. On its own it can be bland. But mixed with some veges, oil and spices make it quite tasty.
quinoa

Screen Shot 2013-12-01 at 8.11.37 PM

OLIVE OIL
This is one of my favorite foods of all times. I love olives in almost every form and a good, extra virgin, cold pressed olive oil is majestic and magical. It can bring a plate of steamed vegetables to life in ways that seem unimaginable. The quality and even country of origin can make a huge difference in the taste. Try different origins to see what you like best. But always get extra virgin, cold pressed olive oil. In addition, never refrigerate your oil. Keep it in a cool, dark place as labels often read. It often comes in a brown or green bottle to protect it from too much light.
Screen Shot 2013-12-01 at 8.11.56 PM

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KALE
Here’s the perfect food to try your olive oil out on. I like to steam greens or use them in juice. I prefer not to cook them in oil but add it after they are cooked. If you prefer it raw, you can soak the kale in a marinade that includes the oil, of course. It tastes amazing.
kale

GOJI BERRIES
I like to think of these as Asian raisins. They are not as sweet but are super-nutritious. They go great in rice pudding with or without the raisings. In fact, they can replace any dish you might put raisins in. I prefer juicier berries. They are often dry and crunchy.
goji berries

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