Catch the Cold

You and I both know that moment.

That weariness that can't be really explained.

Then suddenly...you feel it.  

Right there.

In the glands at the base of your neck.

Then the little drip at the back of your throat.

Then the sinking feeling in you tummy.

That "oh are you kidding?" with the dramatic eye roll and exaggerated shrug.

Yep...you've got a bug.

BUT!  Though that bug is in your system...it hasn't clutched it's nasty murky talons around you yet!

You have time to beat it!

Ok I'm sure you know to take your zinc, drink liquids, get lots of rest, have some EmergenC, whatever your cold fighting collection is...

Let me introduce you to another cold knocking and all around healthy practice I've taken to over the last year.

It's an anti-inflamatory drink the kicks your immune system in the PANTS!  

I'm not a doctor and this will not cure you but it is one way to either knock it out if you catch it early, or to soothe your glands and systems while your body does work.

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Abigail's Magic Fire Water

K. It's not magic but it helps so much!  When I got really sick during fire season last year and extra sleep was not an option...a woman I was working with from Alaska made this for the both of us and we got better before EVERYONE else.  Boom. Drop the mic. 

INGREDIENTS

• Lemon
• Cayenne
• Ginger
• Turmeric 
• Honey
• Water

No particular order, no particular amounts...mostly go heavy on the lemon and ginger...then little bits of the spices because they get potent fast.  (hence the name fire water)

Fresh lemon all sliced up and added to my teapot full of H2O...make sure you leave the rind on because it's full of goodness too!

Cayenne is the butt kicker here.  Not only does it obviously help your respiratory system (can we say cleared out?) it is also a good source of Vitamin A and E.  This is a major player in the "let's get rid of this cold" game. 

Gingaaaaaa! Ginga Ninja warrior to the immune system! 

{I'm writing this late at night so stick with me}

Ginger is another cold kicker.  It boosts the immune system and is an anti inflammatory!

Doesn't really matter if you slice it or grate it...I was in a hurry the other day so I sliced.

Turmeric.

You the real MVP though.

Turmeric is a natural antibiotic as well as an incredibly potent anti inflammatory.  

Why is the anti inflammatory part important? Because when your body is inflamed that's when we start getting gut problems, skin problems, liver problems, respiratory problems, etc.

We can reduce the inflammation naturally and give our bodies a break.

This spice that is so often overlooked is a powerhouse of health benefits!  Adding this to your fire water is just chucking more amazing natural cold fighting nutrients and vitamins into your body.

I threw in some honey to cut some of the spiciness as well as to add the antibacterial properties and allergen relief as well. (thanks pollen)

I let this cook on medium heat...basically just pre boil for about 10 minutes.  ]

It's going to smell strong and you're going to backpedal but DON'T!

Pour a bit in a cup and the rest in a pitcher and put in the fridge.

I can't manage to take the whole cup in one chug...I have a few sips and then take a break and then a few more.

Not because it tastes bad, but it burns a bit going in and is definitely strong.  

BUT!

After drinking my cup I always feel better.

I drink one at night after work if I'm feeling under the weather,

and then have one after breakfast as a mid morning kick in the pants.

Maybe one more in the afternoon if I really know I'm fighting something tough.

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Again, this is not a cure.  This is a natural way to ramp up your immune system, reduce inflammation, and open up you air ways without putting toxic and harmful synthetics into your system.  

Don't simply solve one problem at the expense of another organ's health

Soothe your body as you let it heal :) 

Egg + Toast

If you're as bad at frying eggs as I am...then you may not be eating much more than a scrambled version of these protein nuggets...because is so much easier.

Welp...here's how I've started cooking eggs for my breakfast recently.  I'm working on doing the Paleo-ish diet {I say ish because there is no diet worth giving up cheese} and eggs are a HUGE fantastic form of protein and they are small and easier to digest and way cheaper than meat.

Farm fresh eggs are the way to go if you know where to look.  The web is your friend here or even your local Extension service...they can point you to local markets or even local chicken owners.  There's even one up here in Seattle! Farmers markets are also great, though tougher to find in the winter months.

Why farm fresh?

A) It supports the local economy

B) You know what went into the egg makers {aka chickens}

C) If you have kids, it starts teaching them to be aware of where their food comes from and how important proper nutrition is.

Ingredients

1. one egg
2. one piece of bread

{I know that wast totally mind blowing}

• Cut a hole in your piece of bread and chuck it on the hot buttered skillet {I was using sourdough because the Alaska just never goes out of my system}
• Crack your egg into the hole {check for shells}

Tip: The egg should be sizzling the instant it hit the pan, that's how hot you want your skillet.  Don't put your egg on a cool pan, then you won't have any way to gauge how long it's gonna take to have your wonderfully cooked egg

• When the white of the egg starts to get less like water and more like gelatin...flip that sucker over
• I only do about 30 seconds on the second side because I love me some runny yoke.

This is a super easy breakfast that kids can help with {they can cut the holes} and is healthy. 

If you want to up the health thing a notch, use whole grain bread.  

What are some healthy quickie breaky's that you like?  Share share SHARE!! please :) 

Groceries are Hard

#Adulting

You've heard of this movement right?

That's basically my generation's term for growing up, paying bills, having jobs, and being an adult.

I know....it's a phenomenon that really I would like to not be dealing with most times.

• I mean bills are depressing.
• Spending money on boring things like oil changes, dentists, and toilet cleaner before a dime can go to anything fun...like laundry soap is such a drain. (oof da that reminds me I need drain cleaner too)
• When going to the DMV doesn't include my Mom. (only Mom has pens in her purse)
• When you have to change insurance and residency and register to vote and then figure out who to vote for without Dad's ballot to copy...yeah it's adulting and it's not glamorous all the time.

The glamorous part is when you get to choose the food (though expensive) that will be consumed by yours truly!

I get fabulous ideas on pinterest and think "Hm you know I might try gluten free for a few weeks just for fun!"

How adorably blissfully ignorant and simple I am.

All those ideas go right out the Christmas bedazzled store window as soon as I'm looking at the produce saying "Blueberries are how much???!!!" 

so much for antioxidants.

By the time I'm nearing the end of my list which has been gutted and slayed beyond recognition...

all I want is the bread isle.

Lot's of bread. 

What goes with bread?

Wine!

So much for being Paleo and Gluten free and all those illustrious ideas I'd had moments ago.

How's a girl to deal with the madness?!

Abigail's Grocery Battle Plan

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• Shop around the edges {You know how super markets have the Bakery, then THe dairy section, then the meat section, then the produce section all around the walls of the store?  In the middle is all the more heavily processed and complicated products.  The edges are your food pyramid.  I keep costs down by not buying crackers, or canned spaghetti sauce.  Keep the grocery list simple and with basic ingredietns come up with healthy meals.  I mean Squash and butter and a drizzle of agave is healthy and only three ingredients!
• Don't be afraid to have the same thing a lot.  It doesn't make you a failure as a menu planner.  It's frugal.  My giant bag of Steel Cut Oats will last all winter, and it's a fabulous fibre and iron breakfast.  Add a few blueberries and agave for sweetening and BOOM.  That's a regular for me.  Or Granola and Yogurt.  I always have those on hand as back up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Stick by your stand bys!
• Always have a variety of fruit in the house.  Bananas, apples, clementines, blueberries, They are perfect for snacks to curb hunger, or on top of other foods, or mixed together for a lite lunch.  I threw some blueberries and raspberries on my spinach salad the other day and you know what? It was good!

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Three tips to help you (and me) shop smarter and eat healthier!  

When trying to stick to a budget, remember...simple is smart

Do you have any ways to save pennies and eat healthy?  Share them with me via email or in comments!  I always love good tips :)