Recent Concoctions

I've been experimenting a bit lately with various food and body care products and thought I'd share what I'm currently working on:

1. Fermented Veggies
I made a jar of carrots and red cabbage that I fermented in real salt for a few days. They're pleasantly tart and tasty on tacos, salads, rice, lentils, and even by themselves. I'm endeavoring to make some fermented dill pickles next. They're so easy and so tasty and so good for your gut.

2. Water Kefir
My water kefir cultures so much better in the warm Summer months so I've started making a batch every few days. My all time favorite flavor is ginger lime but I've recently tried cherry and grapefruit as well. (Apricot was the most disgusting fail ever. All I tasted was sulfur.)

3. Homemade Muscle Rub
Using almond oil (carrier) and lemongrass and wintergreen essential oils, I created a sore muscle serum which seems to work pretty well. I haven't used it much myself but my sources tell me it's effective. I'm planning to make a batch to send with my mom to take to my brother next time she sees him at West Point.

4. Homemade Dry Shampoo
I can't find a shampoo that works for my long, thick hair that isn't chock full of chemicals. (Well actually, I can't find one filled with aforementioned chemicals either come to think of it.) ...Enter dry shampoo. I'm trying this no 'poo method with a dry shampoo made from arrowroot powder and essential oils. Admittedly, I'm skeptical. But desperate times call for desperate measures, people.

5. Homemade Lattes
I'm in love with my French Press. I've been making some good, STRONG coffee and then whirling it through the blender with about a quarter cup of coconut milk (much better when you heat the milk first not just pour it in cold... thanks Liberty :) and a couple teaspoons of coconut oil, some sea salt, and honey or stevia. The milk cascades into a fluffy and foamy delicious pillow and it practically feels like you're sitting in Rembrandt's while you sip your all natural, low sugar, latte that only cost you pennies. Mmmmmm.

Next Endeavors: 
1. Coconut Kefir 
According to my research, I can make my own kefir again but use non-dairy milk instead. I'm crossing my fingers that it will turn out!

2. Canning 
Yay it's Summer. :) I used my last pint of tomatoes last week and am anxious to can another big batch. I still have quite a bit of fruit from last year, but hope to put up at least a couple dozen quarts of pears and applesauce.