7 Tips for Farmers Market Visitors

If you have not been to a farmers market before it's easy to feel a little lost on your first visit.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you go.  

1. Take reusable bags with you.  Some farmers may give you a plastic bag if you don't have something or they may give you nothing at all leaving you to juggle your veggies all the way to the car.
2. Bring cash in small bills.  Ones, fives and tens are best.
3. Ask questions.  The farmers like to talk about their products.  Get to know where their farm is located, and what they will be offering that season.  Ask about the growing process and what, if any, chemicals were used. 
4. The produce is usually displayed in baskets.  If you don't want the full amount, just ask.  You can typically get less.  
5. Stroll through the entire market first.  Some vendors offer samples for you to try.  Ask questions, see what is available and then go back through and decide.
6. Don't go in with an agenda.  Remember these farmers are offering seasonal produce that can be grown in your area.  Don't expect to find bananas.  As the season progresses you'll see produce come and go.  
7. If you see something new, don't be afraid to try it.  If you're unsure how to cook it, ask the farmer!  Many of them have recipes they will share with you.  It's a great opportunity to try something new.  

Find the nearest farmers market through Local Harvest.

Using Ladybugs As Natural Pesticide

When I started my garden this year I knew I would have to keep an eye on my leafy veggies.  Without close observation they can be decimated by a little pests that are hard to see.  Organic gardening requires diligence, but there are resources to help fight the pests.  Ladybugs are one such example. 

Ladybugs are beetles that are beneficial to any garden.  They will munch on aphids, mites, scales, and whiteflies, all of which are annoying in your garden.  You can actually order them in the mail to get a jump start on your yard. 

I recently ordered 4,500 of the little ladies, and gents, from Planet Natural.  They have great instructions on how to release them into your garden to minimize mortality and they provide tips on how to keep them from flying away.

When the box arrived on my doorstep it was in the afternoon, which is not a good time to release them. So, as instructed, I put them in the refrigerator until it was time.

The next morning I made sure my lawn and garden had plenty of water.  The grass still had the morning dew but I watered a few of the vegetables.  Then I took the cloth bag out of the box and opened it near the food source.  At first, they were a little hesitant, maybe lethargic from the chill of the refrigerator. 

Then they started pouring out of the bag.  I moved it to several different locations in my garden to ensure the little ladies and gents had enough food and water. 

They were very thirsty after their long journey.  I found several of them sucking on water droplets.

I wanted them to stick around my yard so prior to the release I made sure they had places to live.  They need holes and other hollow spaces to nest in.  I have several fireplace logs that are rotting in my back yard so I stacked them in a quiet corner near the garden.  I also made a few habitats similar to this to put around the yard.  They love daisies, yarrow, and tansy and frequent gardens that have these plants so I made sure I planted these flowers as well. 

I have always loved ladybugs as my garden shoes would indicate.  I remember as a child picking them up and letting them crawl all over my arms.  It's fun to see them in my yard because I know they are hard at work.  They are my little organic garden warriors!

Laundry Line

I finally got my clothes line put up in the backyard.  In our previous home our backyard was too small for a line if I wanted any type of yard.  That meant using multiple drying racks and empty corners to dry my laundry.  Ideally I would like a clothesline on the south side my house that is permanent.  The downside to this notion is not only is it against the HOA rules, I'm sure the neighbors to the south don't care to see my laundry when they look out the window.

So it came down to choosing the right line.  It would need to be compact, but with ample space for hanging, and it would have to be removable.  I chose a four sided laundry line on an aluminum pole that does both.  It won't shade the garden and the hole can be mowed right over when you take it out.  

The tricky part was stabling the pole in the ground.  I called my dad for a phone tutorial.  It's not exactly convenient to drive 14 hours to put in your daughter's clothesline.  Besides, I'm pretty handy as long as I have good instruction.  He should be proud of me.  The base pole is quick-creted into the ground and level!  

I already use it quite a bit.  I absolutely love the smell of laundry that has been sun dried.  It reminds me so much of my mother.  Now I just need to make a cute sack for my clothespins.  I think I have the perfect fabric.

DIY Upholstered Chair

I've been saving this fabric for something special.  I rescued it from a box that was headed to the dumpster.  Oddly enough it turned up in our office one day.  The box was filled with fabric swatches, yarns, every size of knitting needle, and old family photos.  Since they didn't see a use for any of the contents the box was going to be tossed in the trash, but I saved it instead. This fabric is my favorite in the box.  I love the seventies color palette and wicker pattern.  I finally found a good use for it.  

I don't have a typical office chair in my studio.  I use this old barley twist dining chair because it makes me sit up straight, but it lacks a little color.  

I decided to pop out the seat and use the staple gun to recover it with this salvaged fabric.  I left the original leather and stretched the fabric right over the top.  It immediately added character to the chair and it only took me about ten minutes.  Why haven't I done this sooner?

Five Local Resource Finders

March's challenge is a tough one.  It focuses on finding the origin of your food.  With global markets penetrating America's food system, you could be consuming food and other products made in a country thousands of miles away.  It will lead you on a wild goose chase. 

The point of the challenge is not to stress about finding the answers.  I've come into a few roadblocks myself.  I have found out that many companies don't really want you to know where your food comes from, and this doesn't sit well with me. 

If you are struggling with this challenge, twist it around and make a decision to move forward with as much knowledge on your future purchases as possible.  There are many communities, large and small, that support locally grown food and products, and now, thanks to the internet, those resources have been compiled and easily listed for you by typing in your zip code. 

I'll admit, the challenge is a little overwhelming.  It's not always convenient, you have to do research, and it's much easier to just go to the store.  But if you're not up for a little work you probably aren't reading this blog anyway, and if you need the research to back up the value of eating local, fresh food I'd be happy to share that with you.  The blessing about these five resources is how easy they make it for you to source local goods.  Many of them even offer on-line ordering and shipping right to your door, which takes out a lot of leg work, so to speak. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed, my suggestion would be to take it one step at a time.  Instead of replacing everything, start with finding a farmers market and commit to buying your produce at the market for the season.  Once you're comfortable, move on to switching out your meat with a local rancher, and so on.   

To jump over to these websites simply click on their logo.

1.  EAT WELL GUIDE | Not only will you find lists of farms, markets, grocers, CSA's, and U-Pick orchards in your area, you can download local guides by major city or by state.  This is a great resource when you are traveling.  At the touch of a button you can find a local restaurant.

 

2.  EATWILD | This resource lists grass fed meat and dairy suppliers.  In most cases you have to pick up the meat at the farm, unless they serve a particular market, and this website lists the ranchers that will ship to you. 

 

3.  GREEN PEOPLE DIRECTORY | The Organic Consumers Association lists a wide variety of local goods.  Not only can you find food, they list information on health, pets, gardening, events, and clothing.  It's a fantastic resource for all things green. 

4.  LOCAL DIRT | I'm excited to try this new to me resource.  They have an app you can get on your smartphone that assists you in finding local vendors.  It also allows you to set up alerts when new suppliers are added.  For example, if you're searching for a place to pick blueberries you can set up an alert to notify you when a vendor has them to ready. 

 

5.  LOCAL HARVEST | This resource has been around for awhile and seems to have the most comprehensive list.  Like a few of the other resources you can find much more than food.  This is a good place to start if you're looking for farmers markets. 

 

What are some of your struggles and how can we eliminate them?  Sustainable food is as close as the community around you.  Who knows, you might even meet a new friend. 



Winter Fruit | Dried Apples

It's hard to find good fruit in the winter.  Apples and citrus fruits are good to eat, but sometimes a change up is in order to keep from getting bored.  Besides canning and freezing fruits to get you through the winter you can also dehydrate them.  There are many ways to do it, but if you can find a good, inexpensive dehydrator you can dry almost any food.   

This one came from a garage sale.  It's large and boxy but I have the space for it, and it has the motor on the back of the unit, which I find dries more efficiently than motors on the bottom of the unit. 

First I slice my apples fairly thin.  I like to use a variety because each one has a different flavor.  For this round I used Braeburn, Gala, and Pink Lady.  

After slicing them I quickly rinse them in water and lemon juice.  This keeps them from oxidizing and turning brown.  

I lay them out on the trays, turn on the unit and leave them to dry overnight.  I like them a little chewy so 12 hours is usually enough time for me.  If you like them crispy you can always add more time.  

Drying apples is quick and easy and they are a great snack alternative.  I pack mine in little boxes that can easily slip into my bag.  

Have you tried drying any food?  What other fruits or vegetables do you like dried?  

Recycled Office Space

I am always on the lookout for a good use of something old turned new.  This architect bought a discarded refrigerator container and turned it into a backyard office.  What he has done with it is incredible.  If I had a track of land and means to move the thing, I would seriously consider this project. 

Have a great weekend.

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I'll be busy clearing shelves this weekend.

December Challenge Tutorials Part 2

Are you taking the 4(for) green acres challenge?  

As promised, I am sharing with you really creative ideas to help with this month's challenge.  I believe that by supporting other bloggers, crafters, artists, and photographers you support the community, which is important to everyone's success.  Therefore when I was putting together December's challenge of creative gift wrap I knew I would need to seek the help of others. 

This is the second group of tutorials.  Here is the first group.  Thank you to Casey, Charissa, and Melony for sharing your talent.

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1|     Casey from etsy shop Paper & Twine       
             Hand Painted Fabric Wrap

Get the tutorial on her blog here

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2|     Charissa from The Gifted Blog

             Hand Stamped Paper

Get the tutorial and many other fantastic ideas here

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3|     Melony from Mel Designs    

             Repurposed Magazine Gift Bags

Get the tutorial from favcrafts.com here 

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Need to grab a project badge?  Jump over here.

December Challenge Tutorials Part 1

December Challenge Tutorials Part 1

Are you taking the 4(for) green acres challenge?  

As promised, I am sharing with you really creative ideas to help with this month's challenge.  I believe that by supporting other bloggers, crafters, artists, and photographers you support the community, which is important to everyone's success.  Therefore when I was putting together December's challenge of creative gift wrap I knew I would need to seek the help of others. 

This is the first group of tutorials.  There are more to come so check back.  Thank you to Lillian, Danielle, and Tricia for sharing your talent.

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1|     Danielle from My Hidden Muse     
             Repurposed Magazine Bows

{photo by Danielle}

Get the tutorial here.

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2|     Lillian from Unstitched    
            *Vintage charms *Kraft & Wrapping Paper

{photo by Lillian}

Get the tutorial for Vintage Touches here and Kraft & Wrapping Paper here

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3|     Tricia from {every}nothing wonderful     
             Repurposed Envelopes

{photo by Tricia}

Get the tutorial here

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Need to grab a project badge?  Jump over here for the code.

My Dream Folly

Neiman Marcus Dream Folly $75,000

We all have dream lists. The kind that no matter what changes take place in life, things on the list remain constant. For years I've wanted to be the owner of a yurt. After spending a summer living in a tent and reading Radical Simplicity by Dan Price I imagined my life on a stretch of land far from civilization in a yurt. Off the grid and self sufficient this dwelling would provide the shelter I would need.

Over time I've come across elaborate models, but this one takes the cake.   A few weeks ago the Dallas paper landed on my desk showcasing the 2011 Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. The big ticket item this year is a yurt. No I'm sorry, a dream folly. With a price tag of $75K it promises an oasis from your McMansion, decorated to the nines by a designer. Not exactly what I had in mind. Even if I could afford this price tag, my dream folly doesn't exist out the back door with silk pillows and a chaise lounge.

I have visions of untouched land with rivers, mountains and nothing but the sound of nature. A yurt offers a comfortable home with very little footprint.  My dream folly looks a little more like this:

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or this...

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Less designer, more natural and cheaper than $75K.  I think I'll keep on dreaming Neiman Marcus.

Simple Bench Seat Protector Tutorial

When I started on the mud room I debated painting the bench a different color than the trim.  The trim is Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace, which is basically white.  I knew this bench will see a lot of traffic, which may leave traces of dirt.  In the end I decided to paint it white to keep the space light, and I would create a bench seat protector to add color.  It's a lot easier to change than paint, and it will keep the bench from showing signs of wear and tear.  

I didn't like the idea of a cushion.  I wanted the surface to be stable for things like grocery bags.  The most cost effect and reusable idea was to utilize materials I already had on hand.  

Materials

Piece of cardboard - large enough to fit the space you are trying to cover.  

Fabric - large enough to cover the size of the cut cardboard plus 1-2 inches.  

Tape measure

Pencil

Hot Glue Gun

Glue Sticks

Box Cutter (or any knife type object that will safely cut through cardboard)

Scissors

Cutting Mat or other pliable surface 

Optional: yard stick or other straight edge

++A note about the supplies.  The goal of the 4(for) green acres life is to be creative in your living by finding and using objects and materials that may otherwise be discarded.  In most cases these things still have a function and don't need to end up in the landfill.  The cardboard I used for this project came from the gather sign that is hanging in my kitchen.  The fabric and cutting mat both came from an estate sale.  The fabric is a bed sheet.  For this project, avoid purchasing new items.  Need a piece of card board large enough to fit your space?  Ask around.  Friends, grocery stores, appliance centers will usually give you their old boxes. ++



1.  Measure the space using a tape measure.  For a snug fit, try to make your measurements as accurate as possible.  Lay the cardboard on a pliable surface.  Either a cutting mat, or your yard will do the trick.  Don't try to cut your cardboard on your floor or concrete.  With the pencil, mark the dimensions of your space on the cardboard.  Since mine was rectangular I measured out the four corners and then used the yardstick to connect the dots with a straight line.  Once you have the cardboard marked, cut it with the box cutter.  Error on the side of cutting it too large.  You can always cut more off.

Once the piece is cut, take it back to the area and make sure it fits the space.  Adjust it as necessary.  Don't worry about the edges being rough or slightly uneven.  You are going to cover it with fabric.   

2.  Once the cardboard is cut and tested for fit you are ready to measure out the fabric.  Lay the fabric out flat and mark the dimensions of the cardboard adding an extra 1-2 inches to fold over.  I was not worried about lining up my pattern, but if you are pay special attention on how you cut the fabric.  Be sure to cut your fabric on a cutting mat.  Again, don't worry about straight lines.  The edge of the fabric will be on the bottom side. 

To make the corners easier to lay flat cut two diagonal slits in the fabric on each side of the corner. 

3.  For the final step, lay the fabric top side down on a table.  Lay the cardboard bottom side up on top of the fabric.  The only part of the fabric you should see is the border that is going to be folded over.  Using the glue gun, start to fold over the fabric and glue as you go.  Be careful not to pull too tight.  When you get to the corner, glue the center section down first and then fold and glue each of the side pieces last like in the photo above.  Once you've finished gluing all sides down allow the glue to dry. 

You're finished!  Lay your completed piece in place and start using it. 

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Your Tile

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I am still in new house mode with a long project list and unpacking to do.  We finally have the old house on the market and we are living in the new house.  I do feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  One project I wanted to get done right away was the laundry room.  Not only was the pile of clothes almost as tall as me, the previous owners kept their dog in the laundry room during the day.  It needed a fresh coat of paint, cleaning, and some serious deodorizing in order to hook up the W/D and get to work. 

I knew from my trusty book that hydrogen peroxide is a great household cleaner, especially for deodorizing.  (I'm starting to love it as much as apple cider vinegar.)  I was concerned about pouring the liquid all over the tile floor;  It needed to be concentrated.  This is the part where you'll find that my mind gets a little twisted.  Having two hair stylists in the family I also knew hydrogen peroxide is an agent in "bleaching" hair.  So I called up my sister to ask her what the salon calls peroxide: Developer!  It comes in creme, which has the consistency of shampoo, making it much easier to keep in one place on the floor.  I headed over to the beauty supply store and picked up...a gallon. 

I started with a small section.  I poured about a cup of the creme on the floor and started to scrub with a good stiff brush.  WHOA!  Flashback: When you were little and an injury incurred that required the use of peroxide, do you remember what it did, other than hurt like hell?  Major foam action.  Back to the floor; Major foam action. So my note of caution is that a little goes a long way.  You won't need a gallon. 

After scrubbing with the brush, I took a bucket of water with an old rag and wiped the excess off the floor.  What I realized later is there was still a film on the floor.  The feeling resembled hair that had not been properly rinsed after shampooing.  To solve the problem I filled my bucket with warm water and took a mop to it one more time and that took care of the problem. 

The entire process was a little time consuming, and hard on the knees, but it's really more of a deep cleaning process than one to use in the regular cleaning schedule.  Along with the fresh paint on the walls and cabinets, the developer did take care of the smell and grime, and I'm very pleased with the results.

Now on to other projects and laundry. 

Meet Lucy

Lucy is my new ride.  She was found abandoned at the farm with her mate.  (Yes, matching his and hers Schwinn collegiate bikes!)  Her wheels were dilapidated, but her frame was fairly impeccable considering the neglect.  After acquiring new wheels and little cosmetic surgery she is up and running.  Ready for a stroll to the pool, movie theater or the coffee house. 

She couldn't have arrived at a more perfect time.  I'm ready to sink into the lazy days of summer now that the crazy month of June is over.  As much as I have on my to-do list I'm trying to make a conscientious effort not to overdo it.  I have a tendency to be very driven and focused until a job is done, much to my detriment.  It can't all get done today, so why not enjoy a free moment now and then.  Lucy is the perfect catalyst.  

My next project will be to find Lucy a basket, but a regular bike basket like Dorothy's won't cut it.  I stumbled across the idea below in the Martha Stewart March issue, and I think an old mailbox suits her personality best.  I cut it out and saved for my fun idea file not thinking I would ever need it.  Now I'll be on the hunt to save an old mailbox from the landfill.

What do you think?

image from MarthaStewart.com

365 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Happy Earth Day

Earth day is such an important day to celebrate.  Any time we can bring focus to the improvement of our environment I'm all for it, but I have one complaint.  ONE day is not enough.  It's like Valentine's day.  Giving your best attention to your loved one once a year doesn't seem like a quality relationship.  We need to develop a relationship with our environment in order to be good stewards on a daily basis.  You'll notice the title says 365 ways to celebrate but this list only has 132 items.  Now I could make this easy and just give you 365 reasons, but the point to my concept 4(for) green acres is to collaboratively educate and by asking you to add to the list there will hopefully be more accountability.  I can't wait to see some of your creative ideas. 

Here is how it will work.  You can leave a comment with your idea, name, and location and I will add it to the list or you can send me an email.  Next week you will see this post in the side bar so you can quickly add and idea to the list throughout the year without having to search for it.     

365 Ways to Celebrate the Earth 

1. Take your own bags to the grocery store.
2. Eliminate the use of produce bags.  You're going to wash the produce anyway.  Just put them in your cart.
3. OR reuse your produce bags.  Clean them out and take them with you.
4. Avoid using paper towels in your kitchen.
5. Air dry your hands in public restrooms instead of using paper towels.
6. Wash your produce with a vinegar and water solution.
7. Recycle more "trash" than you throw away.
8. Purchase magazines and books 2nd hand when available.
9. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere.
10. Keep house plants in your home.
11. Plant a garden.
12. Print/write on the back side of paper.
13. Read e-zines and newsletters on your computer vs. printing them out.
14. Spend time in nature.
15. Use O.B. tampons.
16. Stay home and cook.
17. Visit your local farmers market.
18. Avoid take-out trash. (see #16)
19. Shop at estate sales for furniture.
20. Support artists that use sustainable or reused materials.
21. Go solar. Consider panels.
22. Volunteer at a community garden.
23. Better yet, start a community garden.
24. Listen to green lectures or panels of experts.
25. Use old coffee grounds in your flower beds. 
26. Wash your clothing in cold water.
27. Air dry your laundry.
28. Ride a bike instead of a car.
29. Take public transportation when available.
30. Knit your own...
31. Buy local - not just food.
32. Wear natural fibers.
33. Use salt water to kill the weeds in your yard.
34. Compost.
35. Recycle your athletic shoes.
36. Use apple cider vinegar.
37. Make your own soap.
38. Make your own cleaning products.
39. Sweep your driveway instead of using the hose.
40. Unplug appliances when not in use.
41. Wash your clothes after 2-3 wears.
42. Wash your hair every other day.
43. Learn about the benefits of baking soda.
44. Make shopping lists on recycled paper.
45. Better yet, make your own paper using recycled paper.
46. Make your own journals and notebooks.
47. Support green spaces.
48. Sew something.
49. Raise chickens in your backyard.
50. Run outside, not on the treadmill.
51. Plant a tree.
52. Camp under the stars.
53. Collect rain water for your indoor and outdoor plants.
54. Bring your own coffee cup to work.
55. Give away or sell your old clothes.
56. Detox your body from processed foods.
57. Use rechargeable batteries.
58. Read Michael Pollan's Food Rules and abide by them.
59. Watch Jamie Oliver's show Food Revolution. 
60. Eat clean food.
61. Make your gift bags out of material.
62. Use washable Tupperware for your lunch instead of disposable bags.
63. Blow out your refrigerator coils.
64. Ride share when you can.
65. Use a real cup at a restaurant instead of a to-go cup.
66. If you don't need a receipt, don't get one.
67. Try canning your own food.
68. Take shorter showers.
69. Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth.
70. Try nativescape instead of exotic plants.
71. Find your local farmer to supply your meat.
72. Get a library card.
73. Buy in bulk (less trash).
74. Purchase clothes that don't require dry cleaning.
75. Recycle your electronics (cell phones, mp3 players, etc.)
76. Hold a garage sale.
77. Make a list of all the things you don't need and give them away.
78. Make your own coffee coozy.
79. Cancel your cable television.
80. Have unplugged weekends (no t.v. or social media).
81. Insulate your water heater for energy efficiency. 
82. Hand wash your dishes instead of using the dishwasher.
83. Turn a glass bottle into a hummingbird feeder using  a cork.
84. Take your name of junk mail master lists.
85. Hang a "no solicitation" sign on your door to avoid unwanted fliers.
86. Consider cloth diapers.
87. Keep your thermostat two degrees cooler than you normally would.
88. Water your lawn/plants in the morning.
89. Close the damper to your fireplace when out of season.
90. Avoid using a coffee stirrer. Ask for a spoon they can wash.
91. Use soap to wash your face instead of towelettes.
92. Sign up for on-line bill pay and avoid writing checks.
93. Ask your bank to send you e-statements instead of paper copies.
94. Buy products with post-consumer recycled material.
95. Not home?  Turn off your lights.
96. Defrost your freezer.
97. Make your own pizza instead of ordering delivery.
98. Take a class.
99. Throw something away.
100. Cut the caffeine out of your diet.
101. Find out what sunrise looks like in your neighborhood.
102. Introduce yourself to a neighbor you don't know.
103. Write your congressmen about environmental/food issues.
104. Protest for something you believe in.
105. Barter services and goods.
106. Make a greeting card to give to someone.
107. Send an actual letter.  You know, with an envelope and stamp.
108. Eat a vegetable that scares you.
109. Read a Mary Oliver poem.
110. Find out how processed meat is made.
111. Eat fruit directly from a tree.
112. Use paraben-free cosmetics.
113. Pick up trash.
114. Adopt a highway.
115. Start a worm farm.
116. Observe the birds.
117. Draw a flower.
118. Walk to work.
119. Put a brick in your toilet.
120. Make a bird feeder.
121. Don't bag your lawn.
122. Use leaves as mulch.
123. Use orange oil on the ant piles.
124. Become a beekeeper.
125. Limit your cell phone usage.
126. Consume less of everything.
127. Become a lending library and share your books.
128. Utilize your fireplace for a heat source.
129. Use wholebuffalo.com
130. Record weather patterns.
131. Cacel your trash service for a month.
132. Keep a pail under the faucet to catch running water for flower boxes on porch. by Leonda
133. Buy Vintage. by Linnet at Vintage Now and Then
134. Avoid beverage service on a plane.  It's unnecessary trash.
135. Take a canvas bag to the mall, like you would to the grocery store, for your clothes/shoes.  Promote yourself.
136. Don't throw out the coffee you didn't drink.  Pour into ice trays to make coffee cubes for iced latte's. 
137. ...Your idea here
     

Special thanks to cc for her creative input.



image from texascience.org website

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

The first memory I have of apple cider vinegar was at a very early age. I walked into my babysitters house and was quickly greeted with a putrid smell I thought must be the smell of death. Surely someone had died and this horrible smell was the result. The air was humid, thick, and hot. To my shock, she was canning. Canning something; I was too distraught to remember, but I knew after that she couldn't be trusted. Who on earth would eat something that smells like that? 

Apple cider vinegar is making a come back. In the April issue of Better Homes and Gardens they have a spread about chefs turning to this staple rather than it's cousins. In the last couple of years I have grown to love ACV. I don't use it a lot for cooking although it really adds a kick to Split Pea Soup (see Orangette's recipe here). I use it more like an apothecary would for common ailments. I ingest it raw and I put it on my face. Yes, you read that last part correctly. I put it on my face, raw. There are so many more uses for ACV outside of the kitchen.

1.  Due to a malfunctioning thyroid, I have adult acne. It occasionally resembles that of a hormonal teenager. Nothing has worked to remedy this problem. That is until I read all the benefits of ACV and how it naturally regulates your skin. I was a bit of a skeptic. My skin has a tendency to be on the dry side and the thought of putting such a powerful acid on my face was a bit boggling to me, but I threw judgement out the window and I tried it. I haven't stopped using it. It truly does clear up my skin and I have zero dryness issues like I used to have. I sound like an infomercial now. Trust me, it works.

2.  Allergies, upset stomach, just not feeling so hot? Shoot a good tablespoon of it daily. Just put it in a glass and chug it. Dilute it slightly if you want, or combine it with a tablespoon of honey (the superfood) and you have created a medicine that is better than any over the counter drug. Once again, trust me it works. Denise Andrade over at Boho Girl talks about her experimentation with ACV on this post in February. I am excited to see someone else in our community seeking the benefits.

3.  Pour a bath, and add a cup of ACV. Not only is it beneficial for your skin, but ladies, it will help regulate the pH of your female system. 

ACV is made from the process of fermenting apples. Just like anything you choose to put in or on your body, it's good to be conscious of how it's made. I use Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar as shown above because they use apples that have been organically grown. In fact, their website is caulk full of information on the benefits of ACV. If you need more validation jump on over to their site.

Notes:

The acid in the vinegar breaks down the enamel on your teeth so brush your teeth or rinse with clean water after you drink the vinegar.

If you are planning date night or want to cozy up to your special someone, I would lay off the vinegar astringent. They won't come near you.

The fumes can be strong when you put it on your face. Close your eyes until it soaks in your skin or they will burn, much like when you're cutting onions.

I'm not sure I'll ever get over the smell of it, but when I'd rather be putting something natural in my body that makes it a little easier to deal with.


image: Bragg Website