Making Kombucha #diy Step Two

I have the first step on making kombucha here. 

I left the tea to ferment for two weeks. You can do one week if you like it less carbonated. Don't leave it longer than two weeks, or you'll have a mess on your hands when you pop the bottles open. How do I know, I did it once. It was a mess any time I'd open them, but man it tasted great. 

You can put fresh fruit in the bottles, or blend it like a smoothie to put it in. I've done both, and prefer it blended. It doesn't matter what you use, just try and pair up like things. You only need 1/2 cup of smoothie like fruit. 

I used mango, nectarine, peach, ginger, and cardamom. That's my favorite combination!

I put the fruit in with a funnel. Then I fill the bottles most of the way with the fermented tea. If you don't like the vinegar taste, just add more fruit. 

Leave space at the top, for carbonation. 

I leave extra fermented tea in the big container with the scoby to keep it live and well. That gets stored in a dark place, out of the way. It keep it in the box downstairs with my canning stuff. 

Let the bottles sit out in a dark spot for two days. After that you are good to put them in the fridge. 

I've found Italian soda or fancy vanilla bottles work great! I used 3 Italian soda bottles, and 2 fancy vanilla bottles. 

When I drink it, if there's fruit on the bottom I use it in a smoothie. I use a glass for each drink, so I don't contaminate the main bottle. I'm the only one in the house that drinks it, and I make smoothies for the whole family. 

It is said that fermented anything is something we don't get enough of. It has natural probiotics in it. I typically make it because I like the taste. It's way less expensive to make it yourself than to buy it.

What flavor do you think you'd make? Whatever flavor I make I like ginger in it because it's great for inflammation with my asthma. 

Random Tid Bits

I'm writing this on Mon. Way before Christmas. If you celebrate, I hope you had a great one!

1. I got so far behind in things this year! Presents are usually wrapped soon after Thanksgiving. I just do that because, for me it's nice seeing packages under the tree. I didn't wrap them until this last weekend.
   
   Travis cracks me up because when we first got married he was annoyed when I'd go out to buy things without him knowing what I bought. Now if I tell him he's like, "So. Why are you telling me?"


2. He had a huge paper similar to a thesis due the week before Christmas. They gave him corrections, and the extended deadline is now shortly after the first of the year. He's still working on that paper. I'm ready for it to be over with. I'm glad he's writing, but we all have to be quiet, while he works. This hush hush thing is getting more and more difficult.


3. I use any Santa paper - Santa on the paper, for Santa gifts. Any other Christmas paper is used, for all other gifts. Somehow I ended up with a ton of Santa paper, and have hardly any other paper at all.
   
   If you have kids, do you use a certain paper for Santa gifts?


4. I drug my family with probiotics when anyone of us get sick. I open those pills, and pop them in the blender. Lately I've been making one of two smoothies: Cran-Apple, and Mango-Peach. Cran-Apple because it's just that time of year. Mango-Peach because it's a good one to add Ginger, Turmeric, and a sprinkle of Cayenne Pepper. All great for inflammation. 







5. My seniors are the best class I've ever had. They are all getting A's, minus two drops. I walked into a class where a teacher was talking to this same class about comments on his evaluations, not being too kind. I decided to read my own. Often times I just look at the numbers. Having a comment section anytime, is asking for people to complain. Rarely do they give alternative ideas to make things better. I teach a Design and Layout class, but it's their second one. They've had two Advertising classes and one Marketing class at this point as well. I try and cover designers and what they are doing NOW, type trends, what pros think of design that's been rebranded, design in spaces and more. Some comments were, "This class should be renamed, 'Design Art History'." They went on to say I should have more Type lectures. They had a whole Typography course as well. I can take the comments.
   
   Some students went to Administration to complain about my final exam. They mentioned that the content wasn't relevant to the industry. It was all questions off my review sheet, they got a week prior to the test to study the review sheet. The midterm exam was very similar to the final one, and none of them complained then. In fact no one has complained about this same exam or class, for about five years. All the students still have A's after taking it. What bothers me is that no one said anything about the test to me. I feel like we were on a level, where communication is up there. The Education Director has called in others to talk to them about issues, but no I got an email from him about it. He's a short hallway to my office.
   
   Everyone should also understand that I missed a whole week of class, due to Jury Duty. Everything I left to have the Director go over, wasn't given to the student the same way I would deliver it.
   
   I wanted to send all my students in that class this card:
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Do you have any perfectionists in your life?

Vibranelle Advanced Probiotic Review

I've gotten in the habit of taking a probiotic daily when any one of my family members are feeling off. I just feel like it puts us in the risk category of getting sick less, and shortening any sickness we may get.

You can get Vibranelle Advanced Probiotic Pills here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073WPJQHZ

Cost:

$16.99, which isn't bad. It's actually marked down to $15 right now.

Protected:

It came with a plastic seal on the lid, and a thin styrofoam cover under the lid. There was cotton on the inside. They didn't filled the pills to the top, so they could use a smaller container, or fill it up more and raise the price.

About:

They are for men or women. I like that because I hate have more bottles around. I already buy different vitamins for Travis and I. I don't need two sets of probiotics around.

They are made in the US. Not very many companies can afford to make their products in the US. It's great when this can be done.

They are FDA approved. I've learned that a lot of companies that make pills try to jump through the hoops with being FDA approved. With somethings that matters to me. I certainly care about what goes inside my body for sure! With topical things I just read the ingredients. Topical products don't have to go through the regulations that food, drink and pills do. It's kind of silly because topical things get absorbed through the skin.

5.75 Billion CFU, 7 powerful strains. I have to be honest when I say I don't really get what a good strain is and a not so good strain is.

They have a Patented Controlled-Release Delivery System, which means probiotic bacteria survive stomach acid and are delivered directly to the entire digestive tract and colon. They boost the immune system including digestion, energy, weight loss and mood. They combine seven different clinically researched bacterial strains, cultured under carefully controlled conditions to ensure identity and effectiveness.

Serving Size:

The serving size is just one a day. I'm really glad about this. I really don't take too many pills, unless my allergies act up. I do take a daily vitamin, Milk Thistle, a Probiotic and Apple Cider Vinegar. They are all vitamins, but feel like I'm a walking addict. For my allergies I take Aspirin to help the nasal polyps from coming back, Singular when needed, do a nasal wash, and puff an every day inhaler when needed.

Do you have a favorite brand of probiotics?


Disclaimer: I got this product for a discount in exchange for an honest review. The company in no way told me what to write. I only review products I feel benefit my family, or readers.

#NutraEdge #Probiotics Review

One thing I’ve been putting in our smoothies is NutraEdge Probiotcs. 

We've all been sick, except for Isaak *fingers crossed Isaak stays well. I've been doing everything in my power to keep him well.

Tips for Wellness:

• Wash you hands a lot
• Keep surfaces like door handles, switches, and remotes clean
• Have a well balanced diet
• Ditch the sugary snacks, soda and juice
• Up the greens
• Up probiotics
• Up the H2O
• Sleep more

About NutraEdge Probiotics:

• They are Vegan 
• They are Non-GMO
• They are made in the US
• They are FDA Approved
• There are 60 pills in the bottle 
• They have 15 Strains
• They are Kosher
• There are 60 pills in a bottle
• They are for both men and women
• They have a delayed release, so they work all throughout the day

You can get them here:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N5K54KM for $20.99 on Amazon Prime. If you're a Prime member you get free shipping. They did ship out right away. They came in a box, padded envelope, and the lid was sealed both with foil and plastic around the lip.

What's a health and wellness tip you have?

Disclaimer: We got this product in exchange for our opinion on them. The company in no way told me what to write, or influenced me in any way.

Prebiotic Gummies Review By BeLive

Prebiotic Sugar-Free Dietary Fiber Gummies Supplement for Digestive Health are a wonderful supplement for anyone that has digestive issues. You can get these gummies here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075STV918 for $9.99.

They came sealed really well. A plastic was on the lid. A covering was over the top. I was a little sad that the bottle wasn't filled up as much as the picture shows on Amazon.

They are bigger than most pills, but they are gummies meant to be chewed.

At our house we go through times where we do have tummy problems, but it's been awhile. Isaak's been in the hospital because he had issues going number 2. I thought it was possible that he had to get his appendix out. Nope he was just full! 

At times one of the boys, or I will get a tummy bug that's hard to get rid of. We try the BRAT diet, but even that seems to take awhile to work. These prebiotics will help!

About:

• They are made in the USA! I love this. So much is made outside the US. 
• They are sugar free. I don't need the extra sugar that comes in everything. 
• They are made for kids and adults. This is great because Isaak needs a fiber boost at times.

They Contain:

• Chicory Root 
• Inulin 

These things are highly effective fibers to improve digestive function, control blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels, and helps in achieving a healthy weight.

They Don't Contain:

• Gelatin 
• Other meat substances 
• Gluten
• Wheat
• Peanuts
• Soy
• Eggs
• Fish and Shellfish
• GMO substances

Care:

No need to refrigerate!

Do you take probiotics, or prebiotics?

Disclaimer: We got this product in exchange for our opinion on them. The company in no way told me what to write, or influenced me in any way.

Natrogix Probiotic Supplements with Advanced Prebiotic Review

I've blogged many times about the perks of taking probiotics. I've read that it's important to change brands often to get different strains in your body. Recently I tried out Natrogix Probiotic Supplements with Advanced Prebiotic: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0ZP0QE?th=1 to review.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health. They really aid in boosting your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as something that is negative, or bad. Bacteria is even known to cause diseases. Just like there is good and bad cholesterol there's also good and bad bacteria. Your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Probiotics are naturally found in your body.

You can also find them in some foods and supplements such as Greek Yogurt. I suggest getting plain Greek Yogurt, and adding your own fruit, or using it as a sour cream by adding lemon juice. The flavored Greek Yogurts are loaded with unhealthy sugar. If you feel you need an extra sweetness just add local honey.

When Do You Need Probiotics?

Probiotics can really be taken anytime. I stress the need to take them when the immune system is compromised, or you're on your road to recovery.

This may include: Skin irritation, nail infections, sickness, auto immune diseases, surgery and more.

I just had a pretty big surgery. I consider it big because it was right up by my brain and eyes. I feel like the recovery is more than either c-section I had. Maybe not emotionally, but certainly with energy level and pain. I was prescribed antibiotics. With that I took these probiotics. Usually when I have antibiotics I have trouble bathroom wise. This time with these probiotics in my system I didn't have trouble at all!

Pills, Pills and More Pills:

I feel a bit like a pill monster lately. I take a vitamin, 2 natural cholesterol reducing meds called Ahi Flower, an allergy pill, a puff of Steroids, and a Seroid pill in my sinus rinse. Then I have 3 allergy shots a week. I start feeling like a walking pill body. 

Much of the time instead of taking probiotics, I open them up and add them to a smoothie. Then I'm not taking 1 more pill. These help with wellness, my digestive track, and brain function. My thinking is all there, but because my energy level isn't all the way back I find myself not being as quick on my feet as I was before in the thinking department. I need all the help I can get with thinking things through right now.

What I Thought of Natrogix Probiotics:

• I certainly think they are well worth taking! 

• Cost: $34.99 on sale for $19.99 + on Amazon Prime. You can catch a deal!

• They are made in the USA! That's always a perk in my mind. 

• They have great health benefits! I went over those already. This one has 15 strains. 

• I don't get why it even comes with a box. The pill container wasn't even in the box when it shipped to me. What was the point of manufacturing that? 

• Like many things these days I dislike how the pills don't fill up the container! I'd rather pay more for more pills, or just had a smaller container. Am I alone on this? It seriously is my biggest pet peeve with packaging. 

• I like the pill style. Because I add probiotics to smoothies often it's important to be able to open them up. Some probiotics don't open up.

What about you? What do you take daily in pill form? Do you take probiotics?

Disclaimer: I received Natrogix Probiotics in return for writing this post. The store certainly inspired me to write this post. I only review things that I think my family or readers will enjoy, or find useful. 

Advanced Probiotic by Health Labs Nutra Review

My family takes probiotics daily. I just notice that I feel better when I have them. Advanced Probiotic Formula contains 11.5 Billion organisms including bacillus subtillis. 

I like that the package was really secure. What I mean by that is that the lid was wrapped in a tight plastic, there was a paper seal on the lid, and cotton in the bottle. I don't like a lot of waist, but with any pills it's important to have them safe.

After saying the waist bit above,  I do think the bottle could be smaller. There was a lot of room in the bottle. I'd pay more just to have more probiotics in it, if left the same size. The cotton was fairly loose.

I take out 3 pills in the morning, open them up, and add them to our smoothie. These are great because the capsules are easy to open up.

They help with Mica's skin issues, if anyone is having tummy issues, and help to prevent sickness.

100% Potent Formula Get Your Digestive Relief! 
Probiotics have been known to provide relief from the following symptoms: 

• Leaky Gut Syndrome
• Nausea
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Nausea
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Indigestion
• Sour Stomach
• Acid Reflux
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Colitis 
• Eczema
• So much more

These Are Safe For... 

• Women
• Men
• Kids
• Women that are pregnant 
• Women that are breastfeeding 

I love that they are safe for anyone. Since I put them in our families smoothie I look to make sure we all can have them. If Travis or I has tummy issues I make sure we have another one later in the day. Adults are supposed to take 2 pills a day. I kind of wish that 2 pills were just packed into 1. I'd rather take 1 a day, than 2.

If you are looking for relief from bloating and an upset stomach, probiotics are a cure-all for many digestive related symptoms. Probiotics are living microorganisms that create good bacteria and yeasts in your intestinal tract. It promotes healthy microflora in your system that helps with your colon health too.

Cost: 

$22.97 on sale for $21.82. They are sold by Natural Solutions Now.

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discounted price in exchange for an honest review.

Gold Tank Digestive Immunity Boost Review

One thing we take almost daily is probiotics. I firmly believe that they keep our bodies in balance. They are the only thing that helped both of my kids with eczema long term. Steriod creams just masked the problem temporarily. I'm happy to introduce to you: Gold Tank 3 in 1 Digestive Boost.

Gold Tank Contains:

• 7 probiotic strains which help maintain good healthy bacteria in the digestive system

• 6 digestive enzymes to aid in the breakdown of fatty, hard to process foods and reduce stomachaches 

• It also has an herbal blend with 4 plant based products that all work together and on their own to minimize bloating, gas, nausea and soothe your stomach and colon

• This herbal blend consists of Peppermint, Fennel, Tumeric, and Ginger, all known to bring peace back to a raging gut and helps assist in aches and pains

The lid came with plastic around it, a cover over the bottle, and cotton inside to ensure freshness.

I like this brand because it comes in capsules that can be taken apart. I can open them up to add them to applesauce, yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies and more.

Cost:

$29.99 for 90 pills.

We use about 3 pills a day.

Do you take a daily probiotic, or digestive immunity boost?


Disclaimer: I received Gold Tank for free in exchange for an honest review.

LoveBug Probiotics - Colds Suck - Immunity Boost Review

I love probiotics. It's good to use them because they bump up your immune system. Recently I got LoveBug Probiotics - Colds Suck - Immunity Boost to review.

If you are unfamiliar with probiotics they put the good bacteria back into your body. This ups your immune system.

The times I've used probiotics in the past:

• When any of us is having tummy issues.

• When any of us has skin issues. It's the only thing that has cleared up Mica and Isaak's eczema issues long term. Good bacteria can control certain immune cells and can reduce the frequency and severity of autoimmune and even histamine responses. Eczema is a chronic inflammatory allergic reaction. Some of the causes of eczema are environmental allergens or stress, but it's also impacted by imbalances in your gut bacteria.

• When I notice more people getting sick at work. I take them as a preventative. 

• When I'm feeling worn down. That's the time I may get sick. 

• During my time of month. My whole system is just off during this time.

Get Healthy and Stay Healthy

80% of your immune system is in your gut. When your immune system lacks too many of the good bacteria, you are left vulnerable to foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, and allergens. 

We learned all about this back in 2005 when Mica had a staph infection, and heard all about it again when Isaak had meningitis. Probiotics were given to them at the same time as their antibiotics.

LoveBug's, Colds Suck proprietary probiotic blend contains L. rhamnosus GG. Patented in 1985, it is the #1 Most Clinically Studied strain and the subject of 800 publications to date and 200 clinical trials. 

I'm not saying you'll never get sick when you take probiotics. It's just that you'll reduce your chances of getting sick. Since I'm a teacher, a mom, and I have chronic allergies I try my best to take care of me.

Don't waist your sick days! 

Each Colds Suck tablet is loaded with our proprietary blend of immune boosting probiotic strains along with Vitamin C, Echinacea, and Zinc. 

These probiotics make sure your immune system is armed with good bacteria to help reduce the severity and duration of colds.

Other Things About LoveBug Probiotics:

• They are Non-GMO
• Yeast Free
• Contain No Gluten
• Contain No Sugar
• No Lactose
• No Soy
• No Wheat
• No Nuts
• No Chemicals
• No Preservatives
• No Artificial Flavors or Colors

How They are Made:

• They Are Made in the USA
• They are Packaged in Organic Cotton
• Patented in 33 Countries Worldwide

How They are Sold:  

• You can buy LoveBug Probiotics on Amazon with Prime.  

• You can buy LoveBug Probiotics on their site: lovebugprobiotics.com

• Cost was originally $49.99, but are on sale for $29.95

I have started back up on probiotics. My allergies have been getting bad again due to ragweed, and mold. It's that time of year where people do get sick. I know my immune system is in jeopardy.

Isaak is taking the kid brand to. He's been complaining about his tummy hurting, but hasn't shown any signs of having the stomach flu.    

I love how LoveBug sent a freezer ice pack with the probiotics.   
 

Like LoveBug Probiotics on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free in exchange for a review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

Advanced Probiotic All Natural Review

I got Advanced Probiotic All Natural to review. The product is called Upbiotics. It's made by: 100 Naturals.

Why I love Probiotics:

• They promote daily relief from allergies. Since it puts the good bacteria back into my body, probiotics help fight off infection.

• When I'm feeling sick, or worn out probiotics improves my immune system. I hate taking antibiotics, but sometimes they are needed. Antibiotics removes all bacteria out of your body. Probiotics adds the good bacteria back in.

• When anyone in our family has gas, bloating or constipation probiotics helps with those things.

• They improves digestive health.

• Since probiotics help you to feel better all around they promote weight control.

• I just feel better when I take them. It's like my mood and energy level goes up.

Upbiotics came sealed very well. 

Once I got a hair product that wasn't sealed well at all. It made me nervous to even use it. Ever since that time the way things are packaged is important.

Upbiotics had a seal around the lid, a seal on the top, and cotton on the inside.

I do think they could have package the pills in a smaller container to save room. The do have a lot written on the label.

Taken Daily:

• They recommend taking 2 a day with a meal. This isn't hard for me to do. 

• They last long if kept in the refrigerator. 

• They are for anyone over the age of 18. I thought that was a pretty high age bracket. 

• Upbiotics has 11.5 billion organisms in it. 

• There are 60 total capsules.

• One bottle is $19.95 on Amazon.

Advantages:

• Their advanced probiotics consists of carefully handpicked seven essential probiotic bacteria that are naturally residing in human body. Each strain of bacteria is biologically stable enough to go though the tough GI track environment and reach the destination to be effectively absorbed.

• Optimized amount of probiotic bacteria to avoid over-dosage. 11.5 Billions CFU per serving.

• Advenced blend including L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, L. Caise, B. longum, B. breve, B. subtilis.

• Controlled Release Capsule to ensure consistent supply of probiotic bacteria to the target destination even with once a day intake.

• Made in USA by an FDA registered cGMP certified facility with 100% natural ingredients.

I do not like that it's in a facility which also processes milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and crustacean shellfish. I have a sensitivity to milk. Not so much that I can't take these, but some people have really bad nut allergies. I wouldn't take them if you are highly allergic to any of the ingredients listed in bold.

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.