To Filter or Not To Filter, That is the Question

I've gotten into many different discussions about people about whether or not you should have filtered water in your homes. Don't expect this to be a scientifically based post, because I'm not doing or sharing research about it, I'm just sharing my story.

Growing up, we drank tap water. That was our beverage of choice. Tap water, usually with ice cubes in it, or occasionally refrigerated. Sometimes we'd mix in Lipton's iced tea powder, but the rest of the time it was tap water.

I don't think I was even aware that people drank anything but tap water until I moved abroad. They say that when traveling abroad, sometimes you get stomach aches from the bacterias in the local water until you get used to it, so it's best to use bottled water for the first few weeks.

My husband, on the other hand, grew up with a filter in his house, and he was shocked that I drank tap water. He learned that it was unhealthy to drink everything that came out of the tap. Additionally, he was able to taste the difference between tap water and filtered water.

Papaya Seed Hot Sauce Recipe -- Paleo, Vegan, Nightshade Free, Easy

Hello there, I'm Penny, also known as the lady who doesn't like to waste any food, and even tries to find uses for things people didn't even know were food. Yes, I'm that lady who made chutney out of banana peels, and stew out of watermelon rinds, not to mention a whole bunch of other "weird foods" that I regularly eat. So of course, when I got papayas (from the reduced rack, an amazing bargain!) and I saw how many seeds were in them, I wondered whether or not those seeds were edible. And guess what? They not only are edible, they actually have a lot of medicinal benefits!

Once I discovered that these seeds were edible, I tasted them to see how I could play around with them in the kitchen and discovered that they tasted very mustardy, for some reason. Spicy and a drop bitter, with a strong flavor reminiscent of mustard seeds.

I love my hot sauces, and of course my first idea of what to do with spicy seeds is turn it into a spicy condiment. This is a great recipe for people who are off nightshades and therefore can't use standard hot sauces, and is paleo and vegan and refined sugar free, but isn't auto immune paleo friendly because all seeds, including papaya seeds, are a no go for people on that diet.

Oh, and it is super easy. Did I mention that? What's not to love?

Papaya Seed Hot Sauce Recipe -- Paleo, Vegan, Nightshade Free, Easy

5 Things You Shouldn't Forget Before Traveling Abroad

I love traveling, but I'm also very scatter brained. I am definitely the type to forget some very important things, and when traveling abroad, you do not want to be forgetting things at home! Here's a list of some important things to make sure you aren't forgetting before leaving for a trip abroad!

For those of us who love travel, thinking about a future journey fills our hearts with happiness. A trip abroad is exciting, whether for pleasure or business. However, traveling abroad requires a lot of care as well as preparation, since the traveler usually is very far from their comfort zone. It's important, therefore, that you are well prepared and don't forget anything before traveling abroad, or you might be up a creek without a paddle in a country you don't know how to navigate. A little preparation goes a long way.

Here is a list of 5 Things You Shouldn't Forget Before Travelling Abroad:

Delicious Onion Rolls Recipe -- Vegan, Gluten Free, and Refined Sugar Free

My friend Barbara Ann raved about how amazing these gluten free onion rolls and told me that I have to try them, that they are egg free and could easily be made dairy free. I took the recipe she gave me and replaced the milk with water and melted butter with oil and butter flavoring, and wow, they were delicious. Easy. Perfect texture. Even my kids who supposedly hate onions loved these. The recipe was originally made with wheat flour, so if you don't need to be gluten free, feel free to use wheat flour in the recipe instead.

Highly recommended!

These can be eaten plain or sliced to make a tasty sandwich.

Unlike many gluten free bread recipes that taste weird not fresh, these are also wonderful the next day.

Delicious Onion Rolls Recipe -- Vegan, Gluten Free, and Refined Sugar Free

Good Snacks When Relaxing in the Bathtub

I love long relaxing baths. Here's some ideas from a reader for what snacks work well in the bath. My contribution to this post is cheese and wine. They're my favorite to enjoy while relaxing in the tub.

There is nothing in the world that relaxes the body and mind than having a warm or hot bath after a long and hectic day at work. Having your dip in the tub is even more relaxing since it allows you to calm and you can take your time since you are comfortable. But, have you ever thought of having something else to keep you busy while you take your bath, a snack or a drink maybe? Treating your body to a hot tub is incredible, but you can make it even more fun by having the following snacks as you bath.

Best snacks to have while relaxing in the bathtub

Discovering a Clothes and Houseware Share and Getting Amazing Things For Free!

My son requested that I buy him a certain type of jeans, and today I posted in some local groups asking where I could find what he was looking for without breaking the bank, and not only did I get an answer to my query, I discovered a hidden (to me anyhow) treasure!

A friend of mine contacted me and let me know about this "community store" that someone started as a service for the community. She has a small storage space and people bring whatever they no longer want in their home, and people can come and take what they want or need, and it's all for free. They have so much available, and are constantly getting new things, so I was told there's no problem taking so many things; by bringing home a large amount, I'm making room for the new things that come in.

I am so excited by my score! Here's what I brought home:

7 Plant-Based Foods for Gorgeous Hair

I always opt to try to heal my body naturally first, before doing anything else. This article written by a reader, gives some great ideas about which foods you can eat to help improve your health and make your hair more beautiful.

Most people want to keep their hair healthy because it is more attractive and appealing. If you want to have healthy hair, there are a couple of things that you have to do such as changing your lifestyle. Today, there are tons of hair products on the market that could help you take better care of your hair. However, some come falsely advertised, and they may end up ruining your hair. That is why cautious individuals opt for plant-based foods that promote healthy hair growth. This article will list seven plant-based foods that could help to give you gorgeous hair.

1. Avocados

If you enjoy eating avocados, then you need to know that they can do much more than impress your taste buds and fill your stomach. You could use avocados to promote healthy hair growth and maintain its shine. Avocados are rich in healthy fats, which provide moisture to your hair to prevent hair breakage as well as keep it healthy so that it can grow. Additionally, avocados contain copper, which helps to strengthen your skin and hair. Copper is also useful in balancing your hormones so that hair can grow strong and healthy. If you would like to maintain the health of your hair, consider using avocados. Just apply the avocado paste on your hair and leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing your hair. Also, ensure to cover it to achieve the best results.

Exciting Blog News- Free Foraging Video!

For many years, I've known that I should make a newsletter here on my blog, so that I can be in touch with people and let them know what's happening, but I really had no idea how to do it. On top of that, I wanted to have a give away to people to incentivize signing up, but I couldn't figure out what giveaway I wanted to give, nor the time or the energy to make it.

Someone recently gave me a push, and I made this foraging identification video for you! For some people, the write ups I wrote about how to identify different edible and medicinal plants haven't been enough, because some people are more visual learners. For local people, they have the opportunity to come to my foraging classes, and we have a great time learning about the different plants.

However some people aren't local, or for whatever reason they can't come to my class, so I decided to make this foraging identification video.

The Importance of a Well-Organized Kitchen

I'm a big cook, and organization is one of those areas where I am lacking skills. This post from a reader highlights some important reasons why I need to get my act together in this area!

The kitchen is one of the rooms in your home that are vulnerable to disorganization that hinders you from locating kitchen tools and accessories when you need them. Imagine the stress and hassle of locating your baking accessories in the kitchen and you have to search every cabinet and drawer to find them. After an unsuccessful search, you decide to replace them using the money you would have spent elsewhere. Kitchen organization is fundamental and has benefits for you, your family and home as a whole.

Below is the importance of a well-organized and clutter-free kitchen.

Lo Mein Noodle Salad Recipe -- Gluten Free, Vegan, Delicious, and Easy

This recipe for an Asian inspired noodle salad came to me completely by chance. I was at a friend's house and uncovered a piece of paper by moving something, and my friend rediscovered the paper and told me that it was a really awesome recipe from my friend Debbie, and after hearing how amazing it was, I knew I had to try it.
I made this delicious recipe already a few times, and served it to a few different groups of guests, and it was as terrific as my friend made it out to be. I approached Debbie to thank her for the recipe, and turns out that the recipe came from a cookbook that a private school in my hometown put out as a fundraiser. So that was pretty cool.

This recipe is not only super easy to make, its also flexible. You can leave out the vegetables if you don't have any, or you could use whatever you have available. Options to include vary from carrots, zucchini, and baby carrots (shown in the picture) to peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, cabbage, etc... Totally flexible, basically anything that tastes good with soy sauce works here. You can decide if you want to add the vegetables raw or sauted, steamed or baked, you name it.

This recipe as I got it was vegan; I made it gluten free by using gluten free noodles, and then I made it non vegan one time by making it with honey so it doesn't have any refined sweeteners. Of course you can use coconut sugar or date syrup (or probably even maple syrup) instead. This recipe is pretty allergen friendly, unless you're allergic to sesame seeds.

To say I highly recommend this would be an understatement. Make it now! What are you waiting for?

Lo Mein Noodle Salad Recipe -- Gluten Free, Vegan, Delicious, and Easy