Kombucha- Honestly!

Is anyone else a little addicted to Kombucha? I had tried some not so great version and some pretty good versions until I stumbled on Honest Tea's version. Bliss. I drank several bottles of this not-so-frugal brew a week and then ...gone. As you can read here, Honest Tea pulled the product because of some controversy over the slightly (.05%) alcoholic product of the fermentation. (Dear FDA: your on my bad list. Again. Not even sure this was your fault.). Devastating.

So fabulous ladies: has anyone made their own home brew? How did it work out? Any tips or tricks? Can I make it peachy and delish? OR Anyone want to shout out their favorite brand of fermented tea? Because ladies: I've got a fever. And the only prescription is MORE Kombucha

*he means fermented black tea.

Farewell, my love:

Product Review Thursdays

What's your favorite natural shampoo/conditioner and where do you get it from?

Adriane-

A.K.- haven't yet found my favorite. Nothing to write home about. Am looking at a shampoo bar that someone recommended, will let you know what I think.... (that is once I get to the "big city" and do some shopping in a few weeks!)


Heather-


Leigh Ann- http://www.longlocks.com/hair-care-recipes-cookbook.htm
I found this site after a little research and I can not wait to try the results. I will let you know if I have a favorite recipe or if, like Anne Shirley, my hair turns green.

Beth Ann- Does the Aveda line count? I think it should, except for the fact that a bottle costs as much as a car payment. Rosemary Mint & or Shampure if I have a gift certificate. Currently Avalon Organic's Lemon or Lavender. They sell this at our BX. I have tried Burts Bee's and Whole Foods 365 brand and wasn't thrilled with either of them. My friend swears by cocoa pink, but its also a bit pricey. She also does the baking soda/Apple cider vinegar method. Heres how:http://cavegirleats.com/2011/01/14/no-poo/

Announcements/Invites

Obviously this isn't "granola" related, but with all of the preggo women out there, thought I would post our favorite place for getting Birth Announcements, Christmas Cards and Birthday Invitations:

Autumns Creek

They are cheaper than places like Snapfish and Shutterfly, plus I always like to support stay at home moms trying to use their creative abilities to help their family earn a little extra cash.

You can customize or create your own design. Like something but need different colors? Want to create your own? Send your ideas to Marie and she'll create something gorgeous overnight!

Trust me, if she can deal with perfectionist me and my standards, she can handle any job :)

Love it or Leave it? Product Review, Deodorant

Natural Love it or Leave it: Deodorant

Switching from commercial products to natural ones is not for the faint hearted. I would love to see product reviews of things that are loved and things that could stand to be left behind. I know every ones different, so it's great to hear lots of opinions! Personally, I detest sweating and/or stinking. So when I started reading about the junk & heavy metals in commercial deodorant, I was not a happy camper. After some initial resistance I tried a few deodorants (and made my man try too). Here are what we found to work best for us. What do you use? What do you dislike? Has anyone made their own?

Love it:

Deodorant:

For men: Natural Grooming by Urban Cowboy

"Wild, Maximum Protection"

This controls man-stink as well as commercial deodorants, but without the strong smell. Yes, after a long day in a jet, on a run, or after a Workout Of the Day, you'll still want your man to shower up. But that's no different in our house with commercial or natural.

For Woman:

Alba Botanica, Clear Enzyme Deodorant

Tea Tree with Baking Soda

My friend, a personal trainer, recommended this. I think it works great. I have never tested it in the lovely Texas heat, but as far as the Northeast goes, it works well. It even holds through runs and WOD's for the most part. Plus, the commissary stocks this brand- score!

Leave it:

Well, I don't really have any deodorant dislikes. Do you?

What do you use?