Monday, July 21, 2008

Non-Chlorine Pool Treatment

Q: I can't swim in chlorinated pools/hot tubs because the chlorine makes me ill, and damages my hair and skin. I have also heard that chlorinated pool water damages the environment when pools are drained into the sewer system. I recently moved into a house that has a hot tub. Are there any alternatives to using chlorine for treating swimming water?

A: There are several options out there that provide clean and safe pool water without the harmful effects of chlorine. Generally, these alternative treatments are cost effective, and they don't pollute the environment and harm your body like chlorine.

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best alternative choices for treating pools, but it breaks down really quickly compared to chlorine. Although many people use hydrogen peroxide alone, others choose to combine hydrogen peroxide with either UV treatment or Ozone treatment to make it longer lasting.

I have provided a few links that I think are helpful and informative. This is by no means a comprehensive article on hydrogen peroxide. It is just a jump start into the subject for those who are interested.

Article #1

Article #2

Article #3

The last half of this article is about H2O2 for pools, the first half is for your entertainment/education.

Article #4

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Essential Oils Article

I have been informed that the Essential Oils Article does not print well from this blog. If anyone is interested in a copy, I can e-mail you the original Publisher document for easy printing. Sorry for the inconvenience.
janaeolsen@hotmail.com. or hit "contact me" link.

Nut Pulp Questions

Q: Could you tell me where you got your cheese cloth to strain your nut milk? I do have some but it is a VERY loose weave - is that what you use?

A: To strain my nut/rice milk, I either use regular cheesecloth (you can purchase it at most grocery stores or at Walmart/Target), or a nut milk bag. The cheesecloth way is a royal pain, but it works in a pinch.

Cheese Cloth Method: Take the cheesecloth, fold it so it is 4 layers thick (more if you want smoother milk) and about 12-18 inches square. Let the middle of the cheesecloth sag into a pitcher or jar so only the edges are secured around the jar’s edges. Pour the nut slurry into the cavity and either let the milk drip out or if you are in a hurry, squeeze the cheesecloth until the pulp inside is dry.

Nut Milk Bag Method: I prefer to use a nut milk bag. These are much more secure, easier to clean, and more convenient to use. If you purchase them online, they cost between $6 and $10. I purchase mine at The Raw Food World. It’s the best price I’ve found. These are also great for making your own juice and other stuff.
If you are inclined to sew, It is simple to make your own. Use organic/non bleached muslin and sew a square with a hole at the top. Hem the edges and seams in a manner that will prevent residue from accumulating in the seams over time. You can make your own for less than a dollar. See the link to get an idea of what sizes and shapes are available.

Which ever option you choose, be sure to wash the bag/cloth out immediately after use. If you let it sit around, it gets crusty, ferments, and ruins the cloth. If you clean it right away, it only takes a few seconds to rinse out. Use a little soap if necessary, just make sure you rinse it out well.

Q: What do you do with your rice/nut pulp after straining? I don't want it to go to waste.

A: If you are making Rice Milk, just discard (compost if possible) the pulp. It is generally not worth saving unless you want to get really creative. You can add it to hot cereal, pancakes, muffins or other baked items where you want to increase the dietary fiber.
Making Nut Milk is significantly more expensive, and the pulp still has a lot of nutrition left in it. Refrigerate your nut pulp and use it within 3 days to make some yummy, nutrition packed dishes. I will post several nut-pulp recipes on my Cafe Janae Blog.

Q: Can I have your Raw Egg Nog Recipe?

A: You bet! I'll post it on Cafe Janae. (Click the Link)

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Grow Your Own Wheat Grass

Here is a short tutorial if you want to know how to grow your own wheat grass at home. If you click the links below, they should take you to the videos in You Tube. I will post other information on all the fabulous things to do with wheat grass juice later.
I am having some technical problems with my videos.... please be patient and they will improve with time.
As always, I encourage you to post any questions or comments to help me improve this blog. If you have not already subscribed, it may be a good idea, so you can be alerted whenever I post.

Wheat Grass Part 1

Wheat Grass Part 2

Taija wanted a shot at stardom. Here's her version of the Wheat Grass tutorial. Enjoy.

Mini Me


The Wonders of Wheat Grass Juice: An Editorial by Taija.

The Dirt on Wheat Grass Juice

To Your Health!
Janae