Q & A About Lake Erie Toxic Algae

Questions and answers about Lake Erie toxic algae http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268808/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=OzEtFk21 (from @AP)

Ohio Water Ban Lifted

Tainted Ohio water coming under increased scrutiny http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268808/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=059JWJN9 (from @AP)

"Toledo's mayor lifted the water advisory Monday morning after dozens of tests over the weekend showed an algae-induced toxin contaminating Lake Erie had dropped to safe levels following intensive chemical treatments."

'Gluten-free' labeling standards kick in

'Gluten-free' labeling standards kick in http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_289563/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=702DB4Nd (from @AP)

Ohio Water Ban Due to Toxins from Algae Blooms

Ohio water ban enters 3rd day http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_289563/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=b5bC4mee (from @AP)

"Water plant operators along western Lake Erie have long been worried about this very scenario as a growing number of algae blooms have turned the water into a pea soup color in recent summers, leaving behind toxins that can sicken people and kill pets.

In fact, the problems on the shallowest of the five Great Lakes brought on by farm runoff and sludge from sewage treatment plants have been building for more than a decade."

Olive Oil Hair Treatment

I have thick, long hair that until this morning was dry and coarse from color treatments and daily heat styling.  Prior to using the olive oil hair treatment, I have been using an assortment of deep conditioners and hair oils.  Although many of these products did add moisture and shine to my hair, none of them produced results comparable to a single treatment of olive oil.

If you are at your wits end with your fried, damaged hair, give this a shot tonight.  You will literally see results overnight.  My hair is soft, has just the right amount of shine, and looks very healthy.  Below are instructions on what I did to revitalize my hair.

Olive Oil Hair Treatment

Materials 

• Olive oil (I just used Kirkland extra virgin olive oil from Costco)   
• Shampoo
• Conditioner

Directions

1. If you have thin hair:
1. In the shower, bend over and keep your head down so that you can have easy access to the ends of your hair.  Pour olive oil onto your hands and apply the oil to the ends of your dry hair.  Continue to apply until your ends are saturated in oil.  Keep in mind that hair is very absorbent so do not apply oil to more than half the length of your hair.  You want to avoid getting olive oil on or near your scalp or you will end up with flat, limp hair.  
2. Allow olive oil to soak in hair for at least 10 minutes.  You can wash your body during this time.
3. Run warm water through your hair.  Then shampoo and rinse the bottom half of your hair.  
4. Then shampoo and condition the rest of your hair as usual.  If your hair is really fine, skip the conditioner.   
2. If you have thick hair:   
1. In the shower, bend over and keep your head down so that you can have easy access to the ends of your hair.  Pour a generous amount of olive oil onto your hands and apply the oil first to the ends of your dry hair and then work your way up.  Pay special attention to your damaged or trouble areas.  Keep doing this until your hair is saturated in oil.  Try and keep oil at least three inches away from your scalp.  You want to avoid getting olive oil on or near your roots and scalp or you will end up with flatter hair.  However, this is not that big of deal for people with thick hair.  
2. Allow olive oil to soak in hair for at least 10 minutes.  You can wash your body during this time.
3. Run warm water through your hair, and shampoo and condition your hair as usual.   

Get Free Mosquitofish

Photo: Mosquito Fish (Gambusia affinis) by Arizona Aquatics Garden

The dreaded mosquitos are back!  With the rising rates of foreclosures, more swimming pools, spas and ornamental ponds are being neglected, providing mosquitos the perfect breeding ground.  Did you know that mosquitos only need a few tablespoons of water to complete a life cycle?  An unmaintained swimming pool or spa is an ideal source for more than 1 million mosquitos that may go on to become infected with West Nile virus, and infect people within a 5 mile radius!

In order to control the mosquito population, Gambusia affinis a.k.a. "mosquito fish" have been introduced to these isolated stagnant bodies of water.  Mosquitofish are live bearing freshwater minnows related to guppies.  Adult mosquitofish measure 1 to 2 inches in length, and can eat 500 mosquito larvae a day!  They also eat wind-blown organic debris at the surface of the water.

To get free mosquitofish, check with your local Mosquito and Vector Control Associations.
Contra Costa County's Mosquito and Vector Control District are giving away free mosquitofish to its residents.  They are available for pickup at the District's office located at 155 Mason Circle, Concord, CA Monday through Friday (except Holidays).

Contra Costa residents can also report neglected swimming pools here.

If you cannot get free mosquito fish in your area, you can purchase them online at Arizona Aquatics Garden.

Important: Please do NOT release any live mosquitofish in open waters.  It is against the law to do so, and may disrupt the ecological balance in natural habitats.

Kombucha Tea

I normally do not like green tea, but I try to drink it for its many purported health benefits (e.g., cancer-fighting properties, weight-loss aid, lowers cholesterol levels, combats mental fatigue, etc.).  My favorite green tea is Yogi's Green Tea Kombucha.  Today I was surprised to learn kombucha is a Manchurian "mushroom."  Who knew "mushrooms" could be yummy?

Kombucha is actually a combination of different elements, which include lichen, bacteria, and yeast.    The mushroom itself is not eaten.  Rather, a tea is made by fermenting the mushroom for about a week in a mixture of water, sugar and green or black tea, with apple cider vinegar or a bit of previously made tea added.  The mushroom can be kept in that mixture to reproduce "daughter mushrooms."   These daughter mushrooms can be used to produce more tea.  

Kombucha is believed to be a natural energy booster and detoxifier that may also help slow or reverse the aging process and may help fight serious diseases like AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis.  

I am happy with my Yogi Green Tea Kombucha, but for those of you who want to try brewing kombucha at home, you might want to check out the following: 

Kombucha Brooklyn sells Kombucha Home Brew Kits.   

Betsy Pryor, "Kombucha Phenomenon: The Miracle Health Tea: How to Safely Make and Use Kombucha"

Yogi Echinacea Immune Support

Yogi's Echinacea Immune Support tea is my new favorite tea!  It is so delicious that I do not need to add honey or lemon to it.  I brew a cup as soon as I feel a cold coming on, but it is so yummy I drink it all the time.  Safeway and Target carry this brand.  If you have a hard time finding them or want to save money, you can purchase them online.  

Yogi has other great teas.  Among my favorite for the cold season are Yogi Throat Comfort Tea, Yogi Ginger, and Yogi Lemon Ginger.  Yogi also offers a Cold Season Tea Sampler Pack.

Last time I checked, it cost $5.79 for a box of 16 tea bags at Safeway ($0.36/tea bag).  I have seen them on sale for $1 or $2 off the regular price.  You can get even greater savings by buying them in bulk  online at $15.82 for a pack of 6 boxes and enjoy more than 50% in savings ($0.16/tea bag).

Price Break Down (Per Tea Bag)
        Regular Price:  $0.36
                 On Sale:  $0.24 - 0.30
      In Bulk Online:  $0.16*

*Free Shipping on orders over $25

Point Reyes Light House

Hi everyone!  I know I have not posted in a while.  I have been extremely busy with relatives and helping with weddings, bachelorette parties, and baby showers!  I have been taking mental notes of some new gardening topics I think are worth blogging about, but in the mean time, I wanted to share a few photos of my trip to Point Reyes Light House.  If you have not visited Point Reyes National Seashore (California) you should.  This place is absolutely beautiful and full of life and pleasant surprises.  If that is not tempting enough consider this---"a recent study by the University of Wisconsin found that only one spending category out of nine was actually shown to make us truly happy, and that category was leisure."  Ray Martin, a financial advisor, says "money spent on experiences such as a trip, versus material items, such as a car or a dining room set, will contribute more to your overall happiness."  I whole heartedly agree.
 

Photo 1: View of the coast from the path to the Light House.

Photo 2: I love how some plants can thrive just about anywhere.  

Photo 3:  Only one of the many views of the coast line.  We spotted several whales here!

Photo 4: Do you see the lizard here?

Photo 5:  Point Reyes Light House 

Photo 6:  302 steps back to the trail.  It is really not that bad at all, and there are a couple of rest stops along the way.   

Organic Counts - Calculate Your Impact by Buying Organic

Organic Valley has a tool on their website that supposedly calculates how much toxins you are keeping away from earth by buying organic produce.

According to their Organic Counts tool, purchasing a gallon of Organic Valley milk per week will result in the prevention of 9.5 lbs of synthetic nitrogen and 2.1 oz of herbicides & pesticides from being used! The tool also offers links to learn more about synthetic nitrogen, herbicides and pesticides and their impact on Earth and our health. It's a fun tool to use and definitely worth checking out.

Local Harvest

Do you crave fresh, organic produce, but lack the time or space to create your own garden? Visit Local Harvest's website at http://www.localharvest.org/. This website is a public nationwide directory of small farms, farmer markets, and other local food sources. You can find CSA farms that will either deliver food to you or make produce available for pickup at regular intervals. You can also shop at their store for fresh produce, meats, heirloom seeds, flowers, syrups, preserves and more.

Wonders of Beetroot Juice

A study shows that beetroot juice boosts stamina. "A University of Exeter team found nitrate contained in the vegetable leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake - making exercise less tiring."

Full Story

Research also suggests that "drinking 500ml of beetroot juice a day can significantly reduce blood pressure." Full Story

4 Reasons Why You Should Grow Your Own Herb Garden

1. Save Big Bucks

A single bunch of herbs can cost anywhere from $0.99 to $2.99 at major grocery stores in my area. Many recipes call for more than one herb so you can see how the $$$ start adding up. Most of the time you are only using a tablespoon or so of each herb so much of the herb you bought goes to waste. By growing your own herbs, you will save money, cut down on waste, and still be able to create stellar meals.

2. Convenience

Have you ever planned on making a special dish only to find the grocery store does not carry the herbs you need? This used to happen to me more often than I would like. Now I have all the herbs I need at the tips of my fingers. You no longer have to hop from one grocery store to another in search of the right herbs.

3. Quality

By growing your own herbs, you can control what goes into and onto them. I prefer eating organic produce so I do not use pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Also, by growing your own herbs, you are guaranteed the freshest possible cuttings.

4. Eat Healthier

Fresh herbs are a low-calorie diet's best friend! Herbs have a negligible number of calories. You can use herbs to give those low-calorie dishes a punch of taste to make up for all of that fatty, buttery goodness we cut out. Moreover, herbs are a good source of vitamins.

Parkseed Organic Herb Garden Collection

Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Thyme, Chives, Parsley, and Oregano

German Chamomile

German Chamomile Seedlings as of 02-24-2008

Common Name: German Chamomile

Latin Name: matricaria recutita

I started some German Chamomile seeds indoors in Dixie cups in January. I planted about 5 seedlings in a 6” standard flower pot. All but one of them are growing at a steady, decent rate. I’m going to pull the center plant out and give it away to one of my friends. The plants are about 4-inches tall now, but should grow up to 2-feet tall.

As soon as the chamomile plant matures, I’m going to harvest the flowers and make my own tea. I’ve heard that chamomile tea can calm the nerves, help you put you to sleep, and ease stomach pains, but I was surprised to learn that drinking hot chamomile tea can also help stop allergies.

If you’d like to make your own chamomile tea, make sure you choose German Chamomile (an annual plant) and not Roman Chamomile (a perennial plant) because Roman Chamomile can produce allergic skin reactions in a few rare instances. Pick the chamomile flowers when they are in full bloom. Gently rinse the flowers (without bruising them), and then allow them to dry in a cool, dark place. Store the dried flowers in an air tight container, in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use them. When you are ready to drink some tea, boil a cup of water. Place about 1 teaspoon of crushed chamomile flowers in a tea ball strainer and steep it in the water for 5 to 10 minutes before drinking your tea.

Chamomile has antianxiety, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antispasmodic properties. It also contains natural blood thinners. The chemicals in chamomile is similar to a prescription drug warfarin (Coumadin). So if you are taking warfarin you should avoid drinking chamomile tea.  If you are presently taking any medication, you should consult your doctor to rule out any potentially dangerous reactions to using the herb in question. 

Source: Balch, Phyliss. Prescription for Herbal Healing, New York: Penguin Putnam Inc., 2002.