Water

Hearty, Spicy Marinara Sauce

Everyone in my family is fond of heavy white sauces, but not me; I’ve always been a fan of this thing called flavor. If you think you’re more of a white sauce person, think again. This velvety, luscious red sauce will even win over the hearts of Italians who think their nonna's “gravy” is the best hands down.

What to Do When Your Weight Loss Stalls

Late this past August, I accidentally found out how much I weighed. Ok, so, what’s the big deal? Well, for the past three years, I had never stepped on a scale, without looking away before the number popped up. I didn’t necessarily feel overweight, and I wasn’t. However, considering my tall stature, I was afraid that the amount of pounds I amounted to would depress me.

5 Healthy Eating Habits to Teach Your Kids

I’m not a parent, but, as someone who was a “kid” not too long ago, I know a thing or two about kids’ eating habits. As an adult, I’d like to think that I lead a generally healthy lifestyle. However, while growing up, I was all too familiar with just about any junk food you can think of. Luckily, I’ve been able to break most of my bad eating habits from childhood, but, unfortunately, poor eating habits while young tend to turn into poor eating habits for life.

The Healing Power of Hands: Mudras of the Five Elements

The word mudra is a Sanskrit word meaning a hand gesture that symbolizes something – and accordingly bestows joy and happiness. Mudras are considered so very important because it is said that our hands are full of our karmic energy, while our fingers are like plugs that help exchange energy between our pranic force (life energy) and the universal cosmic energy.

How to Purify Water

If you're ever out camping, or in a survival situation, it's essential to know how to purify water. This is a simple method that anyone could do, and does not require any fancy equipment. All you'll really need is a water canteen, close-knit cloth, another container, and a fire (or camp stove). I recommend collecting water only from flowing sources such as rivers whenever possible. Just do yourself a favor and avoid collecting water near, or downstream from, known animal homes.

How To Make Seed Bombs

The first time I saw a seed bomb it was in a Facebook video. Literally, I’ve been obsessed ever since. They are just the cutest things, so easy to make, and the best way to safely refurbish vacant lots. You can make a bunch of them and toss them in areas that really need more plants without having to worry about someone seeing. Since they decompose on their own, nature will take care of the rest. Unfortunately, you never know what is or isn't private property, so seed bombs are the ultimate discreet way of planting something (without spending much money or leaving any evidence).

Mother Earth's Medicine Cabinet: A Natural Approach To Quitting Nicotine

I began smoking at far too young of an age, though any age is too young to start such a habit. Eventually, I decided to quit. There are so many doctors out there who are quick to put you on prescription medications and nicotine substitutes in order to help you quit smoking. However, this method really just amounts to replacing one bad habit with another. It is very important that if you DO replace a habit to make it be a good habit that takes the place of the bad. Of course, each person is different, so different methods work for different people.

DIY Natural Hair Care 101: Herbal Hair Teas

Herbal hair teas are super nourishing, give your hair extra vitamins, and can even bring out subtle tints and colors. They can also help treat oily, dry, or thinning hair (depending on the herbs used).

How to Successfully Cut Back on Sugar

Everyone knows, but doesn’t want to believe, that a diet consisting of too much sugar can eventually lead to all kinds of negative health consequences. It’s hard to tame a sweet tooth when said “sweet tooth” is undoubtedly the biggest tooth in that candy craving mouth of yours. However, it can be done. I promise that cutting back on the sweet stuff, and reaching a healthier you, is possible, which is why I have a few tips for how to do just that.

5 Survival Skills You Should Really Learn

Ever notice all the new schools and workshops popping up, offering to teach primitive or old, ancient survival techniques? In a world of convenience and technology, it can be easy to disregard the very skills we once needed long ago to meet our most basic, essential needs. However, some survival skills are still extremely valuable to know, and learning them can leave you with a feeling of self-confidence in a world of uncertainty. Read on to find out what 5 ancient skills you should really learn.

Skill Number 1:  Growing Your Own Food