Here is some information on dioxanes that are contained in some 'natural' brands of body care products. Yes, I said natural products. Because we all need to be ever mindful on our journey towards good health, I am passing this on to you.

The official name of this toxin is '1,4-dioxane, a cancer-causing contaminant released through the manufacturing process and is found in numerous natural and organic surfactant products, including soaps, shampoos, shower gels and dish soaps. Some of the brand names are Jason Natural, Alba, Kiss My Face, Seventh Generation and Nature's Gate. These companies use a petrochemical called ethylene oxide to make harsh ingredients milder in their products, a process is called 'ethoxylation'. This process is what generates 1,4 dioxane, which is then easily absorbed through the skin-the largest organ of the human body, when it is used on the head, body and/or hands. To their credit, these companies are now looking for alternatives, so look for changes in coming months. In fact, to speed things up, a quick e-mail to your favorite natural care company wouldn't hurt! In the meantime, however, just look for the USDA Organic seal on body care products or simply avoid any product containing an ingredient with 'eth' suffix in it. Also PEGs, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol. For more information log onto:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneRelease08.cfm

Happy Vernal Equinox! aka Spring!

With the garden just waking up I thought you all might want to know which veggies/fruits are not heavily sprayed and those that are. These 'dirty dozen' you should buy organically grown whenever possible, when your budget allows.

'Naturally Clean'
Avocados
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Kiwi
Mango
Papaya
Pineapple
Sweet peas
Sweet Corn

Heavily sprayed: listed from worst to not quite as bad
Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Spinach
Celery
Pears
Cherries
Potatoes
Bell Peppers
Raspberries
imported Grapes
All of these are known to contain toxic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics, GMO's, sewage, and possible irradiation to kill bacteria.


I obtained these lists at my local health food store and wanted to share.

Thanks, Gina.

I'm still getting used to checking the blog for updates. Hope you're doing well up in NY.

Lily's Garden Whole Grain Pancakes

Here is a recipe that has many variations, is easy and substitutions can be made easily if there are dairy, gluten and egg allergies. I find the pancakes great for the digestion as well.

Lily's Garden Whole Grain Pancakes:

All ingredients should be organically produced if possible Yield: 4 medium-sized pancakes

3/4 cup whole grain of your choice: Oats, Buckwheat (not a true grain-but a great pancake staple!), Quinoa (not oats if gluten sensitive)
1/4 whole grain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon oil: melted coconut, almond, olive or flax
1 cup milk-or enough to thin the batter out enough to pour into pan. (substitute rice, soy, hemp or almond milk if there is a dairy allergy)
1 egg (substitute egg replacer, 1/2 ripe banana, 1/4 cup applesauce, or 1/4 cup canned pumpkin if there is an egg allergy)

Options: Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla to batter. Shake cinnamon or sprinkle blueberries, sliced bananas, apples or other toppings after pouring batter into the pan. Substitute protein powder for the flour to get extra nutrients into the pancakes-kids usually can't detect this-I know from past experience...

Heat up a pan on a medium-low flame before mixing above ingredients so that it will be the correct temperature for frying.

Grind whole grains in a coffee grinder and pour into a quart-sized pyrex pourable measuring cup or large bowl.Add flour and baking powder and mix with a wire whisk.
Then add the oil, egg and milk and whisk or mix well with a wooden spoon.
Pour batter into pan. It will be a bit coarse. Be patient with these cakes. They take a bit longer so be sure to cook evenly on both sides.

Serve with whole fruit jam, apple butter, agave nectar, or 100% maple syrup.

Exotic Evenings...

Hello all, My first post is to introduce ' Exotic Evenings' to you. Exotic Evenings are designed to allow you as a hostess/host and your invited guests to enjoy an evening of aromatherapy and formulate a one oz. essential oil blend that you can take home with you and use as a massage, medicinal or perfume oil. For more details you can log onto www.lilysgardenherbals.com. Hostesses/hosts receive their essential oil blends as a free gift for scheduling their Evening, as well as one selected Lily's Garden Herbals product which is chosen before the Evening occurs.

Please reply with questions or if you would like more information. I will send you a recipe list with prices when you schedule your event.

Kim