The Thyroid

Those who read my recent post about the live blood analysis will recall that my naturopathic doctor said that my health has hit a wall and I'm not getting better so we needed to give it a hard nudge. I shared what I'm doing to do that (i.e. diet, supplements, etc.) This week has been no joke. I've been dragging from exhaustion. I've experienced everything from body aches and skin that feels like its on fire, to mood swings and migraines. What a miserable experience it has been. I am constantly praying that I'll get through it and I'm always being reminded that it is worse before it gets better.

Another thing my ND wanted me to do was to take my basel body temperature. Every morning before I do anything, I reach to grab my thermometer and take an axillary body temperature. Anything below 97.4 is a problem. Even if it is 97.3. Mine has not been above 96.1. In fact, the last two mornings it has been 94.9. That is scary! I did a little research until I'm able to go to my next appointment and hypothermia sets in at 95 and below. It would completely explain why I cannot formulate thoughts or words well upon rising in the morning and even stutter occasionally.

Some recommended reading by my ND is the book, Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness which discusses how it is estimated that 40% of the population has an undiagnosed thyroid problem. Much of these issues and the adrenal dysfunction are caused by the typical junk diet we consume nowadays and the depletion of the nutrients in the soil. See the following book about Adrenal dysfunction: "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome."

I needed a time out tonight and the kids and I found our way to Barnes and Noble. I bought Cailynn a couple more Nancy Drew books since she is an avid reader. It is my "thank you" for her babysitting for me. Anyway, while I was there I picked up the book, The New Detox Diet. I didn't get it because of the diet it suggests as the one my ND has me on is intense and seems to be working to detox my body quickly, but I picked it up because of the specifics it gives on detoxing from sugar. I was amazed that many of the symptoms I've been experiencing are due to sugar detox too. I forgotten that it had such a negative impact on the body! While growing up my parents followed the Fit for Life (See the book Fit for life by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond) diet. We were very healthy kids and didn't start having health or weight problems until we were out on our own and consuming the typical American diet of junk foods from Kraft mac and cheese to hot dogs and french fries.

I plan to continue to give my body plenty of rest this weekend. I bought a new version of Jane Austen's movie Persuasion and another classic movie recently redone. The kids and I will enjoy having a movie weekend. They'll be eating popcorn for snack and I will be eating celery and brown rice cakes.

Northanger Abbey Book Review

"The mere habit of learning to love is the thing; and a teachableness of disposition in a young lady is a great blessing." -Henry Tilney in Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Northanger Abbey is by far my favorite novel by Jane Austen. I devoured the reading of this book in less than a week. I could scarcely put it down.

Catherine Morland was a character I could identify with. She has a vivid imagination and loves to read novels. She speaks her mind often, but not in a brash or rude manner. I supposed you could say she is very honest and open.

Her relationship with Henry reminded me in a small way of mine with my husband's- at least as far as what helped nudged them into the relationship. She had an engagement to walk with Henry and his sister. Catherine's friends and brother were dishonest to her and were overly forceful in their wanting her to go on an excursion instead of this walk. She insisted that she not go, and they twisted the truth to convince her that there was no reason to wait for the Tilney's, but to go with them. She was miserable the entire trip and wished she could be with him.

Ahhh...Jane Austen, the inspiring and beautiful author....her books give so much comfort to a girl who wears rose colored glasses and loves to escape to simpler times.

No No's

These look absolutely delish!

3 large ( 8 oz. each) Hershey's bars with almonds
1 large (13 oz.) container Cool Whip
Finely chopped nuts

Melt Hershey's bar in double boiler. Cool a little and mix with Cool Whip until well blended, form in balls and roll in finely chopped nuts. Keep in freezer or fridge.

The Live Blood Analysis Test

I'm still on information overload after going to the appointment yesterday with my naturopathic/homeopathic doctor. I am so blessed to have the resources here in this area to get well!

I went to see this natural doctor because I was getting a little better and then all of a sudden I have these severe reactions to foods. I needed another nudge in the right direction in addition to my wellness consultant and my chiropractor.

I had been fast all morning except water. She took a sample from a finger prick of my blood. She put it on two slides and under a microscope attached to her TV, I could see my blood. She showed me on her chart what healthy blood should look like before we began and then we went over all the parts of my blood that we could see. (No, this picture isn't my blood. Mine didn't look this good...LOL)

Healthy red blood cells are uniform in size and shape. They hover in their own space, not overlapping or sticking together, but gently bounce off each other. The white blood cells have irregular shapes and most of the time active and moving. After looking at the blood she then grades the blood on a scale of 1-5.

I was so surprised by how bad off I am that I was trying not to cry from shock and frustration. I saw my red blood cells and she pointed out that they weren't moving at all. This was concerning to her. Some were larger than others and some were smaller than others. These cause various types of anemia, liver dysfunction, poor digestion, low stomach acid, and more.

Next, she pointed out some of my blood cells had spikes around the border. The cause of these are free radicals, toxins, poor diet, liver or spleen stress, etc. The signs of these are: poor circulation, low energy, etc.

We then saw some of my red blood cells blinking or pulsing in the center. These were caused by altered ph/biological terrain, etc. The signs are: frequent colds, low energy, anemia, fungal, yeast or parasitic problems, etc.

The ones that disturbed me (all of these concerned her) where the ghost cells. These are the red blood cells that are fading away and dying. They are like shadows or ghosts. The cause is oxidative stress or parasites.


Next we looked at the white blood cells. These are bigger than the red cells and have what looks like sad faces on them.

Normally you should have a white blood cell for every thousand or so red blood cells. I have a lot of white blood cells, meaning my body is fighting off some kind of viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Its cause could also be caused by: sugar, or other immuno-suppressive substances, altered pH, low in vit. C (which I am), zinc and other minerals, digestive weakness, etc. The signs are: Frequent colds/flu, fatigue, or allergies.

Then we saw some of the white blood cells that didn't have the "mouth" or where different looking. These were the neutrophils hypersegmented white blood cells. The cause is: low B-12/folic acid, anemia, poor digestion, lack of vitamin absorption, etc.

Then we saw some cells that were mostly black on the inside. These are called lymphocytes. The cause is: viruses, free radicals and toxins, chemicals, pollution, pesticides, food additives, etc. The signs are: fatigue and low oxygenation.

In addition to these cells we also some other things floating in my blood. These other things were:

Bright crystals which are uric acid crystals from excess sugar and refined food, and from excess consumption of meat (that is not my issue since another test said I didn't eat enough meat. LOL)

and

These things that looked like a beaded necklace or hooks. These are from altered pH and the signs is: lowered immunity.

The last slide was one with three drops of blood that she let dry while we looked at the first. She showed me what healthy dried blood should look like- almost like close up human skin only red. Mine was black. It is full of fungus and free radical damage. Another interesting thing to note was that the outer edges of the drop of blood should me a nice ring. Mine faded away like an ocean shoreline. She said it was called a coastline and it indicated that I'm extremely vitamin and mineral deficient. (I am...and I knew that)

After finishing our viewing of my blood she then gave me her idea of what condition it is in. She said it was not good at all and I had a whole host of things going on. The fact that my blood is not moving is a huge concern. All that I've been doing at this point isn't helping anymore and its hitting a brick wall since my body isn't responding.

So, what am I supposed to do about it?


Remember the diet I was on before? I'm on this another six weeks but with tighter and more intense restrictions:


I can have:

meats
some vegetables (greens, peppers, celery, etc)
brown rice
beans
coconut
sugar free almond milk
sugar free rice milk
nuts
cold pressed olive oil
butter occasionally
goat cheese occasionally
tomatoes (but I actually can't have since I'm allergic)
sweet potatoes
cucumber
lemon juice- ONLY freshly squeezed
stevia (gross)
eggs
rice bread
nut crackers
organic, sugar free almond or peanut butter




I cannot have:

anything white: rice, wheat, flours, potatoes, etc (except coconut that is sugar free)
corn
fruit
fruit juices
sugar
sweeteners of any kind
honey
soy (I'll have a separate post about this in the future- bad, bad stuff)
dairy of any kind -except butter
wheat
gluten
artificial anything
mushrooms
bottled lemon juice
vinegar
salad dressings
carrots (since it is a root vegetable and contains more sugar)
sweets, cookies, candies, candy bars
grain based foods
regular peanut butter


My sister asked if I just want to die now. If I had just been given this diet while eating all the things I used to and not doing a modified version of this diet already, yes, I would want to die. However, I've been blessed with a creative brain and I have come up with meals galore already. I went shopping and bought tons of meats and vegetables. Last night's dinner was so delicious I couldn't believe I was on a diet! We had:

Baked salmon (seasoned with olive oil, Mediterranean oregano, and fresh garlic)
Butter beans - a family favorite (seasoned with olive oil)
Red leaved lettuce salad (with freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, and oregano and sweet red peppers)

For a late night snack I had a peanut butter sandwich on brown rice bread and celery.

Anyway, as far as supplements. All the previous ones I was taking have changed except my vitamins and one other. I'm still taking the liquid Source of Life vitamin. I'm also taking Moducare to boost my immune system. All of my kids are on this too.

I'm now also taking:

Homeopathic remedy UNDA 202 - for the relief of symptoms associated with low energy and fatigue.

Tyler Yeast Balance Complex

Herbal Bulk- to keep my system "regular"

Fungisode- a homeopathic preparation


If you have questions, please ask! I'll do what I can to answer. I totally recommend finding someone in your area who does this test! The next test I'm taking is a saliva test to test my hormones and thyroid.


*Source of blood cell information is from the sheet given to me.

I was Tagged

A-attached or single: Very Attached.
B-best friends: Dawn & Gen
C-cake or pie: Cake- moist devils food
D-day of choice: Saturday- the most relaxing day
E-essential item(s): cell phone, glass of water, pc
F-favorite color: Red, pink, black
G-gummy worms or bears: bears- but I'm not into gummies like a I am chocolate
H-hometown: I don't really have one since I'm a military brat, but I'll choose Copperas Cove, Texas
I-indulgence: dark chocolate, decorating magazine, and talking all night on the phone.
J-January or July: July- I'm very patriotic and LOVE Independence Day!
K-kids: Cailynn, Charisa, Benjamin, Makenzie, Madison, Meredith, Lindsay
L-life is incomplete without: My family.
M-marriage date: Sept. 27th
N- number of siblings: 3
O-oranges or apples: Apples: pink ladies or gala
P-phobias or fears: suffocation, spiders
Q-quotes: This changes often as I love quotes. But, right now my favorite is:
"I personally have my own idea of an efficient house. It would be totally concrete with a big drain in the middle, a large fiberglass tree for my kids to swing from and a hose hanging in the corner." Colleen Down in It Takes a Mother to Raise a Village
R-reasons to smile: I love being alive. I'm truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and a membership in the church.
S-season: spring/summer
T-tag friends: Anyone reading this blog- let me know you if you do it
U-unknown fact about me: Even though I share a lot I'm a very private person.
V-very favorite store: Target
W-worst habit: leaving my laundry around in my bathroom
X-x-ray, ultrasound, or mammogram: Ultrasound
Y-your favorite food: Krispy kreme donuts, Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo, a nice juicy steak at Texas Roadhouse
Z-Zodiac: Pisces

Strawberry Candy

We are growing a bunch of strawberry plants this year. They are already yielding juicy berries almost everyday. My little ones enjoy picking them while they help me in the garden. Here is a yummy strawberry recipe.

Strawberry Candy

Mash three or four luscious, juicy, ripe strawberries. Add confectioner's sugar until batter is thick enough to roll. Roll with hands until the strip is about half an inch thick. Cut into small pieces and serve.

Volunteer Writers Still Wanted- Free Apron Book

We are having a contest for The Homemaking Cottage writers from now until the end of this month.

I am giving away the new "A is for Apron" Book! For every article submitted from now until the 30th, you will be entered into the drawing. I'm giving this book away on May 1st!

If you want to write for The Homemaking Cottage, join the volunteer team today!

And the Winner Is...

Thank you to Meri who drew the names:

And the winner is JODI!

And since I'm in a good mood I decided to do one more....

And the second winner is CARRIE!

I'll email you in a moment....

How to Bring French Country into Your Home

By Kathy Wilson



French country decorating is one of the most popular forms of country decorating today, yet many are confused about how to introduce this look into their homes.



French country decorating need not be expensive or difficult, and you don’t need to go out and purchase a whole new room. It is easy to introduce touches of the French country style without changing your entire decorating scheme.



French country style is a European version of our own American country style that has been popular for generations. French country however, adds more elegance, curved lines, and contrasts with weathered finishes and lots of texture. It is NOT a Parisian apartment! It is a style of the wonderful people of Provence, who work hard, play hard, and love the colors, textures and scents of the outdoors. Common colors in the French country style are golden yellows, deep reds, French blues and saturated greens. Color is vibrant in Provence because of the harsh sunlight. (Hey, the grapes love it!) Themes are not necessary for a French country room, but some common ones are roosters, grapes and wine, lavender and other herbs. Here are some great ideas for introducing the French country style into your present décor.



*Ironwork or metalwork is very popular in French country design, and you can easily find such material in candleholders, wall grilles, and wire baskets.



*Paint a couple of your furniture pieces with a crackle finish. Pair the weathered finish with an elegant fabric table runner. Try using satin black paint on a piece or two for an elegant look.



*Details are important in the French countryside…add trim to your draperies, dress up your throw pillows with ribbon, buttons, or even old beads and jewelry, and make sure comfort abounds in soft throws and well read books.



*Use fabrics that are traditional French country fabric. Toile is quintessentially French country, and depicts country scenes in one color over a neutral background. Red and yellow florals and small geometric prints look fantastic, and black and white checks are fun!



*Use candles, flowers and fabric lavishly.



*The French love to entertain; make it easy to invite loved ones over for an impromptu celebration. Start collecting pretty plates you love, mix and match them at the table, just keep a common color theme and they will blend beautifully. Stoneware and pottery pieces are very French country. Table linens are colorful, and flowers and candles are a must.



*Finally, don’t forget the rule of contrast with French country decorating. Pair weathered paint or metal with formal fabrics or beading trim, cozy up a more formal dining chair with a black, red or blue checked fabric. Bring in baskets to hang and use, and hang elegant copper pots off a rustic pot rack sporting a wonderful old patina. Rub a glaze over a curvy lamp base to antique and distress its finish, or better yet, glaze those white kitchen cabinets. Add chicken wire to cabinet doors that hold your best china and wineglasses, and make sure you find a French landscape or floral print to hang somewhere in the room.



Adding French country style to your existing décor can add that sense of elegance you’ve been looking for, is fun, and can be done gradually and with purpose. Enjoy sharing the style of family, friends, and good food and wine!



Kathy Wilson is an author, columnist and editor of The Budget Decorator. She is the home decorating expert for LifetimeTV.com, and has had her home and garden articles appear in national publications. For hundreds of free home and garden ideas, you can visit her at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.comand http://www.TheGardenGlove.com . Also visit her at http://www.Women-on-the-Net.com .

Homemaking in April

It's been a busy week for me. I've been canning, mending clothes for my neighbor, gardening, getting the grocery shopping done, and filing taxes. Bleck- I hated that! I went to an accountant to file. We also incorporated the business!!! YAY! We are now an LLC!

Next up on the homemaking list for the rest of the week:

1. 1-2 aprons
2. 2 craft bags for the girls
3. Drawstring bag to dry herbs
4. Finish the ezine
5. Can jelly (orange and maraschino cherry)
6. Updating the Deluxe Edition
   

I made the homemade laundry soap this week and will be putting the instructions on the Deluxe Edition- along with the bread and butter pickle recipe. Keep an eye out for those!


Books I'm currently reading or about to read and HIGHLY recommend:

Hiding in Plain Sight by: Ken Bowers - A LDS based book about secret combinations in the last days. You can purchase it through its publisher at www.cedarfort.com

The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict (BK Life) Institute, Arbinger http://www.arbinger.com/en/home.html What if conflicts at home, conflicts at work, and conflicts in the world stem from the same root cause? And what if individually and collectively we systematically misunderstand that cause, and unwittingly perpetuate the very problems we think we are trying to solve?

Bonds That Make us Free by Terry Warner

Terry Warner's own treatment of his work around the problem of self-deception. The book is intended for a general audience. http://www.arbinger.com/en/home.html

Herbal Remedies

As highly recommended by my chiropractor:

Monolaurin - Adults 3/meal for 1 week for kids 1 capsule 2x daily at meals.

Herbal Resistance (found at Vitamin Shoppe) as directed

and P73 Oregano Oil (found at Vitamin Shoppe) as directed

Seeing the benefits that the oregano oil has done for me and even Bella's spider bite, He said that these three things should be in every home and used whenever you feel the slightest bit of sickness coming on.

Allergy Testing

I will be getting some further testing as far as allergies and other natural therapies such as: detoxification, live blood analysis, tissue mineral analysis, energy medicine, and saliva hormone testing from the following naturopath: http://www.laluzcenter.com who is local here in North Carolina if anyone is interested. I will be seeing her in two weeks and will let you know the findings. She will be doing the live blood analysis on the first visit.

That's it...not that interesting of a life, I guess...but I'm very happy with it!

eBook Give-away

I'm giving away the summer eBook- 100 Days of Summer as summer is coming up quickly! I'm giving two copies away. To enter to win simply reply to this post with the following:

Name:
Email:
How often do you visit this blog?
How did you find us?

That's it! I will announce the winner in a separate post a week from today: Wednesday April 23rd.