Are you eager to dive into the world of homemade kombucha? This fermented tea beverage has gained immense popularity for its potential health benefits and refreshing taste. If you're wondering about the best way to learn how to make kombucha, you're in the right place. Let's explore some effective methods to master this ancient art of brewing.
Learning from Local Friends
Before investing in a formal course, consider reaching out to friends or local community members who already brew kombucha. Learning from someone you know can provide a personalized touch and immediate feedback. It's an excellent way to get hands-on experience and insider tips. Plus, it's a great opportunity to bond over a shared interest in fermentation and healthy living. However, if you don't have access to local experts or prefer a more comprehensive and structured approach, don't worry. There's an excellent alternative that many kombucha enthusiasts swear by: the "Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy" course.
Why Take the Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy Course?
This course is designed to simplify the kombucha-making process and provide you with all the necessary knowledge and skills to brew your own kombucha successfully. Here's why it's considered one of the best ways to learn:
Comprehensive Learning
The course covers all aspects of kombucha brewing, from understanding the basic ingredients to mastering the fermentation process. It provides step-by-step instructions, making it easy for beginners to follow along and achieve great results. You'll learn about the science behind fermentation, the role of different ingredients, and how to create unique flavor combinations.
Expert Guidance
You'll learn from experienced brewers who have perfected the art of kombucha making. Their insights and tips can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that your kombucha turns out delicious every time. This expert guidance is invaluable, especially when you're just starting out.
Hands-On Experience
The course includes practical sessions where you can apply what you've learned. This hands-on approach helps reinforce the concepts and techniques, making you more confident in your brewing abilities. You'll get to practice each step of the process, from preparing your SCOBY to bottling your finished kombucha.
Community Support
Joining the course gives you access to a community of fellow kombucha enthusiasts. You can share your experiences, ask questions, and get support from others who are also learning to brew kombucha. This sense of community can be incredibly motivating and helpful as you embark on your kombucha-making journey.
What You Will Learn in the Course
Ingredients and Equipment
- Water: Learn about the importance of the type & temperature of your water
- Tea: Discover the best types of tea to use
- Sugar: Understand which sugar is preferred and how it feeds the yeast and bacteria during fermentation.
- SCOBY: Learn all about the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) and its crucial role in fermentation.
- Starter Tea: Understand the importance of your starter and its role in the process.
Fermentation Process
The course will guide you through the entire fermentation process, from the initial brewing of sweet tea to the final bottling and flavoring of your kombucha. You'll learn how to maintain the right temperature, monitor the fermentation progress, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Safety and Troubleshooting
- Cleanliness: Ensure all equipment is thoroughly cleaned to prevent contamination.
- Safety: Avoid exploding bottles (from carbonation!) with some practical tips.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent temperature to promote healthy fermentation.
- Mold Prevention: Learn to identify and prevent mold growth on your SCOBY.
Mastering the Art of Kombucha Brewing
Taking the "Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy" course is undoubtedly one of the best ways to learn how to make kombucha at home. It provides comprehensive, expert-led instruction and hands-on experience, ensuring you can brew delicious kombucha with confidence. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course will guide you through every step of the process, making homebrewing kombucha an enjoyable and rewarding hobby.
Summer is the season of sunshine, beach trips, and outdoor adventures on the homestead or in the park. To make the most of these warm, glorious days, having the right essentials is key. This summer, why not embrace natural and eco-friendly products that are kind to both your body and the environment? Here are my top five natural summertime must-haves to keep you cool, protected, and glowing all season long.
1. Natural Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun's harsh rays is crucial, but conventional sunscreens often contain chemicals that can harm both your skin and marine or lake life. Opt for a natural sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (our favorite is this one). These mineral-based sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection without the harmful chemicals. Look for options that are reef-safe and biodegradable to ensure you're not contributing to ocean pollution while enjoying the waves.
Why Choose It:
- Non-toxic ingredients
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Environmentally friendly
2. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a summer skincare staple. Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera gel is perfect for treating sunburns, insect bites, and general skin irritation. It's also a fantastic natural moisturizer that won't leave your skin feeling greasy. Keep a bottle of pure, organic aloe vera gel in your fridge for a refreshing and cooling application after a day in the sun. Add some lavender to it for additional skin soothing properties.
Benefits:
- Natural anti-inflammatory properties
- Hydrates and soothes skin, especially when lavender is added
- Can be used on hair and scalp for hydration
3. Homeopathic Allergy Relief
Summer brings a bloom of flowers and, unfortunately, a surge in allergens. For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, homeopathic remedies can provide effective relief without the side effects of conventional medications. Remedies like Allium cepa, Histaminum Hydrochloricum, and Sabadilla are known to alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. (Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best remedy for your specific symptoms.)
Advantages:
- Minimal side effects
- Gentle on the body
- Targets the root cause of symptoms without negative effects
4. Natural Insect Repellent
Bugs can be a real nuisance during summer, but conventional insect repellents are often loaded with DEET and other harmful chemicals. Natural insect repellents, made with essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender, provide effective protection without the toxicity (our favorite here). These botanical ingredients not only repel bugs but also smell good and benefit the environment.
Why It's Better:
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Safe for all ages
- Pleasant natural fragrance
5. Homeopathic Bug Bite Relief
Despite your best efforts, sometimes those pesky bugs still manage to bite. Homeopathic remedies can offer soothing relief from the itching and swelling. Remedies like Apis mellifica are particularly effective for bug bites. My 20 month old daughter got huge welt-like swelling from bug bites a few weeks ago, but she's barely had any swelling from bug bites since we grabbed this remedy and gave it to her after seeing she had bugs bothering her. Additionally, individuals who frequently attract bugs might have deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium. Ensuring you have a balanced diet or taking appropriate supplements can help reduce your attractiveness to insects.
Perks:
- Reduces itching and swelling naturally
- Safe for all skin types
- Can address underlying deficiencies that attract bugs
Embrace a Natural Summer
By incorporating these natural summertime must-haves into your daily routine, you can enjoy the season to the fullest while being kind to your body and the planet. Whether you're lounging on the beach, hiking through the mountains, or simply enjoying your yard, these eco-friendly essentials will keep you protected, refreshed, and ready for adventure. Embrace the natural way of living this summer and experience the difference for yourself!
A Teacher's Ally for Resilience and Well-Being
Teaching is a noble profession, but its demands can sometimes jeopardize educators' physical and mental health... it certainly did mine for way too long... almost to the point of quitting entirely, at least until I found actual tools to support my body and mind.
I had a moment while driving in the car on the way to work one snowy morning... I can't believe I am telling you this, but it's true. I thought, 'What if I ran into the ditch so that I couldn't make it to work today?' That's how desperate I was for change. For me, that looked like both job changes and physical ones, like finding tools to support my body and mind so that I didn't break down altogether.
Enter WavWatch, one of those tools. Designed to support people in various aspects of their well-being, in this blog, I'll share three ways WavWatch contributes to my health and wellbeing as an educator, addressing concerns from everyday stress to more significant health challenges.
(Read to the end for a discount code if you're interested in one for yourself!)
I had a moment while driving in the car on the way to work one snowy morning... I can't believe I am telling you this, but it's true. I thought, 'What if I ran into the ditch so that I couldn't make it to work today?' That's how desperate I was for change. For me, that looked like both job changes and physical ones, like finding tools to support my body and mind so that I didn't break down altogether.
Enter WavWatch, one of those tools. Designed to support people in various aspects of their well-being, in this blog, I'll share three ways WavWatch contributes to my health and wellbeing as an educator, addressing concerns from everyday stress to more significant health challenges.
(Read to the end for a discount code if you're interested in one for yourself!)
- Stress Reduction and Anxiety Management: some of the settings on WavWatch support general stress and anxiety. This has provided me so much help because it helps my body and mind calm after the long day at work and allows me to more efficiently complete the tasks I need to get done so that I can spend more time with my family.
- Resilience through Traumatic Situations: WavWatch stands as a beacon of support during challenging times, providing a sense of normalcy and routine even through traumatic situations. Its capabilities ensure that teachers can navigate health challenges without compromising their dedication to their work. I have found it extremely helpful to help my body process after really tough days working with student situations so that I can show up my best the next day.
- Promoting Physical Well-Being: Beyond bigger support, WavWatch promotes physical well-being by helping me maintain health in myself and my family -- we've been sick less often. Teachers (especially those of us with kids!) know how key this is.
WavWatch, I've found, has been a great tool for busy teachers. By addressing everyday stress, fostering resilience through traumatic situations, and supporting physical health, this innovative device aims to create an environment where people can thrive, and I've found this to be true as an educator.
You can learn more about how the WavWatch works here and use code ANDREAO100 for $100 off!
You can learn more about how the WavWatch works here and use code ANDREAO100 for $100 off!
I know that this time of year (but really all the time... let's face it) is hard on families with small children. Colds and flu and back-to-school hit us hard! So many people ask me how I support our family to 1) try not to get hit so often and 2) support us through the experience when we do come down with something.
Here are my Top 5 Tools for supporting our family throughout the year, but especially now:
1. Aged Garlic Liquid -- this is HUGE if your family deals with all the ear problems... iykyk. I use it for the little one while nursing so that it stays in the ear longer while she's on her side. You can put it inside the ear or take it by mouth!
2. These cough drops and all the stuff on this list -- if you're dealing with the respiratory stuff, we seem especially susceptible to that around here! But we LOVE these cough drops and the chest rub. So worth it.
3. Using a steam inhaler is super helpful for breaking up gunk -- babies can't use it, but the shower has the same steam effect for them! Standing in the bathroom while the hot shower is running can help.
4. Getting in plenty of fluids and antioxidants! We love these electrolyte drops in our water and this supplement for supporting the happy cells to do their work in the body.
5. Drinking echinacea tea! I made it for me and baby girl last week and cooled hers with an ice cube. :)
Hope this helps! Having these on hand has made a world of a difference for us when the ick strikes.
Being a highly sensitive person or HSP as a music teacher isn't necessarily a walk in the park; it comes with some challenges for sure. But it can be done well and you can thrive as a music teacher HSP! I know because I am. :) Check out these tips below or watch here to get you started on thriving rather than feeling so overwhelmed:
Let me paint you a picture of my life a few years ago. My first music class comes into my classroom at 9:30 a.m., talkative and full of energy. We are ready to begin our fun but hard work for the day of becoming tune-ful, beat-ful, and art-ful people. I have a 30-year plan for my students: to be able to sing to their own children one day, to clap on a steady beat at a ball game or concert, and to be moved by expressive music in all sorts of contexts. My students experience the joy, the seriousness, the hard work, and the playfulness of music, and I consider it a great joy to accompany them on the journey.
As a highly sensitive person (HSP), I also consider it an exhausting vocation. I work with more than 500 children total: 10 half-hour classes per day with around 200 K-4th grade children. On my feet the whole time, every day, five days a week.
Not sure what an HSP is or if you are one? Learn more here.
When my last class of the day walks out of my classroom, I sit briefly before bus duty and I sigh, always worn out but some days more encouraged than others. I might have more energy in the evening if I had a regular desk job, or perhaps a job that is less emotionally and physically taxing. Sometimes, I envy those jobs. But I don’t believe I would feel as fulfilled as I do knowing the impact I am making on the young people at my school.
Here’s why highly sensitive people like me are drawn to teaching — despite the overstimulation — and how I don't just survive but thrive.
Why Highly Sensitive People are Drawn to Caring Professions Like Teaching
Not all teachers are highly sensitive, and not all highly sensitive people are teachers. But I do believe that we HSPs are drawn to caring, nurturing, and creative professions like education. I’ve personally met countless other teachers who are sensitive (and some who are not...) and I think there’s a reason for it. Highly sensitive people tend to love students of all ages, learning, and helping others. In some ways, teaching fits us like a glove.
That doesn’t mean we’re necessarily well-suited to the environment of the classroom — in fact, my first semester teaching was awful. I struggled to balance my work and home life. Many of my students came into the classroom dealing with trauma of their own, and took it out on me. (This still happens, though each school is different.) I didn’t feel at all equipped to handle it. Honestly, I cried on the way home from school most days, and I'm not even much of a crier for being an HSP, I just had no other way to express the overwhelm I felt.
But I believe that highly sensitive people can overcome these challenges. In fact, I think our empathy, our creativity, and our awareness of others’ feelings help make us especially valuable in roles like teaching.
And I’ve learned a few strategies and ideas to make it much easier.
7 Ways to Succeed as a Teacher When You’re a Highly Sensitive Person
1. Learn to let go when your lessons don’t go as planned.
In my desire to do everything really well, I struggled a lot my first semester. Most things in education don’t go “as planned.” I learned that it’s more important how I respond when things don’t go as planned than IF they go as planned. This realization (which can be applied to most things in life) will take a lot of pressure off of you and allow you to be a better listener and educator.
2. Give yourself permission to say no.
It’s okay to have a day to eat lunch by yourself at work (even if you feel weird at first for not joining your coworkers in the staff lunchroom). It’s okay to build in “down” weekends to rest. It’s okay to stay home for an evening or two during conference week or concert week. It’s okay to not get another “real job” during the summers (in my case, I do odd jobs and plan for the next school year, teach music lessons, and teach occasional community education classes). Your body and your loved ones will thank you in the long run.
3. Your empathy is the superpower your students need.
There are many students who struggle in louder, chaotic, collaborative spaces like a music classroom. It’s more unstructured and less predictable, and that can be over-arousing for me as well as many of my students (whether or not they’re highly sensitive).
As highly sensitive people, our ability to say, “I see you, I understand you, and I am with you” — even while challenging them to grow and take risks — is a game-changer! It helps them confront their challenges without shame or self-doubt.
Our empathy also means we need to be gentle with ourselves. For example, you may struggle with secondary trauma when you see the hurt some of your students go through, or experience it yourself when they lash out. Being able to recognize your feelings not as being weak but as caring helps separate their pain from your own, and be a little more resilient on days when you struggle.
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Click here for part 2 of this series!
What IS TMJ anyway?!
Great question! I'm glad you asked. :)
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, aka your jaw.
So why do people say they "have TMJ" then?! Everyone (or almost everyone) has a jaw!
Check out this short video to find out.
So much education and challenges to help you on your journey in my group, Fed-Up & Option-Seeking TMJ Warriors: Abundant Life Community. Check it out!
How can I get rid of anxiety?
This is a question I asked myself a LOT when I was hardcore struggling. I mean, I felt like I was powerless over the thoughts and feelings running through my mind and body, and it was very difficult. For a long time, I couldn't believe I had any control over it -- I thought I was just at the mercy of it.
But I realized later how wrong that was... how it didn't at ALL fit into my beliefs.
I believe personally that God lives within me, that I have His power and strength and love residing in my heart and mind and soul and spirit. If that's true (which if you don't believe that's true, replace it with love or the universe or something else... what fits your framework, just hear what I'm saying).
If God lives within me, I 1000% have His power to take control of thoughts and feelings within me. I'm fallible and will make mistakes being human too, but I CAN reclaim that power of God in me through the strength of the Holy Spirit -- "not a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind."
Here's one way you can do that, one antidote for fear, anxiety, and worry. Be filled with courage.
Today I want to talk about something just for those of us with a menstrual cycle. 
In the spirit of being eco-friendly and reducing/reusing/recycling, let's talk about eco-friendly menstrual products.
I personally use cloth pads. (These ones here or some really cute ones you can get on Etsy too! Find what fits for your body and works for you).
I know many people who use a reusable menstrual cup.
Both I think are great! Here's my top 4 reasons for the switch:
1. Eco-friendly: this was a BIG one for me. I'm all about less waste.
2. Less toxin exposure: my period used to be longer and more painful at the beginning than it needed to be because those disposable, one-time use products contain irritants and such that BOTHER our bodies and systems in different ways. Keep in mind that cheaply made cloth ones actually can too. But... Eliminate that? Less bothering the system, and for me resulted in a less painful, more regular cycle with shorter period. Who doesn't want that?! 
3. Comfort: my sensitive body is all about comfort, and once I realized it was actually more comfortable because I invested in quality pads, I felt way more comfortable!
4. Cheaper: no need to go stock up at Target or wherever every month anymore! I've been using the same set for 3 years now and they still look GREAT. I do keep some disposable on hand for random overnight trips if I don't want to think ahead more and plan for cleaning the cloth ones, but that's not often for me.
***Cleaning them is easy-peasy! I just hand-wash with the best ever non-toxic plant-based laundry soap, so they smell good AND stay really nice! Win-win! 
(Let me know if you need care tips, happy to share my how-to!)
(Let me know if you need care tips, happy to share my how-to!)Pro-tip: if you're trying to avoid toxins like I mentioned in #2, you're doing yourself a disservice by washing them in regular laundry detergent. Go look up the ingredients of that stuff... 
No thanks. No matter what you're using, I recommend googling a few (or all!) ingredient names just to see what they are/do. You may be surprised at what you find even if you are using a "natural" laundry soap. Ask me about what I use for the best, most cost effective laundry soap around!
No thanks. No matter what you're using, I recommend googling a few (or all!) ingredient names just to see what they are/do. You may be surprised at what you find even if you are using a "natural" laundry soap. Ask me about what I use for the best, most cost effective laundry soap around!Do you use cloth pads/a menstrual cup? If not, what are your concerns? I guarantee you that I had one of your concerns before I made the switch! Ask away -- no question is too weirdo for me! 
Depending where you live, food can be costly. But there are a few simple ways to make your grocery shopping effective and efficient. After all,
All foods either help us heal or make us sick.
I personally want to do the former instead of the latter. :)
How to Eat Well on a Budget
1) Go out to eat less (or not at all!) -- eating out costs a LOT. You're paying to be waited on plus the actual food plus the labor of making it! And it's usually not healthy anyway. Save that money you would've spent eating out and budget it for healthier food at the grocery store instead.
2) Meal plan -- plan out what you're going to eat when, especially if you are busy in the evenings. (Stay tuned for an awesome meal planning freebie coming soon!)
3) Make double portions -- and either freeze the rest or eat leftovers a few nights in one week! Making food healthy doesn't mean you need to cook or bake every night of the week.
4) Ditch the microwave -- I did a training about this in Abundant Life Community if you'd like to know more about why this is important! Your food is your body's fuel.
5) Cancel any subscriptions you don't use and put that extra money each month towards your food budget. Every dollar counts!
There you have it! Feel like you've got these down but need more direction on clean eating? I've got a Clean Eating Ingredients Freebie you can check out to push the needle even further on your goals. You got this!
Do you wake up in the morning feeling energized and alive? If you answer “no” to that, you’re not alone. SO many people are leading busy lives during the day and not getting enough restful sleep at night, and feel like they are dragging during the day. I know I was a few years ago.
If you are stressed-out and sleep-deprived, it is likely that you are turning to refined sugars and caffeine to get through the day. The problem is not your morning cup of coffee or enjoying the taste... the problem is when the resulting blood sugar crash leads to an afternoon coffee or sugar craving and then another, and another, and another...
Once the cycle has started, it’s very difficult to achieve a state of balance until it's broken. When the body’s natural energy rhythms are off, these issues can pop up: raging food cravings, weakened immune system, increased inflammation in the body, weight issues, difficulty with restful sleep, and more.
In order to proactively care for your body, soul, and mind, it is important to break the cycle. Some people can quit caffeine and sugar cold turkey. Most people struggle with that, though. Since sugar and caffeine are addictive, withdrawals are common, usually in the form of headaches and fatigue. Gradually reduce the amount you’re consuming AND find a replacement that will truly fuel your body's need for energy. Often we also become attached to the routine, so it is important to find something else that can be just as emotionally satisfying. I have LOTS of great healthful fuel ideas in Abundant Life Community.
It's not that you have to go the rest of your life without birthday cake or an occasional cappuccino. These foods are meant to be enjoyed in very occasional moderation. If daily indulgences begin to take their toll on energy levels, take simple steps to regain control and reconnect with feeling naturally alert and energized all day long. It's 100% doable!! But it starts with belief, mindset, and practical action steps. Having a cheerleader can be SO beneficial along the way, too. I'm starting a natural energy challenge mid-April if you would like practical steps, a mentor to walk you through it, and the determination to complete what you start! Contact me if you're interested, and I'll ask you a few basic questions to ensure that this challenge is right for you.
Gardening organically can be slightly harder in certain instances, but it is well worth the pay-off. Growing your own nutrient-dense food that is as natural as possible is becoming increasingly important to many families.
What to do about pests though?
Or what about a natural way to get rid of fleas once your lovable pooch has already brought them home?
I got both covered. :)
Here's your special ingredient, something I ALWAYS have on hand, and 6 awesome uses for it:
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a very fine powder that contains tiny pre-historic aquatic organisms called diatoms which are made of silica. Some brands of DE (like in the link above) may be taken internally as well as used around the house. I personally only use a brand that is food grade, as I would not want children/pets getting into anything that was not safe to ingest already, you know what I mean? I don't have chemical insect repellant, cleaners, or sunscreen in the house (I've written about that here), let alone anything else that's harmful to my precious family.
6 Awesome Uses of DE:
1. Overall health benefits for hair, skin, nails, body, and brain. DE usually contains trace minerals, and we are often deficient in silica, which also has some amazing properties. Go do a little google search to see for yourself!
2. Great addition to facial scrubs, deodorant, carpet cleaner, and more. Just AVOID eyes (and nose on furry friends).
3. Kills fleas that your pooch brought in! The fine and abrasive nature of the powder causes insects with exoskeletons to dehydrate fatally. Dust pup 2x per day until pests are seen to be gone (be careful to avoid mouth & eyes, as the fine dust particles can irritate mucus membranes!).
4. Pest control in the garden. Re-apply once per day after noticing pests after dew or rain has dried for best use.
5. DE has detoxifying properties and can be used alongside these other gentle cleansing and detoxing tips.
6. In vegetable gardening, DE is sometimes used as a soil conditioner, because it can retain water and nutrients while draining fast and freely, allowing more air circulation to bring additional oxygen to the root system within the soil (which you want).
Want to receive updates to the blog? You can sign up to get them straight to your inbox or phone here so you don't miss any. Or join my free group, Abundant Life Community, for more natural food, household, and gardening tips. :)
*Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. All things I love and use, of course!
Homemade Kombucha tastes SO GOOD.
Never heard of it? It's a fizzy beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a culture of wild yeast and bacteria. Many people I know replace soda with kombucha because it satisfies that craving for carbonated goodness, but is actually good for you!
The awesome part? When you homebrew it, you can customize the amount of fizzy carbonation, caffeine, flavor, and sweetness.
The 5 main benefits of drinking Kombucha: 💚
1. Cleansing and detoxing for the body.
2. Immune system support -- gut health leads to immune system health!
3. Improved digestion -- probiotics. :)
4. Increased energy -- happy gut, more energy!
5. Increased metabolism -- happy gut, better processing of food.
1. Cleansing and detoxing for the body.
2. Immune system support -- gut health leads to immune system health!
3. Improved digestion -- probiotics. :)
4. Increased energy -- happy gut, more energy!
5. Increased metabolism -- happy gut, better processing of food.
Drink kombucha but curious how to make your own?
I make my own and have put together a video course called Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy -- you can learn how to make your own too, for a fraction of what it costs to buy in the store. I walk you through each step from buying the ingredients & materials to how to decide which flavors to make!
