Who Knew? And If You Did, Why Didn't You Tell Me!

This started out as a post about my overgrown, out of control garden but along the way some discoveries were made.

Rare discoveries!

But you'll have to get through the boring part first ;)

Temps have been over the century mark so needless to say I haven't been spending much time outside. Thank goodness even with our strict watering schedule I have more drought resistant plants than I thought I did. That's not to say I haven't lost any, I've lost many. I only have 2 of my 8 Lilacs left. I've lost some young Roses, a young Blackberry,  even some young succulents to the drought.

But as you can see others have taken over and are thriving in their new found open spaces.

A, yeh, there's a walkway in there ~ 

Geraniums, Wild Roses, and

some type of scented sage has taken over,

wish I could remember what it was exactly!

The walkway from the other side :/

The Gazebo is in there somewhere

After pruning and cleaning it up.

At least you can see the entrance now!

The roof is almost covered by the 3

Cecil Brunner's and Honeysuckle

Just a small area left.

A Hollyhock has decided to jump in and help :)

Yep, windows have made it through another year :)

A Cucumber peeking out ♥

Our Cherry Tomato (Sweet 100) that has been

providing us with lots of yummy Toms for snacking.

I see some red in there! 

Remember the Strawberry Pot I planted 4 years ago?

It's grown a little....here it is

covered by a wild Sweet Pea

Need to pick the dried seeds and vines

All cleaned up!

You can see the hardier ones took over

I always know when my Grapes are ready to

pick because the Mockingbirds show up. I adore Mockingbirds and wish they would be here longer than just to eat my Grapes. We had a lot of Dr. appointments for 2 weeks in a row, so I wasn't able to get out as soon as I would have liked to and as you can see a bunch was pretty picked clean (on the left of photo).  

These weren't ripe enough for them :)

But these need picking!

Beautiful bunch of Thompson Seedless

OK

The Rare Discovery!

At least for me!

Along the back fence is a 21 year old

Climbing Fig ~ Ficus pumila.

It's been climbing happily up the fence onto dead Lilac trucks

 and the neighbors 2x4 that sticks up in the air about 15 ft.

What that 2x4 is for, I haven't a clue.

But I digress....

While picking Grapes along the back fence, I found these things hanging. They caught me so off guard it took me awhile to realize they were from the Creeping Fig - it was fruit!

I had no idea it even produced fruit.

But what was weird was I had been seeing small pieces of green fruit that had been dropped here and there in the yard.

I thought the birds were trying to eat the Apples,

even thought they aren't ripe yet, 

but had been dropping them due to the weight.

Putting two and two together,

I realized it was pieces the birds dropped from the

 Creeping Fig fruit.

Small Creeping Fig plants have small leaves. As they grow they get much bigger. The fruit seems to develop on the branches of these large leaves. The photo below shows the Grape vines in front of them.  

What I found online was very confusing.

Some say it's poisonous, some say it's not.

Some say it's edible, some say it's not.

It did seem that everyone agreed they

weren't ripe until they were purple.

Which doesn't matter if they're poisonous!

And why are the birds eating them when they aren't ripe?

With my Turkey Fig they'll peck and eat the ripe side of the fruit

 and leave the unripe side alone.

This photo shows the smaller leaves towards the

bottom getting bigger as the plant grows.

I hope it just doesn't cross-pollinate

with my Turkey Fig. :/

So there you have it. 

Does anyone have experience with this fruit?

Help?

 

Sleep In Late with Comfort #GoddessEyeMask

My Son suffers from migraines which makes it difficult for him to sometimes get to sleep.

His triggers are light sensitivity and loud noises.

Our house is pretty quiet but it's Summer

so the light has been an instigator.

He has tried eye masks in the past but they seem to slide all around and not stay in place. He had resorted to tying a bandana around his head to cover his eyes. The snugness of the bandana didn't help his headaches at all, so when I was asked to review the Goddess Eye Mask I was hoping it would help him.

 

The mask is made of silky satin which feels good against his eyes.   There is padding in certain areas that gives it a more comfortable fit over his eyes and nose. Not one, but two elastic straps to go around the head that self adjust. They kept the mask in place even during his most restless nights. AND they kept ALL the light out!

No more snug bandanas or slipping masks!

The Goddess Eye Mask  has a 100% Lifetime Warranty with a 100% Money Back Guarantee. It makes the perfect sleeping mask for traveling, relaxation, migraines or anyone with any type of light sensitivity.

The Goddess Eye Mask is available on Amazon 



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or a discounted price from Legend Rash Guards .  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Detoxify Your Body With Ease #totaltea

I was asked by Total Tea to review their

Doctor Recommended Gentle Detox Tea.

 Their Herbal Energy Tea delivered so I thought why not.
My poor body has led a pretty toxic life ~
 physically and mentally.
This tea removes toxins, which can buildup in your system and effect your energy levels, body fat and overall mood.
This gentle diet tea is #1 Doctor recommended as a digestive aid,  stress reducer, help with weight loss and has been for over 10 years. 

Gentle Detox

Total Tea's Anti-Inflammatory Blend relieves constipation, improves immunity, detoxifies and soothes the digestive tract.

Contains:

100% Natural - No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives is Gluten Free  and Kosher Certified

Echinacea - stimulates the immune system to counter both bacterial and viral infections. Contains anti-inflammatory components

Gynostemma - acts as a scavenger in the stomach and intestines to eliminate waste and toxins from the body. Helps accelerate metabolism by adjusting blood sugar and reducing blood fat

Papaya - Contains papain and enzyme chemically related to "pepsin" which helps digest protein in the body and acts as an anti-inflammatory

Peppermint - Soothes and comforts the stomach, promoting healthy digestion. Helps with the treatment of ulcer conditions of the bowel and intestine

Cinnamon - Used to combat microorganisms, diarrhea and other GI disorders, and has anti-oxidant properties

Hibiscus - Used to treat constipation and inflammation

Ginger - Relieves indigestion, gas pains, irritation to the intestinal walls, diarrhea, and stomach cramping for the best slimming tea effect.

Rose Hips - Beneficial for constipation, infections and bladder problems. Excellent nutritional supplement and helps prevent colds

Chamomile - Contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the digestive tract and help relieve pain, indigestion, acidity, gas, gastritis, bloating, colic, ulcers and other inflammatory conditions of the digestive system

Senna - relieves constipation, increases peristalsis and soften stools for a gentle slim tea effect.

You can enjoy it hot or cold!

my opinion

I've always been wanting to try a detoxing tea and I have to say that I was kind of scared because I didn't want to be spending a lot of time in the bathroom.  It's recommended to drink 1 cup nightly or half a cup if you're sensitive. The first night I drank half a cup. Summer has hit here so I made it at dinner and put it in the refrigerator until bedtime so it would be cold.

The flavor was a relaxing orangey cinnamon and tasted great iced. It is made with natural herbs including cinnamon, peppermint, rosehips, chamomile and others. It contains senna which helps to eliminate the toxins from your body. This is a great herbal blend, which is 100% natural, safe and effective

  Even drinking the whole cup the next night I never had to worry about having to run to the restroom. This is a very gentle detox. It's a good idea to stay hydrated to help to eliminate toxins out of your body.

  This herbal tea also could help to increase energy level, maintain a healthier digestive system and a brighter complexion. And need I say I ''feel'' lighter :)

You can find Total Tea Gentle Detox on Amazon.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or a discounted price from Total Tea. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

Brighten Your Mood and Get Energized Too ! #totaltea

I drink a lot of Iced Tea and Infused Water.

Why?

Well, because it's Summer and it's hot, LOL.

And I'm trying to be healthier and cut out soda,

something I think a lot of you are trying to do out there too.

Sometimes water just doesn't cut it for me.

So when I was asked to review

Doctor Recommended Energy Tea

by Total Tea

I was curious. 

Iced Tea can cure your thirst,

but can herbal teas actually give you energy,
 boost your stamina, and supplement antioxidants?

Let me tell you, I need help in all those areas!

Herbal Energy Tea

Total Tea's green tea is blended with 5 potent all natural herbs, along with caffeine and antioxidants. It has been recommended by 1200+ Doctors for weight loss by boosting your metabolism and mental focus for over 10 years.

Contains:

100% Natural - No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives is Gluten Free and Kosher Certified

High Antioxidant Blend - with ORAC antioxidant values of 58uM per Gram, compared to 28-29uM per gram for Commercial Green Tea

Guayusa - contains L-theanine, a glutamic acid analog found in green tea that has been shown to reduce physical and mental stress.  Contains all of the essential amino acids for humans.  Has a High Antioxidant Activity with ORAC antioxidant values of 58uM per gram, compared to 28-29uM per gram for commercial green teas.

Green Tea - increases metabolism.  Polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation.  Perfect for that skinny tea effect.

Cinnamon Bark - contains antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic, and anti-fungal properties.

Eleuthero Root - a strong antioxidant.  Referred to as Adaptogen - an immune system, memory and energy stimulant.

Ginseng Root - soothes the nervous system.  Decreases blood sugar. Stimulates the endocrine system.  Common in Ginseng Tea.





When I found out you can have it hot or cold, I was all in!!

My opinion

I love coffee! But lately I've noticed my stomach isn't in as love with it as I am. I love iced coffee in the morning, especially now in the Summer. But have been trying to back away from it and drinking iced tea. Don't get me wrong but I just need a boost to get going and regular tea doesn't always to the trick.

Upon opening the box of Total Tea Herbal Energy a lovely fruity fragrance wafted out. Sweet berries and a touch of cinnamon. I followed directions and made a cup, then placed it in the refrigerator for in the morning. The flavor was refreshing and tasted awesome iced. I made it through the morning with my eyes wide open, which is much better than dragging along!

When I hit that midday slump I have another glass which gives me enough energy to get through the rest of the day. I always make  sure I have some in the refrigerator so when I start to feel sluggish it's ready for me.

The health benefits of drinking green tea, especially before or after a meal, helps you rid your body of the fat you consumed during your meal and boosts your metabolism!  

You can find Total Tea on Amazon.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or a discounted price from Total Tea. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.



Yummy Vitamin D Gummy! #nutrabear

 Believe it or not, there are a lot of us walking around that don't  realize we are deficient in Vitamin D. I was so surprised last year when the results of my son's lab work came back showing his Vitamin D level was so low that he had to be put on prescription level Vitamin D.  He took 60,000 IU once weekly until his level was up to where it should be.  Our Dr. told me that can be hereditary. He then ordered lab work for my other son who also came back low in Vitamin D, not low enough to go on prescription strength but to add over the counter Vitamin D to his diet.

All of this was so unbelievable to me. They drink plenty of milk, enough that if I could I'd buy a cow! And I could swear I was taught in school that all you needed was to get 15 - 20 minutes of Sun exposure to get enough Vitamin D.  I kind of sat there stunned as he increased my intake of Vitamin D too.....

 



When I think of lack of Vitamin D, I think back to Pirate Days, why I don't know, isn't that when scurvy and rickets were around?
But it is not as uncommon as I thought it was. Very few foods naturally contain Vitamin D.

  

Thank goodness for Nutrabear! They have made Vitamin D gummy bears which are an excellent source of Vitamin D, with 800 IU per serving.  These gummy bears are 100% vegetarian, contain no gluten, gelatin, milk, eggs, peanuts or soy.  Vitamin D not only improves your bone and dental health, it helps your body's absorption of calcium, which can help you maintain stronger bones. 

These gummies are so good, a much more enjoyable, yummier alternative to taking pills or dry chewables. I wouldn't say their consistency is like gummy bears, but more like a fruit snack. Gummy bears to me are rubbery, these aren't. They are very easy to chew and are a fun and delicious way to get your daily Vitamin D.

They are perfect for adults and children, although you may find your kiddos wanting more....(you will too!)
Nutrabear has carefully chosen each ingredient to help promote a healthy mind and body. All flavors and colors are natural, made in the USA, in a GMP certified facility.

  

You can find Nutrabear Vitamin D Gummy Bears

on Amazon.

  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or a discounted
price from Nutrabear. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.