theadaptive.org

May.07
2

3 Rules I Use To Keep Pets Safe In The Desert

Posted by in Family, Life Hacks, News, Pets, Pixel

Anyone who really knows me, knows I have three chihuahuas. Mango, Mojo, and Pixel.

I also have three boys, each celebrated coincidentally with a chihuahua.

My first dog was a mini dachshund, Pip. -Total bitch, but she was smart and awesome! She cured our family of bickering in no time when she was still a puppy.

…Which kind of brings me to my point. Pip was 11 years old when she mysteriously disappeared while barking outside, yet still inside my parents courtyard… All that remained of Pip was a little bit of blood on the ground.

We are left to assume it was either a bobcat, coyote, mountain lion, eagle, or some other bird of prey.

It was a harsh lesson for us all. Pip was small. 11 pounds of hot dog sausage fury. Delicious sounding to the average predator, I’m sure.

She died 10 years ago this year and now that I have three kids and three dogs, I am continuing to improve upon my proactive approach of keeping my loved ones safe.

How to keep your beloved pets and things safe in the desert according to Holly:

Rule #1: Never leave your pets alone outside. Just don’t risk it. Sure a pack of giant breed dogs are pretty safe, but even a large dog can become a victim in the wrong situation. …Coyotes run in packs, mountain lions are amazingly strong and fierce (especially when hangry), owls are clever, snakes are sneaky, dare I go on..?

Rule#2: Minimize the reasons an animal might be interested in being near your property. Consider if you’re inadvertently inviting predators by leaving pet or human food outside, or not picking/cleaning up enough after outdoor feasts. I say again: Minimize danger.

-Forethought. Learn it. Live it. Love it!

Is it dark? Use man made lights to your advantage. It blinds or discourages sneak attacks because the lights are too bright in contrast to the natural darkness the wildlife is used to.

Rule #3 Don’t get too comfortable. I mean, predators are obviously good at observing their surroundings and checking for holes in the fence, animals alone, distractions, or learned responses. …Say if every time a door creeks there’s a little doggy that goes outside with a clanky metal collar, does it’s smelly business, barks, draws attention… Predators are smart and resourceful. They will pick up on habitual behavior and look for an opportunity- a weakness.

It may be best to have fencing that is tall, but that will not guarantee any real safety. It adds a level of security, but flying animals won’t even think about a wall or fence and I’ve seen mountain lions and bobcats on the roof, so a 6 foot stucco wall won’t do enough to keep them out.

All the tips and prep in the world aren’t as good as your undivided attention for keeping your pets safe.

Stay alert and your pets are more likely to stay alive!

Have a desert animal story?

Tell me about it in the comments!

Apr.15
2

You Can’t ‘Fudge’ This Recipe Up!

Posted by in News, Recipes

No marshmallows, marshmallow cream, or chocolate chips needed in this fudge recipe and if you fallow these directions, you will soon be enjoying your new favorite fudge!

Old Fashioned Scratch Fudge Recipe:

  • 4 Cups organic sugar
  • 1 Cup Cacao Powder
  • 2 Cups Milk
  • 8 Tablespoons grass-fed butter
  • 1 Tablespoon Real Vanilla
  • Optional: 1 cup of whatever you might want to throw in! [Cashews, pecans, walnuts, homemade marshmallows (recipe coming soon), raisins, pistachios, macadamianuts, dare I go on?]

Directions:

  1. Grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan. Set aside.
  2. Combine sugar, cocoa and milk in a medium saucepan. Stir to blend, then bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer. Do not stir again.
  3. Place candy thermometer in pan and cook until temperature reaches 238 degrees F(114 degrees C). If you are not using a thermometer, then cook until a drop of this mixture in a cup of cold water forms a soft ball. Feel the ball with your fingers to make sure it is the right consistency. It should flatten when pressed between your fingers.
  4. Remove from heat. Add butter or margarine and vanilla extract. Beat with a wooden spoon until the fudge loses its sheen. Do not under beat. It will take some muscle if you’re able to use a mixer, it may shorten the beating time.
  5. Pour into prepared pan and let cool. Cut however you like!
  6. Enjoy!
  7. Post a comment on how it turned out! : )
May.16
0

The Crystal Movie – By Spirit Science

Posted by in Conversation Starters, Inspiration, Life Hacks, News, The Adaptive

Now, at first glance, you might be thinking… “Crystals?”, but don’t pre-judge anything before you check out this wonderfully informative video on crystals and how they can benefit many aspects of your life.

I am currently testing out all of the things they discuss in this short movie and I’ll let you know after a little more time how it’s going. (Honestly, so far so cool!)

I started using crystals just a few weeks ago because I stumbled upon great information that stated how beneficial they are to add to ones life. Crystal information seemed to be popping out everywhere. I’ve been making it a point to pay more attention to syncranicities that happen around me.

My sister was on the crystal train already and doing her own in-depth research which has proved to be very rewarding to her life.

Enjoy this easy to digest video!

Do you own any crystals?

I’ve heard that crystals go where they are needed.

Tell us a story of how you came to hold your crystals.

Looking forward to your comments!

– Holly

May.16
0

Review Goals Regularly 

Posted by in Conversation Starters, Family, Inspiration, Life Hacks, News

I’ve been saying, for a few years now, that “This is the year! This is when all of our hard work rewards us with our goals!”

But the truth is, I know better.

As much as I want to be able to dictate when and where success will come, I know that luxury doesn’t happen on demand. 

I dream of being on my future-farm, able to sit in my office and get a few hours of un-interrupted writing done during daylight hours. That’s just not in the cards every day and that’s ok. Everyone deserves positive attention and guidance and I’m there for my children in that way. 

Since the new year, I have been practicing many new practices. One of which is learning how to manifest things using the power of positive thinking and using high vibrational frequencies to see if goals can be reached sooner. I’ll write more on this later, as today I’m just revisiting how well these manifesting practices are affecting my current life and situation. I will write whether or not they work at a later date. 

So, as much as I want to be an accomplished blogger, I recognize and realize that I will design, write blog posts, and books as much as I can until it opens up to do so more often.

After all, I am working on enjoying my children’s childhood, too! 

So, I am currently renouncing my stubborn ways and deciding to appreciate every moment I do get to work on what I want, when I want because, after all, that is my ultimate goal. To be able to do whatever I want when I want and I want that for everyone (as long as what you want does no harm to anyone or anything: )

Don’t worry! That usually means that I want to help those around me in any way I can without a negative impact. 

My children might interrupt me every few minutes on some days, but as they get older, they interrupt less and less, and I can sense and see that they really are doing well and becoming wonderful little human beings. 

We all enjoy excitedly talking about the entire family’s goals before bed each night and the family’s goals are great to discuss with the whole family, not just mom and dad deciding for the entire family, though there are times that is necessary, but not when you’re talking about goals. 

To let everyone speak up a bit about what they’re excited about in life is how we all start to connect or re-connect and connections are important your whole life, so why not cultivate an amazing relationship with your children from the start. 

Don’t get me wrong, bedtime still takes me way too long with three kids when I’m going solo, but the harder I have to work at life by myself, I get this sense that it’s adding something to a metaphorical piggy bank that will pay back in the future. 

That’s all for now. Have an awesome day!

-Holly 

May.08
5

What I learned from a Stanford Nutritional Course I took Online For Free From Coursera

Posted by in Family, Inspiration, Life Hacks, News

Hello,

Did you know you can take some college courses for free or a small fee depending on if you want to be able to put it on your resume?

Since April 2012, Computer Science Professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller from Stanford University have been busy so that the rest of us could have access to some of the best educational courses out there. There are other options out there, but I tested out Coursera first.

Naturally, I was curious, after I heard about Coursera for the first time in mid 2015 from my 60 year old mother (She’s not your typical 60 year old) I knew I had to take a few courses for myself… for free!

Being a mother of three boys who know how to eat, eat, eat. I started all of my children off on fully organic, homegrown, homemade, home cooked, vegetables because don’t we all know by now that if you start them out on fruit that they are more likely to crave sweet over other more nutritious foods and that those pre made baby food jars aren’t the healthiest option?

I am an Entrepreneur, having once run a successful blog for a few years back in the early 2010’s, and I am currently studying at my own pace to become a Yoga instructor, while starting a non-profit.

Who knows how true it is, but I once heard it takes 10 years to master anything, so I’m in the year of mastering this be-otch… called nutrition!

If you’ve read my post on how I kicked a few health issues then you understand that it had been a love/hate relationship. Why can’t I eat chocolate covered cherries all day and feel like a billion bucks? Well, it turns out not all food is created equal and that our bodies can be screaming at us and if we don’t know what to listen for (say, if no one taught us or maybe we are too stubborn to listen).

I realized late in life that I knew nothing about nutrition. I was 6 months pregnant with my first son and I wanted whatever I wanted and had been told by most every passer-bye-er that I was so lucky I would get to eat whatever I wanted.

Those ARE the words every pregnant women wants to hear. Because all of a sudden your sexy, sleek, curves, are bulgy and swollen and you can’t tell if you want to laugh, cry, or throw up. I call that time in my life my own version of the Wonder Years.

I think back and wonder why I thought the things I did. I understand that I had never learned what kind of foods were really good for me. I knew to eat vegetables, but I didn’t know how to make them delicious yet and the phrase “I can eat whatever I want.” Kept creeping in my head.

Eating whatever I wanted at the time was hindered by our bank account at the time so my go-to consisted of, some of you may want to close your eyes, but McDonalds and a Coke. I was totally hooked. I needed that Big Mac and caffeine.

Now, knowing what I know, it was the MSG, corn syrup, salt, partially hydrogenated oils, etc. that kept me coming back for more. I wasn’t just hooked. I was addicted. Mostly to the coke I found out later. Interestingly enough, when I wanted to know why I had this addiction, I asked my family I found out my oldest sister takes the cake.

Back in the days of siblings being the only baby sitters available, my 11 years my senior sister, was too tired to get me the water I was begging for. So, she handed her baby sister her coke to quiet her.

Now, you have to understand that I don’t blame anyone else for my problems (at least when they can hear me ; ) so I bucked up and was bound and determined to find out more about our food system. This started in 2006 and I have been studying everyday since and now have plans to potentially become a Holistic Health Practitioner. If I do this it will be AFTER I raise my triplets (No, they’re not really triplets).

So you want to know what I learned from my Free Stanford course? Not much, But that was the best part! The instructor was so impressive! She knew what I already knew… But I expected it to be a food pyramid, laughable nutrition course because that has been my experience my whole life.

I was delighted to find out I was wrong on my expectations. Realizing that I would never have had access to this amazing course if it wasn’t for Cousera, I told as many people as I could about it. I didn’t need to know the info in the course, but I needed to know that the course was worthy, I guess. It is worthy.

I had spent the last 10 years gathering a lot of the info she laid out in 5 weeks. So if your looking for some learning short cuts, you can look on Coursera or one of the many other online schools popping up.
I don’t think it should be so difficult to obtain a job that pays a very generous wage. It should fully be expected and the norm that everyone be healthy, happy, kind, motivated, friendly, generous. I understand that the biggest problem starts with the Giant wealth gap between the 1% and the rest of us. Let’s not forget we’re all in this together.

Hope you make your day amazing,

-Holly

 

[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coursera]

Mar.12
0

Coconut Oil Pulling

Posted by in Conversation Starters, Family, Life Hacks, News, The Adaptive

Hello,

I am a true believer in the coconut oil pulling craze.

I first heard about it around 6 years ago. You put around a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth, you swish it around and “pull” it, somewhat vigorously, through your teeth anywhere from 10-20 minutes.

Now there’s a little debate in my mind as to how long because I’ve read a few well-known health sites that have said anything over 10 minutes may cause you to re-absorb some bad bacteria if you pull too long.

My personal belief is that you should pull the coconut oil through your teeth as long as you can stand it… up to 20 minutes.

The truth is, your jaw muscles get really worked out during this whole process and it gets tiring. Especially the first few times you do it, but there are so many benefits and the workout is one of them!

I’ve noticed it helps define my neck, chest, and shoulder area because it’s such a workout that it usually reminds me to actually do some other physical moves while I’m doing my pulling (think squats, horse stance, core exercises, whatever you can think up). Total bonus!

Not only does it help in toning the neck area, but it also:

  • Cures tooth decay
  • Kills bad breath
  • Heals bleeding gums
  • Prevents heart disease
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Whitens teeth
  • Soothes throat dryness
  • Prevents cavities
  • Heals cracked lips
  • Boosts Immune System
  • Improves acne
  • Strengthens gums and jaw

I have noticed all these benefits in my time using it.

I know I’m just a little ‘ol girl from the inter-webs, but speaking from years of experience, when I remember to do the coconut oil pulling 3-5 days a week, my teeth are whiter, cleaner, healthier, and pain-free. I have less gum and mouth issues altogether since introducing this into my life.

If I feel a canker sore coming on after I bite my cheek or something, coconut oil helps mouth my wounds heal faster, it’s awesome!

So go to the cupboard right now, grab your cold-pressed coconut oil and scoop a quarter size amount into your mouth and start giggling because you’re going to sound like your talking to your dentist for the next little while 😉

Oh and maybe share this if you like it. Girls gotta blog!

Happy coconut oil pulling!

-Holly

Mar.10
0

A Married Mother Of Three’s Take On Valentines Day

Posted by in Conversation Starters, Family, Inspiration, Life Hacks, News, Uncategorized

Hello,

Since I approach my life a bit differently than most, people randomly ask me what my take on certain things is, like commercialized holidays.

Today being February 14, 2017 or Valentines Day, V-Day, ❤️-Day, etc. I found it appropriate to answer this question.

My personal belief is that no holiday really matters. If you’re feeling flush with fat stacks of money spilling over, I can understand wanting to splurge on your loved ones, otherwise, just keep reminding the people you love and care about that you love them, hopefully way more than once a year.

It can be so simple and free (or almost). If you aren’t busy and your loved one is, maybe make a meal for them as a surprise or do something else you know they’re bound to enjoy. After all, you’re together because you bonded over something, right?

If you’re both busy, lighten up and plan to celebrate when you can, in a way that is special to each of you.

Ultimately, at the end of the day, all that matters to me is that you didn’t give me a negative memory. It is kind of that simple.

I’m comfortable in my skin and I want people to be free to focus on themselves. I am not influenced by any date unless it is directly special to me or someone I love.

We celebrate what is important for us as individuals and as a family. I love spreading love, I just don’t wait for a holiday to do it.

If you can try to get and/or give someone a happy, authentic, positive memory on any day…

Well then, those are the kinds of memories people cherish that last forever.

-Holly

Feb.14
0
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