artificial sweetener equivalents. [14 Nov 2009|08:51pm] naturalliving [shia_labeouf] I've been making my iced tea with Sweet'N Low for years and have been wanting to cut this out for some time now. We finally finished up the last of the packets in the house and today I made the first pitcher with turbinado sugar. The Sweet'N Low website states that 1/4 cup of sugar is equal to six packets of S'NL. I use 5 packets to a pitcher, so I figured 1/4 cup should be plenty. No way. It tastes virtually unsweetened. I had to add at least another cup to the pitcher for there to be any taste difference, and as any good Southerner knows, now it's not sweet tea since the sweetener was added after the brewing process, it's just tea with sugar. And most of it just settled undissolved at the bottom of the pitcher anyway. Can anybody give me some advice, tell me what I did wrong? I'm new to turbinado so perhaps it's just not sweet enough for me? (Incidentally, I found that evaporated cane juice in bulk is much cheaper, I'm planning to buy some tomorrow.) 18 comments|post comment

Glenn Beck Speaks To Black Concervatives [14 Nov 2009|07:56pm] blackfolk [scsubulldwg92] Time to Be Heard Shared via AddThis Edit: This was a whole show that he did with an audience totally comprised of Blacks who considered themselves Conservatives. It was part of his series about Conservative Blacks In America. Basically it turned into a "Bash Liberalism In All Of Its Evil Forms" Show. Crooks and Liars Breaks It Down Here. 2 comments|post comment

leather vs vegetarian shoes [14 Nov 2009|04:50pm] naturalliving [hippieshit] so this may be a bit too exact of a question, but i have to ask.. deciding solely on the global mess made, which do you think is more environmentally friendly: a pair of leather shoes or an exact replica with vegetarian leather? the way i see it, the leather would be more environmentally friendly simply because whether or not i choose to, there are going to be people eating cows & waste not want not.. but if i were to choose vegetarian leather, we're going to have to create that from new raw materials.. what do you think? anyone know how to make rope sandals? 33 comments|post comment

money management help. [14 Nov 2009|05:53pm] blackfolk [polymexina] Okay -- I have the worse budgeting abilities in the world. The only time I was even mildly okay at it was 3 yrs ago, when I used MS Money to track my spending every week. It really helped me because I set it to a 3 yr charting thing, where it showed how my shitting habits NOW would fuck me hard in the long run, and then kept showing me that every week, until I gradually began improving. I was hoping to get another copy of MS Money but of course they no longer make it. So, tell me, blackfolk: What software do you use to manage your finances? 11 comments|post comment

Postcards? [14 Nov 2009|02:59pm] naturalliving [beachbum_midget] [ mood | calm ] Hey guys! I am an active member of PostCrossing and have no problem finding individual postcards that are environment-friendly but I was wondering if anyone knew of any bulk postcards that I could order that are made out of recycled materials. I feel that this would be a lot easier and cheaper but do not want to be just any old batch of postcards. Hope all is well!! 6 comments|post comment

Beautiful [14 Nov 2009|11:56am] naturalliving [emeraldsrain] I think you all will really enjoy this video: 15 comments|post comment

herbs for enjoyment [14 Nov 2009|02:34pm] naturalliving [thewarmestblue] i would like to grow some herbs or plants that could be used for recreational enjoyment. i'd like to have some things that could be smoked, made into a tincture, or a tea. i'm hoping to grow anything that has a relaxing, comforting effect, as well as any possible aphrodisiacs, but i'm not sure what could be successful indoors. any suggestions? *anything besides marijuana? i appreciate the suggestion, but not really what i'm looking for* ❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀ 29 comments|post comment

Mom ran pet ‘concentration camp,’ son says [14 Nov 2009|02:02pm] blackfolk [chaossix6] Mother of seven accused of forcing her children to help torture animals SELDEN, New York - A mother of seven is accused of running a house of horrors for pets at her suburban home, forcing her children to help torture them and burying at least 20 dogs in her backyard. Neighbors now fear their pets that went missing over the years may be among the victims. ( Read more... ) Source: MSNBC 7 comments|post comment

[14 Nov 2009|12:36pm] naturalliving [girlx512] We're doing a gradual overhaul of the products we use in our house. What do you all like for... Deodorant Dish soap Dishwasher detergent Carpet cleaner/stain remover Bathroom cleaner Glass cleaner Is Seventh Generation all it claims to be (both effectiveness and natural-wise)? 'Cause that would be easy. I know I can use vinegar or baking soda for pretty much anything too, but like I said, this is a gradual process :) 26 comments|post comment

Prayer Request [14 Nov 2009|10:14am] christianity [stardustspark] Hello everyone, I'm looking for a prayer request to help with my anxiety and emotional instabilities lately. I'm not sure what's causing it but my hands have been shaky and I've been feeling nauseous and have scary thoughts come in my head. I had the worst day yesterday with being afraid I was going to hurt myself or others. But I prayed for about an hour last night and just cried and today I'm feeling a lot better. I just want to lift this problem up to God and ask him to please carry this burden because I'm not strong enough to fight this alone. I also just got Creflo Dollars "Mastering negative emotions" and I want to take authority over my emotions! I would appreciate any words of advice or kindness. God Bless you all! 8 comments|post comment

You Search Me and You Know Me [14 Nov 2009|01:29am] christianity [restless_friar] The latest podcast is up, and can be found here. It is a reflection on Psalm 139, and the God who knows us better than we know ourselves. And again, you can subscribe to the feed here, or searching "Augustinian Spirituality" in iTunes and subscribing there. post comment

Vitamin's for hair, skin and nails. [13 Nov 2009|11:30pm] naturalliving [terryn73] Hello natural livers (live-ers, that is). I went to the store to day to try and figure out what is the best way for me to get the vitamins I want to start taking for hair, skin and nails. Mainly what I am interest in is: evening primrose oil, biotin and silica, possibly MSM as well. I am wondering what is the maximum amount of each of these that your body can absorb, if anyone knows? Or, alternatively, does anyone know of a great multi for this kind of stuff? Vegetarian preferred, but not necessary, cost effective is necessary. I am trying to decide if it is more cost effective to just by separate supplements or a multi, but so far all of the multis I have found have very little of each of these things in it, and a whole bunch of other stuff, I already take a multi so I am set on that, just looking to add some specific stuff. TIA!!! 4 comments|post comment

biblical eunuch the same as homosexuals? [05 Nov 2009|07:01am] christianity [anti_nietzsche] Isaiah 56:3b-5 ...neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. Could this reference to eunuchs also fit for today's GLBT people? There are also bible verses that speak about people being put out of the synagogues for something, and God opposes it and doesn't want it that way. 49 comments|post comment

Christian Control Freaks Anonymous.. [13 Nov 2009|06:57pm] christianity [chordoflife] As some of you know ( or may not know) I am in the process for the peace corps, and am almost done with the process, to where I will be given a real departure date along with country and program details. This has been a really long and tiring process, and I am not the most patient person. Today, in talking with my father about this, I realized that for a 30 year old man, I am a bit of a control freak. This whole process has been beyond my command. My reaction, as a typical male, is to attempt to control the situation, press my point, get the bureaucracy to listen to me, get respect, get my point across. OF COURSE they need to listen to what I have to say, I'm leaving in January, how dare the world delay my master plan! (Cue Sarcasm) This may be typical, but it's certainly not faithful.. if anything it's faithLESS. One of the things I remember from my mission in Kenya is using what's known as the "4 Spiritual Laws" flipbook. This book has text and pictures to explain the need for a relationship with Christ. One section asks the reader to look at 2 pictures, one of a man on a throne and a man with a crown kneeling, the other shows the man with the crown ( God) on the throne and man kneeling. The person doing evangelism asks which one the person being evangelized relates to. Often they pick themselves on the throne. Perhaps I am that person.. the one who believes they can jump onto the thrown instead of letting God run things. This is a problem, and I realize I need to stop this before I become practically agnostic in practice. Thinking of this, I came to the conclusion that my prayer should be that God would allow me to lose all control, to give it up,to let my careful planning fall ( perhaps even apart) at his feet, to trust that whatever happens with Peace Corps, it will be because it's the right thing, for the right reasons, at the right time. Lord, Teach me to lose control!! 1 comment|post comment

Elimination diet aimed at solving acne/eczema [14 Nov 2009|11:41am] naturalliving [blithespirit] Hi everyone, I'd like to clear up some mild eczema and acne that have been troubling me for a while, and I'm considering try an elimination diet to see if it's a food allergy or intolerance that is causing the symptoms. I've read up on acne and elimination diets in the memories, but I haven't been able to find a guide to how to do an elimination diet at home. Two questions: 1. I know there are a few different types of elimination diet. Is there one more likely to fix eczema and/or acne? I don't want to have to do a hardcore elimination diet if those two symptoms are typically related to say, wheat or dairy. If there's a typical offender, I'll focus on removing that first. 2. Ideally I'd like to find instructions for how to do a basic elimination diet at home. I couldn't see one in memories. Does anyone have a link or a recommendation of a book that explains what to do? Thanks in advance! 13 comments|post comment

Essential Oils and Anal Safety: DON'T READ IF SQUEAMISH [13 Nov 2009|03:15pm] naturalliving [silkfetus] Does anyone know what, if any, essential oils are safe to apply (diluted of course) to one's anus? And as far as dilution, what would be the best medium for say a spray or a liquid to put onto a cloth and wipe the area? Water, glycerin, witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide? I wouldn't want to use a carrier oil I don't think, no one wants an oily butt. Sorry if some of these are terrible ideas, I really don't know much about anal health! I realize different EOs and different dilution mediums may be better for specific things. I'm primarily concerned with what is OK and safe to put on your anus. I am asking this because I am kind of obsessive about anal cleanliness for a variety of reasons. 1) I used to get anal fissures along with anal fungal infections. 2) I've been more sexually active than usual as of late and I think it has caused me to develop a UTI, (I don't want advice about this I am going to the doctor as soon as I can and doing other stuff in the meantime and will go to the ER if necessary) either due to E. Coli, an allergic reaction to latex, lubricants, or spermicides, or just the sex in general. 3) Sometimes my anus gets really itchy for no apparent reason. Again not looking for advice here, as this can be anything from cancer to pinworms to caffeine or stress. So basically I am looking to make some kind of spray or wipe that can be safely used on the anus with cleansing and soothing properties. Thank you! 41 comments|post comment

More foolishness since it's Friday [13 Nov 2009|03:36pm] blackfolk [kisha] "Don't Be Tardy For The Party" LIVE. I'm not gonna lie, I like this song. Well, at least she didn't lip sync. I'll give her that. 22 comments|post comment

Foolish Friday the 13th [13 Nov 2009|03:22pm] blackfolk [recumbentgoat] [ mood | awesome ] 50 bares his chest in this ad for Power by 50 Cent, his new fragrance. “For me, power isn’t just something you learn on the street or in the boardroom,” 50 said, “it’s a way of life.” “I really wanted to bottle up the rush it gives you so my fans can make it a part of their lifestyle,” 50 said in a release. Power, which has notes of green citrus and a woody background, also has top notes of lemon leaves, black pepper, coriander and musk. Power will be available at Macy’s starting Thursday (November 5). Prices range from $50.50 for the eau de toilette to $68.50 for a two-piece gift set. Just Jared 20 comments|post comment

22-year old man goes back to HS, literally. [13 Nov 2009|01:14pm] blackfolk [reticentstardom] Story Almost everyone has had the dream: If I could do high school all over again, things would work out so much better. It's the type of thing (cute) movies are made of. Authorities in Arizona aren't laughing this week following the arrest of Anthony Avalos, who was fraudulently attending Yuma (Ariz.) Kofa High School. Avalos is 22, having graduated from a high school in Florida in 2005. He told authorities he went back to school with the hopes of landing a college basketball scholarship. He may land in jail instead. Avalos is facing charges of forgery and sexual conduct with a minor, according to a press release on the Yuma Police Department web site. Kofa High School and the Yuma Unified High School District No. 70 are facing questions of how Avalos - who attended the school sporadically for parts of two school years - could have pulled off the ruse for so long. In a report (and video) by Donna Rossi of KPHO, a CBS affiliate, Yuma asst. superintendent Richard Faidley said Avalos was admitted into the school because he said he was homeless and staying with an aunt. Faidley said federal law requires the school district to admit homeless students, even without proper documentation. Avalos' scheme unraveled when he had to produce a birth certificate - which he told police he create on the internet and school officials said was obviously a forgery - to play basketball this winter. According to Rossi's report, when school officials noticed spelling errors and other mistakes, they notified the school resource officer, who notified Yuma police. Two big questions remain unanswered: How did Avalos play on the basketball team last winter without providing documentation and will the school be forced to vacate the regional title it won a year ago with Avalos on the team? The story may remind some of popular movies Never Been Kissed or 13 Going on 30. But those stories were all in fun. In the sports world, Avalos may take a place next to James Hogue, a famous con-man who ran track at a California High School in his mid-twenties before being discovered - then tricked his way into Princeton years later. Hogue, who has been arrested repeatedly, has been the subject of many stories and films. 3 comments|post comment

Music [13 Nov 2009|02:09pm] blackfolk [chrismsx] This week I picked up both Wale's Attention Deficit and 50 Cent's Before I Self Destruct To be honest I've played both albums all the way through 3 times. I've listened to Wale's Pretty Girls song about 10 times on repeat for the last hour. It's addictive. of the two offerings i feel like Wale's is stronger. Much stronger. 50's new CD is just, meh, I enjoy the occasional 50 song, I love "I get money" but this album just doesn't have anything that makes me want to run it back. It's not a bad album, it's just kind of boring, even the Eminem guest feature is just ok. You can tell he's not hungry. Wale's album meanwhile has me tripping over how good it sounds. You wouldn't think he was backpacker until last year. He's got a good balance of conscience, hard hitting and radio songs. It's not gangsta at all so maybe it's unfair to compare him to 50 but if the latter can go to war with Kanye, I guess everything is fair ground. But anyway I don't want to turn this into a review. I just wanted to see what music you guys picked up this week and if you copped either of these albums what your thoughts are. Holla. 5 comments|post comment

navigation [ viewing | most recent entries ] [ go | earlier ]