Apple cider vinegar

Each morning, I do a few shots. I have my espresso shot(s), wheatgrass shot, and an apple cider vinegar shot. Each has their place, but today's topic is the yummy and healthful ACV.

Remembering back to science class, I'm sure you recall "acidic or alkaline" substances. (Psst! Yes, acid and base are the same things.) Lemons are acidic because of their ascorbic acid, while batteries and lye are alkaline. In the middle of the scale is, well, water; totally neutral. Acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is reportedly strong enough to be anti-mocrobial and anti-bacterial. I certainly like things that fight illnesses when I drink them... hencely and therefore:

The ladies, Kombucha and Apple Cider Vinegar. Each helpful, but back to ACV.

An ex- of mine, a healer, told me lemon water was best for my constitution each morning. I tried it for a while, and enjoyed the results, but lemons travel a long way to my grocery store. Not so delightful. Along with lemon water, a tablespoon of ACV in the morning, on an empty stomach, is a long-time favorite health ritual. A friend of mine told me a story of his mother giving him ACV with honey daily, 'because she was a hippie.' Whole hilarious, she had the right idea. Beginning the day with some vinegar can aide weight loss, diabetes, sore throats, and countless others ailments and maladies. 

I, personally, am inclined to try fermented anything. I am having a passionate affair with kombucha, but a budding romance with ACV. I noticed first less tummy troubles, and then a flatter stomach. It was amazing! After a few weeks, I began preparing my own so I could have it daily.

Recipe:

-4 apple's peels and cores (I cut the flesh away)

-Water to cover

My jar was small, maybe 8 cups. I peeled four organic apples, removed the fleshy part, and used the cores. Once the jar was full of peels and cores, I covered it with water. Using paper towel and a rubber band on top allows the jar to be protected and exposed to air. There might be some greyness after a bit, but don't worry. As long as bugs don't get inside, it's fine! After a month, your jar should be all good to strain, bottle and enjoy.

I enjoy my shot of apple cider vinegar in 4 oz. of sparkling water, but any way will do! There you have it: morning cleaning, as local as can be. 

DIY Coffee Staining 101

I had a boring, standard Ikea kitchen table and chairs. The bare pine was so starkly pale!
The day came, as it usually does, where I need a creative project. I got myself a lovely pour-over, some 220 grit sandpaper, and went at it:

My oh my, are they dull?! Absolutely no personality.

After a quick 220 grit sanding, I maybe some rather strong coffee.

I applied the coffee, grounds and all to the pine.

After three coats, you can really tell the difference! The coffee stain resembles oak.

Isn't that amazing? 

I read a few blogs that suggested linseed oil to seal the extremely non-toxic stain.

While I love that I idea, I already had some polycrylic on hand. 

There you have it! Beautiful, non-toxic, DIY, cheap as could be wood staining. Bonus, I got the whole thing done in about 6 hours. The coffee dries quickly and so did the polycrylic.

My advice to you would be: strain your coffee first. The grounds make cool speckling patterns, but they are the very devil to clean off.