What is a Total Elimination Diet?

A Total Elimination Diet is a strict diet used to determine food allergies.  This is usually the last hope at solving severe health problems after many other solutions have failed. Many people have found relief from ailments that they didn’t even realize were related to their diet.  Most people develop an intimate understanding of their own body, their responses to food, and triggers to their environment.  

In a TOTAL elimination diet, a person removes ALL foods, supplements, beverages,  and body products from their daily routine.  They substitute a strict diet of anti-inflammatory foods for 2 weeks minimum to reach baseline.  Baseline means that zero to minimal health problems remain.  (Someone with more severe damage not related to allergies might need alternative medical care as well.).

After a baseline is reached, foods are reintroduced, one at a time every 4-7 days, over a course of weeks or months, depending on the severity of the allergies.  The introduction of foods begins with the foods most likely to cause problems, usually the top allergens list and the foods most likely to cause inflammation in the body.  

During the entire diet, a journal is kept detailing day, time, location, foods, physical ailments or relief, and mental ailments or relief.  If the elimination diet is being done for a breastfeeding child, then a journal should be kept for both mother and child.  

Usually, one or more foods reveal themselves as the diet progresses.  Avoiding these triggers is usually the best way to have relief from health ailments.  This would be the first step to a healthier lifestyle for those with allergies.  Afterward, learning about holistic health and nutrition will aid you in having a long-lasting, comfortable life.  

Notes

  • A TED is NOT a starvation diet.  You MUST eat non-inflammatory foods for this to be successful.  Simply eating nothing is not conducive to healing.  
  • Baseline might not be able to be reached if you are on medication for any health ailments.  The majority of all medication is full of corn-based products and inflammatory chemicals.  Someone who is allergic to corn will continue to react.  Many people with corn allergies have their medications compounded with non-corn derivative fillers.  Pharmacies and allopathic MD’s are not aware of the names of corn derivatives and will state that there is no corn.  See this list for an idea of how corn is found in medical supplies.
  • If a food has failed a trial, it’s best to not introduce another food until you have recovered from the fail. This can take 2 to 4 days.
  • Almost every probiotic on the market has corn in it.  Many probiotics are grown on corn.  Only Gut Pro is corn-free.  Generally, it is best to discontinue probiotics on a TED because some people cannot tolerate them, allergy-free or not.  I personally prefer food-based probiotics over pill-based anyway.
  • Fruits and vegetables at the normal grocery store are sprayed and waxed with corny chemicals.  If you are allergic to corn, you might continue to react.  The best fruits and vegetables are the ones grown at home.  The second best is the farmers market or from local known safe farmers.  Third best is a local food co-op or health food store.  Typical grocery stores are generally not safe and have very few safe foods.  
  • Organic does not guarantee your food is allergy friendly.  Many foods that are organic can still be waxed or sprayed with corny products.  
  • Just because one person does well with a food on a TED, doesn’t mean you or your child will.  No food is considered “safe” until the baseline is reached.  If you haven’t reached baseline and you are SURE your food isn’t contaminated with corn, try mixing something up on a suspect food.  For example, if you think your sweet potato is the culprit, cut it out for 4 days to see if there is any change.  
  • It can be dangerous or ineffective to attempt a TED alone without sufficient education.  Seeking out a nutritionally based chiropractor, a holistic nutritionist, a holistic MD, a naturopath or another nutrition-based health care provider can be beneficial in helping you.  
  • Not all allopathic MD’s or allopathic allergists are fully aware of or are legally allowed to assist in determining the CAUSE of your health ailments. Many of the tests to attempt to determine why you are ill are costly and dangerous and are often ineffective.  Research thoroughly EVERY part of your medical procedures, including risks and side effects.  Research thoroughly EVERYTHING that might be injected or taken orally.  This goes with ALL medical care, including holistic approaches.  
  • Education is the best tool to come to your aid.  The more you know about what you put in your body and how it affects your body, the better armed you will be.  You are your own best ally.  You are the one who has to live with the choices you make.  You are the one who will either face the fallout or the benefit of your decisions.  Every other person involved is simply another tool to aid you.  They don’t have to live in your body for the rest of your life, you do. 
  • It’s ok to say no to something that isn’t working. No matter how much time or money you’ve invested into a certain approach to your health, it’s ok to let it go if it isn’t helping aid you in your goal of better health.    

I hope this has helped you understand what a Total Elimination Diet is and how it can help you become more aware of your body and take charge of your health.  I pray that you and your family find answers to what is ailing you so that you can not just survive, but thrive.  

Have you tried a TED? What was your favorite foods that worked for you? What foods did you say “I never want to eat this again when it’s over!”

Are you on a TED right now? How’s it going?

***Disclaimer*** This is not medical advice. These are my own personal experiences from my own TED that are shared for awareness. Please consult your own medical practitioner before beginning a TED.

The Everything Guide to Shea Butter

Shea butter is an amazing all natural, non-toxic alternative to chemical lotions and lip balms.  On its own, it nourishes and heals your skin.  It’s affordable, easy to use, and smells amazing. There are so many reasons for everyone to utilize shea butter.

Shea Butter Facts

What Is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree.

Where Does Shea Butter Come From?

As you might have guessed, since shea is from the African Shea Tree, it does originate in Africa.

Shea Butter Nutritional Information

Vitamins A & E
Healthy Saturated Fats: Derived mainly from stearic acid and oleic acid.
Contains phenols-the same antioxidants found in green tea.

Health and Beauty Benefits of Shea Butter

Anti-inflammatory
Non-comedogenic
SPF 6-10
Moisturizing

Tips For Buying Shea Butter

Look for:
Raw and unrefined.  Refined shea butter has many of the beneficial elements removed.  
Ethically sourced.  The harvesting and creation of shea butter is usually done by a community.  Purchasing from a small, reputable source is usually best.  Look for their story of how, where and by whom it’s made.  This supports small farmers, families, and communities and also ensures that they get paid a fair wage.  Plus, chances are, they use the shea butter too and will care about the quality and condition of their product!  
A Product that ISN’T white.  Raw and healthy shea butter will have a yellowish hue.  Like cow’s milk butter, sometimes it’s a rich, bright yellow, sometimes it’s a pale pastel yellow.  The shade will vary depending on the region and shea itself, but it should never be white unless it was processed.  
A warm, earthy scent.  Scentless shea is usually processed.  For processed shea, scentless is usually the “best” processed shea, often, you’ll find it more likely has chemical undertones.  Don’t look for scentless!  This is a keyword for processed!

(This is what I use.)

Shea Butter Allergy Concerns

Shea butter is derived from the shea nut.  If you have a nut allergy, use caution.
If you buy a refined version of shea butter, you run the risk of exposure to chemicals.  

How To Store

Shea butter has a shelf life of about 24 months.  It may last longer but may become less effective over time.

Keep in a cool, dark, dry place for storage.  I keep mine in the original bag it came in, in my closet.  I also portion some of it into a small glass jar for use and keep it in my nightstand.

Shea butter will smell nutty and smokey when fresh.  If your shea butter goes bad, it will smell rancid.  You will probably gag and have no doubt that it is bad.  I’ve kept mine fresh for several years, but if you’re worried, you can always store yours in the fridge to help it last even longer.  Use a glass jar to keep out unwanted fridge odors. 
Note-I live is a cold climate where we have winter 7-9 months of the year.  If you live in a warmer climate, you might want to store yours in the fridge. 

Shea Butter Basic Uses | 21 Ways to Use Shea Butter Plain

  1. Dry Hands
  2. Dry Feet
  3. Dry Lips
  4. Facial Moisturizer
  5. After Shave Cream
  6. Baby Bums
  7. Massage Rub
  8. Cuticle Cream
  9. Sun Screen Lotion
  10. Hair Mask
  11. Stretch Mark Cream
  12. Pregnant Belly Rub
  13. Cracked Skin Repair
  14. Baby Lotion
  15. Chapped Cheeks
  16. Sore Nose From A Cold
  17. Eczema Soother
  18. Dry Elbows
  19. Dry Knees
  20. Scar Repair
  21. Insect Bites

Shea Butter Recipes

Whipped Eczema Body Butter
Whipped Eczema Body Butter

References

http://www.vitaminstuff.com/supplements-shea-butter.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitellaria

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258826779_Nutritional_Composition_of_Shea_Products_and_Chemical_Properties_of_Shea_Butter_A_Review

hhttps://bettersheabutter.com/

Essential Oil Beneficial Properties and Warnings

  • Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)- Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive, sedative, uplifting.
    * Photosensitive- avoid UV or direct sunlight for 48-72 hours after topical use (areas applied)
  • Carrot Seed* (Daucus carota)- Antifungal, carminative, hepatic
  • Cedarwood* (Cedrus atlantica) – Antifungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, sedative, insect repellant
    * Use with caution during pregnancy
  • Chamomile, Roman (Anthemis nobilis) –
    Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antispasmodic
    * Can cause irritation for VERY sensitive skin—very rare
  • Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) – Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, deodorizing, insecticidal
    * Use caution during pregnancy, do not directly inhale, can irritate sensitive skin
  • Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) – Anticonvulsive, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, nerve tonic, sedative, soothing, tonic, warming
    *Use with caution during pregnancy, NOT for babies, do not use before/after drinking alcohol
  • Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) –
    Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, strong antiseptic, antiviral, disinfectant, immune-stimulant
    * Use with caution during pregnancy, may irritate sensitive skin, HOT oil- use proper dilution
  • Copaiba (copaifera reticulata) – Analgesic, powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, stimulant (circulatory & pulmonary systems)
  • Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) – Antibacterial, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, diuretic, refreshing, relaxing
    * Use with caution during pregnancy
  • Elemi (canarium luzonicum) – Anti-catarrhal, antidepressant, anti-infectious, antiseptic, expectorant, sedative
  • Eucalyptus (eucalyptus radiate) – Antibacterial, anti-catarrhal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, expectorant
    * Not for use with children under 2
  • Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Anti-parasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, diuretic, expectorant
    * Use with caution during pregnancy or if susceptible to epilepsy
  • Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) – Anti-catarrhal, antidepressant, anticancer, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-tumor, expectorant, immune-stimulant, sedative
  • Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) – Antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, insect repellent, refreshing, relaxing, sedative, tonic
  • Ginger (Zingiber officianle) – Antiseptic, laxative, stimulant, tonic, warming
    * Avoid direct sunlight for 3-6 hours after topical application.
  • Grapefruit (Citrus x paradissi) – Antidepressant, antiseptic, disinfectant, diuretic, stimulant, tonic
    * Avoid direct sunlight or UV light for 12 hours after application.  May irritate very sensitive skin.
  • Helichrysum* (Helichrysum angustifolia var. italicum) –
    Antibacterial, anti-catarrhal, anticoagulant, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiviral, expectorant, mucolytic
  • Juniper Berry* (Juniperus communis) –
    Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, depurative, diuretic, stimulant, tonic
    * Do not use while pregnant or if you have kidney issues
  • Lavender* (Lavandula angustifolia) –
    Analgesic, anticoagulant, antidepressant, antifungal, antihistamine, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, regenerative, sedative
  • Lemon (Citrus limon) – Antidepressant, antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, astringent, invigorating, refreshing, tonic
    * Avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours after use.  Can irritate skin.
  • Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) – Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, insect repellent, revitalizer, sedative, tonic, vasodilator
    * Can cause skin irritation. Attracts Bees.
  • Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) – Antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, restorative, tonic
    * Avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours after use topically.
  • Manuka (eptospermum scoparium) – Analgesic, anti-allergic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiviral, antihistamine, antiseptic, decongestant, antimicrobial
  • Marjoram* (Origanum majorana) – Antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, expectorant, sedative ,tonic
    * Use with caution during pregnancy.
  • Melaleuca – Tea Tree (melaleuca alternifolia) –
    Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, strong antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, expectorant, immune stimulant, insecticidal, neurotonic, tissue regenerative
  • Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) – Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitumor, astringent, tonic
    * Use with caution during pregnancy
  • Myrtle (Myrtus communis ssp. Red) – Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, decongestant, deodorizer
  • Neroli (Citrus aurantium bigaradia) – Antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-infectious, antiparasitic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, deodorant, sedative, tonic
  • Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) – Anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, stimulant, laxative, tonic
    * Not for use when you have epilepsy.  Use with caution during pregnancy.  Only use in careful/proper dilution.
  • Orange* – sweet (Citrus sinensis) – Anticancer, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive, sedative, tonic
    * Avoid direct sunlight or UV light for 12 hours after topical use.
  • Oregano (Origanum compactum, CT Carvacrol) – Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic, immune stimulant
    * HOT oil – use in proper dilution, not for children under 2.  Can cause extreme skin irritation.
  • Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, invigorating
    * Do not use for children under 2.  Use with caution if you have high blood pressure.  Use with caution during pregnancy & while breastfeeding.
  • Pine-Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory,  
    Analgesic, Diuretic, Energizing, Antiseptic, Decongestant, Antioxidant, Anti-Allergen, Anti-Microbial, Antitumor
    * Can cause skin irritation in some people. Perform a small patch test before using topically.
  • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, CT 1,8 Cineol) – Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-catarrhal, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, expectorant
    * Avoid during pregnancy.
    Not for people with epilepsy.
    Avoid if you have high blood pressure.
  • Sage (Salvia officinalis) – Antibacterial, anti-mutagenic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, decongestant, diuretic, disinfectant, contains estriol (estrogen like properties)
    * Avoid during pregnancy. Not for use if you have epilepsy or high blood pressure. Not for children.
  • Tangerine (Citrus nobilis) – Anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, laxative, sedative
  • Valerian (Valerian officinalis) – Antianxiety, antibacterial, antispasmodic, regulator, hypnotic, sedative
  • Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) – Antiseptic, antispasmodic, calming, grounding, immune stimulant, warming, sedative, stimulant
    * Use with caution during pregnancy
  • Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) – Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, disinfectant, diuretic, stimulant (bone), warming
    * Avoid during pregnancy. Not for people with epilepsy. Some people are very allergic to methyl salicylate – test small area for skin allergies before using!
  • Ylang Ylang* (Cananga odorata) – Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, tonic

52 Project, Week 26: Watermelon

52 Project, Week 26: Watermelon

Summer and watermelon go together like pumpkins and autumn.   Watermelon is one of my favorite summer treats.  The kids usually flock around me when I start to chop one up.

This year, I grew watermelon for the first time.  We got a bunch of cute little watermelons that tasted amazing.  There really is nothing better than food grown at home. 

Watermelon is harder to photograph than I thought it would be.  I’ve always struggled to photograph the color red.  I’ve attempted to tackle it with roses but even then, they’re not exactly to my liking. 

That’s the kind of challenge that I don’t give up on.  I actually did this photoshoot 3 times.  The first two were not to my liking.  My last, I can finally say that I have an image I’m proud of.  

Previous Week: 52 Project, Week 25: Patterns
Next Week: Flip Flops/Sandals
Main Page for 52 Project

Join us for the photography challenge! We’d love to see your images!
You can post your image on our Facebook page here:

Or tag us on Instagram with #cisforcomfort52
Need inspiration for your watermelon project?  Check out my inspiration board on Pinterest!

Roasted Dandelion Root Tea Recipes

Roasted Dandelion Root Tea Recipes

I used to hate coffee.  It smelled amazing but tasted awful.  The bitterness made me grimace and I couldn’t fathom why people actually drank it.

Enter the Caribou Caramel Cooler.  My Mom drank them often and despite my aversion to coffee, I fell in love with it.  Granted, all of the caramel, whipped cream and sugar probably helped a bit.

Once I developed corn allergies, I was greatly disappointed that I could no longer drink Caribou.  Determined to still have a bit of my former life, I made my own at home.  Although the ones I made were delicious and also healthier than the ones from caribou, I was still having health problems.

In addition to the homemade coolers, I had also experimented with making lattes for those cold winter days we get up here in Minnesota.  If I ever got too busy and my latte cooled, I would add a few ice cubes for an iced coffee.

After reading about the health benefits of dandelions, specifically, dandelion roots, I decided to give roasted dandelion root a try.  I had no idea what to expect.  I was drinking the roasted root of something I’d been taught my whole life was a weed.  With my first sip, I grimaced.  Yuck!

It was very bitter!  How was I going to finish off this cup?  I loaded it with honey, my usual go-to for tea.  It made it only slightly more palatable.

I continued to drink coffee every day.  I decided to try the organic coffee and I noticed immediately the increase of my health problems  I determined that coffee was the culprit behind my eczema flare-ups on my hand, the panic attacks and a general feeling of malaise.  I decided to kick the habit. I quit cold turkey.

I’m not going to lie, the first day was brutal.  I was desperate.  I wanted coffee and I wanted it now!  Who cares about eczema when coffee was so delicious!  Realizing I sounded like an addict, I was even more determined to give it up.  Standing at the cupboard, staring longingly at my coffee, I bypassed it for my basket of tea.  That’s when I spotted the roasted dandelion root.  A lightbulb went off over my head!

Dandelion root tea was bitter, just like coffee! Surely I could treat my tea like coffee and make a latte!  I did just that.  It wasn’t quite as strong as regular coffee but it was a great substitute!

I began drinking it every day and I no longer felt desperate for coffee.  The eczema on my hand went away.  My panic attacks became less frequent.  I didn’t feel as tired.  I felt better!

I experimented with different ways to make dandelion root into different versions of fun coffee-like beverages.  My favorite is the mock Caribou Cooler.

Are you trying to kick the coffee habit?   Have you tried using Roasted Dandelion Root as an alternative?

Dandelion Latte

  • 1 tea bag (this is what I use!)
  • mug
  • boiling water
  •  1 TBSP organic heavy whipping cream
  •  1 TBSP pure maple syrup

Loop tea bag around mug handle.  Fill cup 3/4 full with boiling water. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. Remove tea bag and squeeze out remaining liquid.  Stir in cream and maple syrup.  Enjoy!

Iced Dandelion Latte

  • 1 tea bag
  • mug
  • boiling water
  •  1 TBSP organic heavy whipping cream
  •  1 TBSP pure maple syrup
  • 3-4 ice cubes

Loop tea bag around mug handle.  Fill cup 3/4 full with boiling water. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. Allow tea to cool.  Remove tea bag and squeeze out the remaining liquid.  Stir in cream and maple syrup.  Add a few ice cubes.  Enjoy!

Iced Cubed Dandelion Latte

  • 1 tea bag
  • mug
  • boiling water
  •  1 TBSP organic heavy whipping cream
  •  2 TBSP pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk

Loop tea bag around mug handle.  Fill cup 3/4 full with boiling water. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. Allow tea to cool.  Remove tea bag and squeeze out the remaining liquid.  Stir in cream and maple syrup.  Pour into ice cube tray and allow to freeze completely.  Add ice cubes to the brim of a glass.  Pour coconut milk over the ice cubes.  Enjoy!

Blended Dandelion Latte/Mock Caribou Cooler

Blended Tea
  • 1 tea bag
  • extra large mug
  • boiling water
  •  1 TBSP organic heavy whipping cream
  •  2 TBSP pure maple syrup
  • 4-6 ice cubes
Whipped Cream
  • 1/3 cup organic heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 tbsp maple syrup

Loop tea bag around mug handle.  Fill cup 1/2 full with boiling water. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. Allow tea to cool.  Remove tea bag and squeeze out the remaining liquid.  Pour in blender or ninja single serve cup.  Add in cream, maple syrup, and ice.  Blend until smooth.  Pour into mug.

Put whipped cream ingredients in the blender.  Blend until just whipped.  Do not over whip or you’ll have butter. Spoon whipping cream onto the tea.  Enjoy!

I hope you love these recipes as much as I do!  You’ll have to let me know if you give them a try!




[enjoyinstagram_mb]

20 Fun FREE Date Ideas

20 Fun FREE Date Ideas

Sometimes, life gets busy and money gets tight.  Having a list of 20 fun free date ideas can help keep the romance alive.  From going to the library to having a backyard bonfire, there are so many fun ways to spend time together that don’t break the bank.

1.Go to the Park

This idea is kind of a three in one idea.  You could have a simple picnic if you’d like a more intimate and relaxing date.  If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could go hiking or biking.  We love hiking at our favorite local parks and exploring new ones in nearby cities.  Fresh air, exercise, beautiful scenery, what’s not to love?!  Well, maybe bugs.  Don’t forget to wear bug spray!

2.Movie Night at Home

There are so many ways to watch movies at home now!  Browse through your old DVD collection for an old favorite.  Check out Netflix, Amazon or Hulu for something new if you have a subscription.  Go to the library to check out their selection.  Snuggling up to a good movie is a great way to relax together after a long day.

3.Board Games

We have a lot of games, but we don’t often get to play them.  Back when we were first dating, we loved to play different games together,  like Scrabble for example.  Taking the time to have a game night can give you something fun to do while allowing you to have a playful conversation.

4.Go to the Library

The library is a lot of fun with the kids, but it’s also a lot of fun without them!  Browsing the books together, picking out a fun movie, laughing over the music section and reminiscing, browsing through the exercise equipment, even if we don’t pick out anything (how can you not?!) the library is always a blast!

5.Puzzles

I LOVE puzzles!  Whenever I get a new one going, the whole family loves to spend time tackling it.   Spending time alone on date night working on a puzzle is a fun challenge!  I find puzzle nights are great for the times when you don’t want to say much.  Puzzles can be a stress reliever.  So if you’ve had a rough day/week/month, this might be a great way to tackle some of life’s anxieties by doing something you CAN solve.

6.Video Games

If your spouse loves video games, but you are not a fan, it might put you out of your comfort zone a little at first.  Playing together can be a lot of fun though!  If you’re not into violent games, like me, there are so many other fun ways to play.  Many game systems have physically active games that allow you to get up and move, like Fruit Ninja.  If you’d rather sit down, Tetris is always a fun challenge.

7. Take a Walk

Sometimes, a simple walk around the neighborhood can be a lot of fun.  It’s just you and your sweetie, walking, talking and getting some fresh air.  I find a simple walk can take the pressure off of date planning and allow you to just relax.

8.Cook and Clean up Dinner Together

I’m usually the one who cooks at our house.  Sometimes, Nate will take over for a night if I’m not feeling well.  Cooking together though, makes the work go faster and is a lot of fun!  Cleaning up together means that no one is stuck doing the dishes alone.  If cooking dinner is too intimidating, try making a simple dessert or appetizer.

9.Museum

We have a lot of museums in our area.  Many of them have free days or free sections.  Most history museums have a fee to help pay for upkeep, but sometimes they have a free day.  Often, you can get a free pass at the local library.  Many art museums are free.  A few of the bigger ones do charge a fee, so always check before heading out.

10.Window Shopping Downtown

Our town has a cute little historic downtown strip.  It’s full of antique stores, boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.  It’s a lot of fun to check out all of the unique items in the antique stores and window shop some of the newer boutiques.

11.Backyard Bonfire

Summer doesn’t last very long here in Minnesota, so bonfires are only optional a few months a year.  We love to take advantage of this time to sit outside and enjoy the warm night air, under the stars, cuddled up next to the fire.

12.Tea/Dessert on the Porch

If you have a porch, like we do, it’s nice to sit out early or late on hot summer days.  Taking a little time to enjoy the quiet solitude that comes with dawn and dusk with a nice cup of tea or a shared dessert is a lot of fun!

13.Fishing/Boating

Here in Minnesota, we have over 10,000 lakes.  (11,842 lakes of 10 acres or more.  21.871 if you count the lakes under 10 acres!) We also have 69,200 miles of rivers which gives us many opportunities to enjoy some time on the water.  We’ve gone fishing as a family, but fishing as a couple can be fun too!  If you are vegan or don’t like to fish, sightseeing is also a lot of fun!  Don’t forget to take binoculars for a little bird watching!

14.Study the Bible Together

There is nothing else like putting God first in our lives.  Spending quality time together, with God, is one of the most important things a couple can do together.  God can help draw a couple closer and give peace and contentment.

15. Go Through Family Photo Albums

As the years roll by and memories add up, it can be a lot of fun to look back on some of those favorite experiences together.  Sometimes, this can inspire new plans for the future, so keep a notebook and pen handy!

16.Play Cards

Playing cards can be as easy as Go Fish, Speed or even a little more challenging, like enjoying a game of poker.  If you don’t know how to play any card games, you can easily google how to play!  Even better, there are a lot of videos on Youtube showing you exactly how to play!  Cards are simple, cheap and can lead to a lot of laughs.

17.Build/Make Something

Is there something fun that you’ve always wanted to try?  Build a birdhouse?  Make a garden?  Make a Chalkboard?  Hang up some framed family pictures?  Make a fun date of it!  If you don’t know how to do any of these things but want to, check out community education classes, your local library courses, or ask a friend who’s more experienced to help you plan the basics before getting started.

18.Exercise together

I’ve already mentioned hiking, biking and taking walks, but breaking out a workout DVD or pulling up a workout on youtube to try together can be a lot of fun!  Just make sure to take it slow if you don’t work out on a regular basis!

19. Read Together

Did you find an awesome book at the library or do you have a favorite you’d love to read again?  Make it a date night book.  Take turns reading chapters out loud (or pages if the chapters are long).  No cheating and reading without your partner on non-date nights though!

20.Pamper Each Other

Put on face masks, file each other’s nails, or paint them if you’re feeling adventurous!  Take a relaxing bath together, if your bath is big enough!  If you don’t have a big enough tub, have a detox foot bath.  Give a nice back or shoulder massage.  Both men and women love to be pampered!

I hope these 20 fun free date ideas have inspired you for a date night of your own!  What is your favorite thing to do on a date night?  Have you given any of these a try?  Let me know in the comments!




7 Summer Challenge Ideas

7 Summer Challenge Ideas

Although spring has had a late start this year, these last few weeks have really warmed up!  It’s almost hard to believe that a few weeks ago, we had a huge blizzard!  If you are anything like us, you are probably itching to get outside and enjoy the warm, fresh air!

Last year we had so much fun doing a 5-week workout challenge!  Every week we made it a goal to move our bodies.  I don’t know about you, but I am not a big fan of a traditional work out session.  I have a hard time getting motivated to stare at a TV and watch other people work out. Or worse, go somewhere public to work out with strangers.

Hiking is my favorite way to get exercise.  Being outside, in nature, makes me happy.  Getting a change of scenery, enjoying a new adventure, exploring a new location, what’s not to love?!

When doing research for local parks online, I found so many!  I felt like the ones I had seen were just a drop in the bucket.  I wanted to see them all!  Is it crazy and over-ambitious that I’m not exaggerating?!

We had only scratched the surface last year.  I knew, without a doubt, that our adventures would continue.  Should I do another workout challenge?!  I don’t know.  It did motivate me last year.  Honestly, many days I felt like sitting on the couch and being lazy in the air conditioning.  Knowing I had made a commitment kept me going.

Maybe this year is time for a new challenge.  There are so many options!  I might have to try one or all of these.

7 Summer Challenge Ideas

  1. Get Outside Every Day Challenge-For 3 months… for a year?!
  2. How many parks can we hit in the summer? 30? 40? 60?!
  3. Around Minnesota in 80 Days
  4. Exercise Every Day for a Month
  5. Art Challenge
  6. 30/60/90 Day Planking Challenge
  7. 100 Days of Gardening

Get Outside Every Day Challenge/ 100 Days of Sun

People Are spending more time inside than ever before in history.  With the air inside polluted and stale, getting outside is vitally important to our health.   AT LEAST an hour outside every day is the recommended amount for every age.

There are literally hundreds of things to do every day, all year round!  I made a list of fun things to do, outside, in summer that you can check out for ideas.

30 FUN Parks in Minnesota That You Have to See!

Visiting Parks is one of the most fun things to do in the summer.  Parks are full of activities for every age.  The whole family can go for a hike.  The kids can play at the playground while the adults relax and chat.  Biking, swimming, sightseeing, bird watching, there are so many options!

Although the title is just an idea, you can set your goal for as many or as little parks as you think you will visit.  Obviously, you will change Minnesota to your own local area.

Around Minnesota in 80 Days

This title leaves the window open for future fun expeditions.  If you don’t have an exact plan of what you want to do, but you know you want to start a challenge, this might be a good starting point.

I might make a fun list soon about traveling ideas within a region.  To get you started with a few ideas, you could visit local parks, check out small historic towns, visit a museum, check out a historic site, go to a zoo, smell the flowers at a conservatory, and so much more!

Exercise Every Day for a Month!

I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time getting motivated to exercise.  Making it a goal is a great way to keep on track and get your body moving.  Last year we did a 5 Week Workout Challenge.  It was a lot of fun!

Working out doesn’t have to be just exercise videos or hitting up the Y.  Exercise can be so many different things!  You could go hiking, ride a bike, go kayaking, go swimming or even try rock climbing!

Art

There are so many options with this one!  Art is near and dear to my heart.  My Grandfather was an artist.  He inspired me to be a creative person.  I’m working hard to instill a love of being creative in my children.  This would be the perfect project for us all to enjoy together.

If you didn’t have an artsy Grandpa, here are a couple of ideas to get you going!  I’ll make a more extensive list in the future too.  Paint on canvas, visit an art museum, draw with chalk, paint rocks, make a birdhouse, do a photography project, color with crayons and so much more!

52 Project, Week 11: Art

30/60/90 Day Planking Challenge

Last year, during our 5 Week Workout Challenge, we tried planking for two of the days.  Planking is HARD!  It was so much harder than I thought it would be.  It’s such a great way to build muscle FAST though!  I’d love to try a 30-day plank challenge to see how long I would last at the end of the 30 days.

I think it would be fun to plank in different places every day for different visual content.  The kids would probably love that too!

100 Days of Gardening

I started my first vegetable garden last year.  This year we have been expanding, growing new things and learning more and more about gardening.  Doing a 100 days of gardening challenge would be a perfect way to learn about gardening faster and get a lot of fresh food!




I would love to know how you are going to challenge yourself this summer!  Let me know in the comments!

Homemade Magnesium Oil

Homemade Magnesium Oil

After reading about magnesium deficiencies, I decided to give homemade magnesium oil a try.  The reason I wanted to try homemade magnesium oil instead of buying it is simply that it’s cheaper to make my own.  Plus, I can be sure that nothing else is added to it.

Price Breakdown of Magnesium Oil:
Store Bought Magnesium Oil Average Cost $20.00 per bottle
Tub of Magnesium Flakes (44oz, about 5 1/2 cups) $13.00/Tub=$2.30/Homemade Bottle

I rounded out the numbers for easy math.  Magnesium oil ranged from $13.00 to $35.00, so depending on your choice of brand, the numbers could be different.  However, even with the cheapest store-bought bottle of oil, making my own is still the cheapest option.  My glass bottle was $2.00.   So the final number would be $4.30.  This is still even cheaper than the least expensive store-bought bottle of oil.  Since I can use my bottle over and over it’s even better!

Update: I checked the current prices on Amazon, all of the prices have gone up since I have purchased my supplies, but making your own is still more affordable than buying a premade bottle.

It was really easy to make once I gathered all of my ingredients.  It would have been even faster if our little Princess hadn’t run off with my funnel.  Why kids think funnels are the greatest toy ever, I have no idea, but I am constantly finding them all over the house.  Unable to find my smaller funnel, I settled for the larger one.  I’m so glad it fit in my bottle!

I started by heating filtered water in my electric tea kettle.  Then I measured out 1 cup of magnesium flakes.  I poured them into a bowl big enough to accommodate both the flakes and the water.  I knew my 8oz bottle held a cup of water, but with the added magnesium flakes, I was sure I would have leftovers.

Pouring the flakes into the bowl was a treat for the ears.  The kids loved hearing the little pieces tinkle into the glass bowl.  They almost sounded like little glass pieces.  I picked up a shard to examine it and found that it even glittered in the sunlight.  My son picked one up and then complained of burning fingers, so I had him wash his hands.  His hands were slightly damp so the magnesium must have been absorbing into his skin.  I didn’t notice any tingling, burning or irritation as I had read about, so I hoped this meant I wouldn’t experience it as bad when I sprayed it on later.

I then measured a cup of hot water and poured it over the flakes.  I noticed that they instantly started dissolving.  I grabbed a fork and gently stirred until they were completely dissolved.  The water was slightly cloudy but began to clear as it sat.

I poured the mixture slowly into the funnel and checked to make sure I didn’t overflow the bottle.  I did end up having half a cup of the mixture left over.  I’m going to use it to make some magnesium cream for the kids.

Recipe

1- 8oz bottle (Find it here)
1 chalkboard label  (I use the 1×2 stickers)
1 Chalk Pen (Find it here)
1/2 cup magnesium flakes (I use this one)
1/2 cup hot water

Bring water to a low boil.  Pour 1/2 cup magnesium in a glass bowl.  Add water to the bowl.  Stir until dissolved.  Pour mixture into glass spray bottle once cooled.  Spray magnesium oil on lower legs after showering and massage in.

After the bottle was ready to go I excitedly sprayed it down my arms, legs, and stomach.  Maybe because it was warm water still, it immediately began to tingle.  I massaged and rubbed it into my skin.  Then I noticed that it really began to burn.  It makes me laugh to think of the description I read as a tingling sensation or a mild irritation.  In truth, it felt like thousands of tiny needles pricking me.  It wasn’t incredibly painful, just incredibly irritating.

I rubbed my hands over the irritated areas and it helped to stop the “stinging”.  I made several “Notes to Self” for future reference.

Helpful Tips

  1. Don’t spray on eczema. Thankfully washing it off the eczema patch stops the burning instantly.  After re-rubbing my arms, I kept getting more magnesium oil on my eczema on my hand.  I put my eczema cream on it and it helped protect the area so I didn’t have to keep washing my hands with water.
  2. Don’t rub between the thighs or in any other sensitive area.  I had read about avoiding sensitive areas, so I was careful to only spray on the tops of my arms and legs.  However, when I was massaging it into my skin, I did forget and rub it too close to my inner thighs and experienced a slight cringe-worthy moment.
  3. Wear shorts or something that makes it easy to access your legs.  I was wearing a maxi skirt and had to hold it up as I rubbed my legs which led to me not paying close enough attention, hence the inner thigh exposure.
  4. The kids would freak out if I did this to them, so I’ll make them a less irritating cream instead.

Despite the tingling sensation, I’m not going to stop using my homemade magnesium spray.  From what I’ve learned, the sensation is temporary.  When I massage the irritated areas, the tingling dissipates for a while.  I think if I am busy working it wouldn’t bother me.  After about an hour the tingling had completely subsided.  From what I’ve read, the burning is a sign that the body is incredibly deficient in magnesium.  The more often the spray is used, the less the tingling will be.

Update

I’ve been using magnesium oil for about two and a half years now.  I’ve learned a few more things:

  1. The spray doesn’t tingle as much when it’s room temperature.
  2. I spray it on the top of my lower legs and not my upper legs.  I also spray it on the lower top half of my arms, not the soft underside. This helps as the skin is tougher in these areas.
  3. The more frequently I use the spray, the less irritating it is.
  4. It makes my skin feel slightly damp.   This feeling doesn’t really go away on its own.  I find that rubbing shea butter or coconut oil on my legs afterward helps it absorb and feel less gross.
  5. I notice that my anxiety gets high if I forget to use the spray for a while.  This means that I’m more deficient in magnesium.

Have you ever used magnesium oil?  Let us know if you try our recipe!

*I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice.  These are my own personal experiences.  Should you feel you need medical advice, as always, consult a medical professional.  If you’d prefer more natural medical help, look into a chiropractor, a naturopath, an integrative medical doctor or a holistic practitioner.

Dear Mom Of A Child With Hyperactivity…

Dear Mom Of A Child With Hyperactivity…

My son has always been on the go.  He’s always been fast, energetic and too curious for his own good.  Unfortunately, he inherited this from both his father and me.  My brother and I were energetic and curious as children and I know we drove our poor Mom crazy.  I’ve heard stories from Nate’s Mom about when he was little too.  One about taking off to the local park alone as a toddler comes to mind.

There is a difference between a normal energetic child and a child with extreme hyperactivity.  Although Mr. Awesome could run circles around me on a normal healthy day, there are days when he is abnormally “crazy” energetic.  When he was 5 years old, he developed an allergy to food dyes and preservatives.  My little guy cannot tolerate them.  They make him hyperactive to the point where he can’t focus or slow down.  There is no reaching him, he’s gone.

I can remember one time when he had been exposed vividly.  He was running around, making loud incoherent noises and banging into things.  I grabbed him into my arms to try to get him to stop.  He flailed around while I tried calling his name.  As he flopped backward across my lap, with a crazy wild grin on his face, his eyes rolling wildly, joyfully screaming, arms and legs waving about, I remember feeling my heart break for my son.  I will never forget that.

Another time, when he was older, we did something we never usually did.  We were running late to meet family and we stopped at Mcdonald’s.  We don’t normally eat at Mc D’s, but we were out in the middle of nowhere and it was the only place to eat for many miles.  After my son ate his food, he told me, “Mom, I feel like I’m going crazy.”  After that he did.  He went into his usual hyperactive world where we can’t reach him.

To us, watching from the outside.  It looks like he is wildly out of control.  He looks like he’s had a gallon of sugar.  It’s frustrating, especially in public with other people watching and judging.  It’s hard worrying about my son and caring for him, but it’s also hard because I know others simply think I can’t control my son.

Over the years, we’ve found that avoiding food dyes and preservatives is what he needs to be functional.  We know when he sneaks candy from his sisters because he goes wild.  Because of this, we’ve stopped buying things that can cause him to react.  I try to find him treats that are safe as an alternative so he doesn’t feel left out.  Unfortunately, we’ve found he also reacts to perfumes and artificial scents in the air since he has an allergy to corn.   So reactions in crowded places are common.

With my own allergies.  I have the unique perspective of being able to walk in my son’s shoes.  With exposure to corn, I develop anxiety.  If my allergy bucket is really full, or I get a big dose of corn, I get extreme anxiety and hyperactivity.  It’s not fun.  I’ve gotten pretty good at avoiding corn, but every once and awhile I accidentally get exposed.  Last week was one of those times.

Normally, if this happens, I try to minimize the damage as much as I can by drinking bentonite clay water and fasting until the feeling has passed.  I try to stay productive and channel my energy into cleaning.  Sometimes I distract myself by playing games on my phone (1010!, Word Cookies and Sims Freeplay) or watching a movie or listening to soothing music. This time, I used the opportunity to write a letter to myself.

I’ve switched it up a bit so that it applies to any parent with a child with hyperactivity and/or anxiety.  Although boys, girls, men and women struggle with hyperactivity, I’ve written this as I’ve written it to myself about my son.  If you’d like to write a letter to yourself and add your name and your loved one’s name, please feel free to do so.

Dear Mom,
The next time your child is going a million miles an hour, remember this.
For your child, having their mind race is not fun, it’s intense.  It’s hard to focus, hard to be still, and hard to remember what you were doing.  It’s like a video that has been sped up really fast and is dragging you along with it.

You can help him.
Be kind.
Be calm.
Speak slow and clear.
Give him one task at a time.
Be forgiving and help him remember when he forgets.
Get down to his level.
Show your love through actions.
Be the rock of stability is his rushing river.
Play slow, soothing music to help calm him and help him focus (The Guild of Ambience or Weightless)
Have a clean, calm environment.
Go outside and and let him run around and soak up vitamin D, it’s good for both of you!
Give him tablet time and take a time out if you need it.
Pray.
Love him.
Breathe.

You can do this!  It’s hard for you, but it’s also hard for him.  Thank you for loving him enough to care to try.

I hope this helps you.  Being a parent is tough, but being a parent to a child with hyperactivity can be extremely challenging.  Sometimes taking a minute out of our day to remember what they’re going through can help when we feel our patience slipping.

What do you do when your child has a hyperactive episode/meltdown?  What are your child’s triggers?

 

Getting Lost on Norberg Trail

Getting Lost on Norberg Trail
Camping, Day 6

When I was researching the area for things to do, I saw Norberg Trail as one of the highlights.  It looked breathtakingly beautiful.  With the rain and our busy schedule, we didn’t get the chance to check it out.  On our last night there, I decided that I would wake up early the next morning and head out alone.

I woke up and hit snooze once or twice.  Half of me wanted to say forget it and sleep in.  The other half knew I’d be mad at myself later for being lazy.  So I rolled out of bed, packed up and drove to the bathrooms for a shower.  Then I set out for my hike!

I felt a bit excited about going alone, as though this was a secret adventure.  Part of me felt guilty for leaving everyone behind, but they all wanted to sleep in any way.  I felt nervous anticipation as I pulled into the parking spot.  Would it be as beautiful as I had hoped?  I do have a tendency to romanticize destinations.

Thankfully, it was as peaceful and lovely as I had imagined.  Walking the short trail to the lake was relatively easy.  There were rocks embedded in the ground to navigate, but it wasn’t as bad as Kawishiwi Falls.  The view of the lake through the pines was delightful.  The fresh air invigorated my senses.  I was ready for a good hike around the lake.

Before I left, I checked out the map on the sign and I knew there was a loop around the lake.  Down near the water, I could see a trail going off to the right.  I knew there was another trail further up near the parking lot, but I thought it was the one that led to the other lakes.  I set off to the right since it seemed to be a clear beaten path.

Everywhere around me was the wonder of creation.  It was hard to resist stopping frequently and photographing the lovely ferns, trees, moss, mushrooms, and plants.  I noticed that there were a lot of mosquitos, so I tried to keep moving.

Every so often, there was a fallen tree across the path.  At a few spots, the path was impassable and had to be trekked around.  It seemed that many had done so before.  I wondered if some of the damage was from recent storms, but on further inspection, it appeared that they were all felled by beaver.

As I got further along the trail, it became more difficult to find the path on some of the roundabout excursions.  I didn’t want to disturb any plants or animals, so I tried to be careful where I stepped.  I had once been attacked by a swarm of bees as a child when a friend stepped on a ground hive.  The emergency room doctor told me that I would most likely be allergic to bees after that since I had around 40 stings all over my body.  Stepping on a hive alone in the middle of the woods was not an appealing idea of a way to start my day.

There came several times where I couldn’t find the trail.  I didn’t know if I had gone off completely or if it was so wild that it was simply difficult to see the path.  Perhaps others had given up and returned the way they had come?  I found it hard to believe that everyone had given up and not continued along.  Periodically I found a trail again, much to my relief, but the majority of it was off-road.

I was swarmed by mosquitoes and I didn’t want to stop for long anywhere.  I kept my hood up on my sweatshirt to protect my head and neck despite the rising temperature.  I kept forging forward, stopping only at completely impassable spots.  I backtracked often, climbed deeper into the woods many times and went up and down steep hills. I often contemplated giving up and going back, but I’m not a quitter.  I think I also held hope that at some point it would get easier.

 

I did eventually get on the trail again near the very end.  It was wide and looked extremely easy to hike on.  Later, while reviewing the map, I found that the trail I went on was not mapped.  The trail I thought led to the other lakes was the main trail.  It made a very wide loop around the lake, far from the water, which is why I didn’t stumble on it till the very end.

The lake wasn’t very large, but the path I took was not easy, so it took a considerable amount of time.  My entire journey was a little over an hour and a half but it felt much longer.  I thought I had been out there for at least three hours.  I estimate the other trail might take someone 30-45 minutes.  By the time I got back to the van, I was relieved.  I was proud of myself for waking up early to exercise and for continuing around the whole lake.  I went on an adventure and survived.  The quote “Get Lost In the Woods” has a whole new meaning.

Even though I got lost and eaten alive by mosquitos, I don’t regret my journey.  Staying on the trail might have been easier, faster and with a lot fewer mosquitos, but the images I got while going off trail are some of my favorite from the trip.  I got to see nature in its wild state.  I found beauty that I probably would not have seen, had I gone the other way.

After arriving back at the campsite, we packed up to head home.  Poor Cat was having anxiety attacks because she was afraid everything wouldn’t fit.  I had her walk away, but she hid just around the corner and came running back when we tried to put stuff in.  Cat is an excellent organizer.  When I go shopping, she makes everything nice, neat and perfect in the cart.  It drives her crazy when everything is out of order.

I had OCD as a child, so I understand the anxiety that having something out of place causes.  I remember having to wash and rinse my glass a certain amount of times.  It used to drive my Dad crazy, maybe because I was wasting water.  As an adult, I get that.  As someone with OCD, I HAD to do it or I felt anxiety creeping up on me, making me feel like the world would end.

Years later, my Dad told me- You know, the glass washing thing you used to do is not a bad idea, it helps cool the glass down so the water is nice and cold when you drink it.  I don’t know if he was just being nice, but it meant the world to me that he was trying to understand and connect.

Once I developed allergies to the entire world, OCD began to creep back in my life.  I remember a day when my Mom asked me for a box of tissues and I almost didn’t let her have it because then I would have an uneven number of tissue boxes.

Later that night, as I replayed the event over and over in my head (Yaaay anxiety), I was trying to figure out why I was acting so crazy.  I mean, it was tissues.  Not sharing was selfish.  I didn’t really care about the tissues.  I love my Mom and I enjoy giving her things.  I couldn’t have an uneven number of tissue boxes though.  Yes, I admit I was a bit slow to come to the realization that the OCD might be back.

Now that I know what my food allergies are, the OCD isn’t as bad.  I would say it’s almost non-existent most days.  Although a messy house always makes me feel freaked out.  I’m not saying my house is spotless, it’s usually a mess.  There is a tipping scale that makes me freak out though.  If the kitchen is messy, I can’t breathe.  The kitchen must be clean.

When I have a large amount of exposure to allergens close together, also known as a full bucket, the OCD comes creeping or slamming back.  Bad exposure makes the volume of OCD turn up high.  I clean and clean and clean.  Although it’s nice to get some cleaning done, the panic that happens in my head is never fun.  I’m always thankful to get back to normal after an allergy flush or detox.

Anyway, back to camping!  We got everything into the van and Cat managed the rest of the time packing with her outward OCD volume turned down.  I’m sure inside it was still high, but I’m proud of her for gaining control.

On the way home, we stopped at a thrift store in Cloquet.  Cat got some anime(manga? Or anime?  I can never get those two straight.) and Cupcake got another book.  The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful.  Nate drove the first half and I drove the remainder.  We unpacked and enjoyed the rest of our day in the comfort that only home can bring.

Have you ever gotten lost while hiking?

Check out our video!

5 Week Workout Challenge
Previous Week: Week 5, Day 2: Kawishiwi Falls

Did you miss Camping, Day 5?  Read about it here!
https://cisforcomfort.com/went-2341-feet-underground/