Kombucha - Trying this again

I decided to give my journey into the world of kombucha a second try.  The first time I tried it, we will just say that I didn't care much for it.  It was too vinegar tasting for me.  It didn't matter how long or short I brewed it.  It then molded within the first month.  I have no idea what happened, but it was all bad.

So, I'm trying again.  I'm on my second brew.  I have my second ferment going with my first brew.  Right now we have grape Jun and grape Kombucha, as well as one grape/blueberry Kombucha bottled up.  

What is Kombucha?  Let's venture into the website from House Kombucha.

"Kombucha is an ancient fermented tea-based probiotic beverage.  Kombucha has been revered as a healing tonic for at least 3,000 years.  It is believed to provide healthful micronutrients and bacteria beneficial to digestion, detoxification and immunity.  Worldwide, people make and drink kombucha for the way it make them feel, alive, healed and replenished."

What are the benefits?  Let us look at Kombucha Kamp.  This is an amazing site for all Kombucha questions.

"However, Kombucha Tea is JUST A FOOD – a naturally carbonated, healthy tonic enjoyed by those who brew and consume it regularly, often throughout the day in small doses. People are usually very loyal to their daily Kombucha consumption, and consider the drink healthy for a number of reasons, such as:

*Contains living bacteria and yeast
*Substituted for sugary sodas or multiple trips to the coffee pot
*Acts as a snack or pre-meal hunger control
*Alkalizes like vinegar or lemon juice – balances internal pH
*Compounds in the drink may bond to and help excrete toxins from the liver – happy liver = happy mood
*May speed metabolism
*The acids present may improve digestion or alleviate constipation
*Improved flexibility & fluidity of movement
*Smooth energy from low levels of tea
*Relieve headaches & migraines
*Antioxidants & polyphenols from the tea are partially fermented and so more bioavailable
*Kills h.pylori on contact
*Certain acids present are considered candida-cides..."

Here is a picture of my Scoby (the "mother") and my Kombucha Tea.

This is how I make it:

Make 3 quarts of boiling water. Dissolve 3/4-1 cup organic sugar (or reg sugar, or honey but not raw) in the water. Put 4-6 tea bags in. This can be green tea, black tea, or any tea that doesn't have oils added. Let it steep until the tea is cooled. Remove the tea bags, pour the tea into a gallon jar, add in your scoby, and cover the top of the jar with a towel or coffee filter. Then you wait 7-10 days. When it's where you like it, pour all but 2-4 cups of the kombucha liquid out, and start over. 

The kombucha you poured out can be drunk right away, or you can bottle it with fruit to make flavored "pop". 

So, I'm currently trying again.  We shall see how it goes.  Let's hope I don't have any exploding bottles.  Ha ha ha

Working out and preparing for my second 5K!

I'm posting a lot.  I have a lot to say, and do what to cram it all in one post.

I've been reading into my exercise routine.  Hannah and I ran Week 3 Day 1 of the 10K Trainer yesterday.  It was easier than I remembered it being.  It was a 90 second run, 3 min run, 90 second run, and 3 min run.  It doesn't seem like a lot, but it is when you haven't run a lot.

However, we have only 10 weeks before the 5K.  We should be well into the 10K Trainer by that point and running over the 3.1 miles.

I'm also part way into my 30 Day Challenge (30DC).  I am up to 16 pushups (don't laugh), 38 squats, 38 bridges, 85 second plank, and 16 tricep dips.  It goes up daily, so tomorrow will be higher.

What else?  DDP Yoga as well.  I'm not as good at keeping up with it, but I'm trying.

Hopefully I will be getting in better shape by the end of the summer.  :)

I will also add that I am amazed at how the endorphins from working out help with stress.  Wow!   Several weeks in and I'm relaxed.  I'm happy.  I'm stress free.  I love it.


I'm adding my before pictures. This was from Feb 12, so I'm not updating for a while.  If I ever have anyone read this... Sorry.  I have pictures.  Hey!  I've had 9 kids.  Leave me alone!  Ha ha ha!

Measurements:

Feb 13, 2016

Full hips - 41.5
Belly (button) - 38
Thigh - 25
Arm - 13.5
Calf - 15
Underbust - 34.75
Bust - 38
Neck - 13

Anyway...

Chili and Game Night

Tonight we are going to have a fun little night.  I've been so excited all week, craving chili.  I'm making it now.  It consumer a few hours.  Then we get to eat.

However, an unexpected delivery came today.  I was getting a board game sent for a review.  Amazingly, it came today!  It took less than 48 hours to get here.

Soooo, tonight we are playing our constitution trivia board game!  I'm really looking forward to it. It will be a fun historians for the kids schooling too!

A Positive Attitude

It's amazing how a positive attitude can change so much about your life.  It's been almost 6 months since my last post.  I have worked hard at changing my trot use and bettering myself.  I have managed to pull myself out if the funk that I had slipped into.  Instead of focusing on the negative I've worked on making my life better.  I am concentrating on the positive, and the positive has multiplied in my life.

I am doing amazing with my kids.  My patience is so much better.  My relationship with my hubby has grown exponentially.  I am flirting and snuggling more.  Something I had stopped doing.  Everyone is happier, and life is amazing right now.

I have learned to down out the bad thoughts and to listen to the happy ones.  I am still not where I want to be, but I'm getting there.

I am a great person.

I am a great mother.

I am a great wife.

I am a Daughter of God.

I am worth all the good in the world.

You are too.