Produce – March 13, 2013
By admin | March 11, 2013Here is the weekly list of produce available. Please contact us for current prices and availability (as it is first come, first serve). We sell it individually or as a package (at a discount). You must contact us at least 24 hours prior to the date of the title of this announcement so we can ensure we pick some for you. Pickup is between 11:00am and noon at our Odenville location.
Several kinds of lettuce (including arugula)
Braising greens
Spinaches
Radishes
Cooking Herbs (like thyme)
Garlic greens
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Fresh Produce Available Again
By admin | March 10, 2013When 9G Health Foods began, our sole purpose was to distribute local and organic health foods to the customer’s door. This vision was paused for a while, but we are happy to announce that starting in mid-March, 2013, WE WILL BE OFFERING FRESH-FROM-THE-FARM PRODUCE AND FARM ITEMS AGAIN!!!!
Teaming with several local farmers, we will be offering all the great foods your body craves (or should be craving)!
Now, I have to tell you, being in the health food world for over ten years, I cannot say that I have EVER TASTED PRODUCE THIS SWEET, PRODUCE THAT LOOKS THIS GOOD, AND IS SO NOURISHING. It does not even compare to high-end grocers. Here’s a sampling of the off-season menu.
Take a look at what was available in January (and this is considered the “off” season):
- Greens – Collard, Turnips, Mustard
- Lettuce – Mache, baby micro-lettuces, baby romaine, butterball, arugula, spinach, Radicchio & still more!
- Sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes)
- Bok choy – 3-4 types including purple
- Radishes – white and red
- Cabbage – Savoy, purple
- Broccoli and Broccoli Rabe
- Carrots – soooooooo good, small, tender and sweet
- Fennel
- Herbs – Garlic chives, thyme, cilantro, parsley
All of this wonderful produce is grown on local farms using sustainable practices, heirloom & non-GMO seeds and in micro-nutrient rich soil.
ARE YOU INTERESTED YET?????
Sign up below to get the latest information. You can also contact us directly to ask about more specific details. We offer quite a bit of flexibility in this program to hopefully meet your family’s needs. Currently we are offering:
- Shares (where you get a basket each week)
- Select Produce (a bit more expensive, but you can pick and choose)
- Optional Add-Ons (add a dozen eggs, for example)
- We’re here for you…let us know what you need, and we’ll let you know how we can help
And make sure you sign up for our Farm Produce email list:
Make sure to check the main page often for updates throughout the season!
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Storm Shelters
By Chris | February 11, 2013
After going through an F-5 tornado and having the house we were in ripped out from above us, we decided it would probably be wise to get a storm shelter. So, we researched the options locally and not only bought one for ourselves, but are also selling and coordinating installations of these great shelters. These shelters are made of steel, are easy and quick to install, and come in a variety of sizes to suit your family’s needs. Each shelter is 6′ 6″ tall on the inside. Shelters start at $4,290 for a 5′ x 6′ (which seats 4-6). You can go with the larger 6′ x 6′ for $4,590 (seats 5-7), and a 6′ x 8′ runs $4,790 (seats 6-8). Contact us for your storm shelter, and we can give you estimates on installation costs for your location as well. Realize these are primarily for the Birmingham, Alabama area, but we can arrange to have the shipped to just about anywhere in the USA.
Once installed, you can either finish with a concrete slab, or simply leave the top as dirt / grass. The door is designed to lay flat making for a very low profile design.
The all steel stairs with no slip pads make for easy access for when it counts. The shelters can be custom designed for larger families or even neighborhoods. All our built according to FEMA 320/NSSA standards or better.
Contact us with questions. We’d love to tell you about ours and hopefully get one installed for you!
Topics: Emergency Prep | No Comments »
Avoid Visits to the Doctor’s Office this Cold Season
By Mercy | January 25, 2013As the winter months are coming on, I thought it appropriate to revisit the topic of children’s health and a few home remedies to have on-hand BEFORE sickness happens. While many mothers view illness as an unwelcome interruption, I view it as a blessing for three reasons. 1. It is a wake-up call that something is not working in our home. I carefully evaluate what we have been eating and are we getting enough sleep? What are the stresses in our lives at the moment? In, short what do I need to fix. 2. I use it as a reminder to not take my children for granted. Everyday is a gift. Children are a gift. Health is a gift, and 3. I use the time to grow closer in my relationship with my children and pray with and for them during their trial.
Even though we can do a lot of preventative care at home, there will be times that a doctor’s visit is necessary. A few months ago, we had to make an unexpected visit to our local Urgent Care facility. My son needed some stitches. As my husband and I sat with him for a “short” wait, I had over two hours to observe the demands of a doctor’s day. I was amazed to find so many “emergencies” in the children’s waiting room. One mother next to me had a five-year-old daughter who “hasn’t eaten since yesterday afternoon.” (I was surprised, by-the-way, to see such an ill child running so ferociously in and out between patients!) To the other side of me was a single mother with her newborn, who appeared to have an ear infection. Across from me was a family of two children and their mother. They appeared to have a fever and flu like symptoms; but the soda seemed to help.
Although slightly embarrassed that we knew nothing about giving a stitch, I was more embarrassed at the lack of know-how we posses as a society to care for minor grievances and ailments. As the government dollar stretches ever farther to reach the demands of a sickly people, the people become more dependent and less likely to figure it out themselves. The purpose of this short synopsis is not to denigrate the medical profession. I believe that there are many circumstances that require allopathic care, especially in the case of emergencies. However, in many instances, we have at our disposal the necessary means to help the discomforts, or dis-ease of our family.
Here is what to have on-hand BEFORE sickness happens: (these can be purchased from a health food store or homemade)
- Elderberry syrup – immunity boosted. A must-have for colds.
- Arnica – bruises and inflammation. Comes in topical or homeopathic tablet form.
- Ear oil – make an infusion of 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 1 clove garlic (mince garlic, soak in oil for 30 minutes, strain, use 1 drop per ear two times per day). Alternatively use 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 2 drop tea tree or lavender solution. Administer the same as garlic oil.
- Red raspberry leaf tea – use for flu and stomach virus. Give to others in the house to prevent spread of illness.
- Hybiscus leaf and mint tea – used for any type of oncoming flu, cold or general “yuk” feeling. Add stevia or honey to sweeten.
- Hypericum homoepathic tablets – used to stop toe and finger throbbing pain.
- Chicken stock – made from simmering bones for several hours, onion, and garlic – for colds.
- Essential oils – be sure to use “essential” not “fragrance” oils. Place 15-20 drops in a crockpot filled with hot water. Leave “on” and add more oil/water each day as needed.
- Rosemary and eucalyptus – coughs, colds and flu symptoms.
- Clove, cassia (cinnamon) orange and bergamot to refresh the winter home as well as make a “front” against germs. Clove is especially useful to fight infections.
Additionally, avoid “anti-bacterial” soap, synthetic air fresheners (including public restrooms if possible), food coloring, MSG, processed foods, bleach and other environmental toxins. Include in your diet LOTS of berries and citrus (cranberry and orange relish would be appropriate this time of year), root vegetables such as potatoes and onions, and cultured foods such as homemade sauerkraut and other vegetables. Also use “sweet” spices liberally this time of year: cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Make lots of homemade applesauce and spiced fruit (sweeten with honey, rapadura or maple syrup).
As of course, WATCH for signs of illness: stress, exhaustion, irritability, lack of appetite etc. and start a course of action (soup, tea, elderberry syrup, sweet spices, citrus etc.)
Lastly, enjoy this poem:
There is a medicine cabinet entrusted to my mother’s care
I see her standing there in the recesses of a restless night
Reaching for her salve to relieve my ache.
I do not know how she found it or where she learned to be an apothecary, I just know her as Mom.
Come to me Mama when I’m weak, let me know that I’m not alone and that I am loved. When others are too busy, don’t be far off. Rock me in your arms and sing me a lullaby. Let me forget my pain by being taken in your prayers. Like warm tea, let your love trickle down my sore throat. Like healing oils, be a balm of health to my soul.
Mama, Are you there?
Topics: health | No Comments »
Rent a Solar Pathfinder
By Chris | January 24, 2013
Our newest product, the Solar Pathfinder, is an ideal solution for gardeners or those planning to install their own solar panels. Using the sun’s predictable path across the sky, you can determine with accuracy the amount of shade or sun a location will receive…at any time of the year. Incredibly handy to determine what to plant in what location. Even better to help determine exactly where to locate those solar panels you were thinking of. Need it for just one or two uses? We rent them! Contact us today and inquire about renting a Solar Pathfinder.
Topics: Solar | No Comments »
2012 Christmas Specials
By Chris | December 12, 2012Looking for a few last minute items for Christmas? Why don’t you replenish those Berkey Filters! Our PF-2 fluoride filters are on sale for $37.50 a pair! That’s almost half off the full retail price. The manufacturer recommends changing them after 1000 gallons of use per PAIR of filters. That may come sooner than you think. Actual life is dependent on the presence of other competing contaminants in the source water. High levels of fluoride, arsenic, and heavy metals may reduce the capacity and efficiency of the elements.
What about your main filters? We’re offering another sweet discount for a combination of two Black Berkey filters and two PF-2 fluoride filters for $137.50. And most of our filter orders ship with 2-3 day shipping included at NO EXTRA CHARGE!
Restock those filters TODAY!
*** REMEMBER, PF-2 filters ONLY work with Black Berkeys. Have white ceramic filters? You need PF-4 fluoride filters. Email us for a similar discount! ***
*** INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS – Mention the $5 discount and we’ll take $5 OFF the actual costs of shipping. You have to email us anyway to get a shipping quote. ***
Combo – Only $137.50
Black Berkeys (Pair) – Only $107.00
PF-2 Special – Only $37.50 PF-2 – $48/pair
Topics: Water | No Comments »
Free Drill Bit Adapter
By Chris | October 12, 2012From October 12th through December 25th, 2012…with every Wonder Junior Deluxe Handmill you purchase you will receive a FREE Drill Bit Adapter. The Drill Bit Adapter has a $29.95 retail value and allows you to run your Wonder Junior Deluxe Handmill fast and easy with your electric drill. This has become our best selling attachment for The Wonder Junior Deluxe Handmill.
Simply remove the handle, attach the bit to your drill, slide bit over the end of the shaft, hold it snug, and let the drill do all the work.
This is a great alternative to motorizing your Wonder Junior. You may already have a heavy duty drill that will work. If not you can buy a heavy duty drill and this attachment for much less than a motorizing pulley and a motorizing setup, plus you can use the drill for more than your grain mill.
We recommend using a variable speed drill so that you can keep the speed low to prevent prematurely wearing out grain mill and making a mess. The manufacturer recommends that your speed should not exceed 160 RPM, about twice as fast as you can crank it by hand.
Normally $29.95, or FREE with purchase of a Wonder Junior Deluxe! (Free Shipping, either way)
See our other Wonder Junior parts and accessories.
Recommended Drills
For Milling Hard Grains (Like Grains & Beans):
We recommend two drills, but realize that almost any will work. First, for a great low cost option that works well, try the Dewalt 8 amp:
Additionally, for a little more power, you may consider the Dewalt 9 amp:
Either will work well, but the latter has a bit more power behind it.
For Milling Soft Items (Like Nuts & Coffee Beans)
Just about any drill will work for soft item, even a cordless drill will work for milling very soft items. Keep in mind that some drills are hard to keep the speed at the recommended speed.
Warranty Notice
Per the manufacturer, using this Drill Bit Adapter does NOT void the warranty of the grain mill. Motorizing your mill using the pulley and a motor will, though. (10/16/12).
Topics: Kitchen Appliances | No Comments »
New Swim Tops
By Mercy | May 28, 2012
We’re pleased to announce that we are carrying a new accessory to the Mother-Ease swim line…the Swim / Sun Tops.
Whether choosing boys or girls Sun Tops, these are the best. Cut and styled to compliment our swim diapers. The girls’ tops have a designer A line cut with a ruffled cap sleeve for added partial sun protection. They are so adorable.
The boys’ cut is straighter with more conventional lines. Shoulder inserts set this top apart and the short sleeve offers great sun protection where most needed.
Sun Tops not only help prevent sun burns, they are also effective in maintaining body temperature when children are in and out of the water, a little like a wet suit. Ideal for infants in swim classes.
Get your Swim Tops today. These match perfectly with our Swim Diapers.
Topics: Baby | No Comments »
How Long Do Berkey Filters Last
By Chris | April 3, 2012A common question we get is, “How long do my Berkey filters last?”. That’s a great question!
The manufacturer recommends that they be changed out every 3000 gallons. So, when you use 2 filters in your system, that means you should only change them out every 6000 gallons. Each filter can handle 3000 gallons and since you have two, each is only filtering half the water that goes through your system. So, if you use 4 filters, you would change them out at the 12,000 gallon point. With a Royal Berkey which holds about 3 gallons, that means you would change them out after about 4,000 refills (yes, that is a LOT). So, figure out about how often you refill your Berkey and do the math. And yes, we are happy to help with the math if numbers hurt your brain. :-) Once you figure out that approximate date, we recommend that you write that down on a sticker and affix it to the bottom of your Berkey (on the dry side of course).
Now, all that being said, there are some things you can do to extend the life of your Black Berkey or Super Sterasyl Ceramic filters. First off, make sure the water you put into your system is as clean as practical. For tap water, this is not a problem. But, if you use your system to filter out creek or pond water, we recommend that you use a T-shirt or other cloth as a pre-filter. Simply put the cloth over the top chamber when you fill it up and it will filter out all of the “big stuff” such as algae, mud, etc. This allows the Berkey filters to focus on the small stuff.
Next, when you see your flow rate decrease through the filters, clean your filters using a Scotch Brite pad under running water. This will get much of the particulate off the outside. However, you’ll never be able to clean the inside of the filter. So, when you’ve done this and the flow rate does not increase to an acceptable level, then you really know that it is time to change the filters. They simply have too much “gunk” clogged up in them. Often times, that may be beyond the 3000 gallon/filter mark, so you really have to use flow rate as the true mark of when to change them out.
Realize that two different companies manufacture the two different filters, so they each carry a different warranty. The Black Berkey purifiers carry a 2-year prorated warranty, while the Super Sterasyl ceramic filters only carry a 6 month warranty. All warranty work is handled via the manufacturer, but we are happy to help facilitate that for our customers!
So, if you have any questions about whether you should change your filters out, please just give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to help you out!
Topics: Water | No Comments »
Wonder Junior Auger and Grinding Plate Differences
By Chris | February 14, 2012We’re always learning new things every day. Today we learned that the Wonder Junior had a different style auger for the first batch or two that came off of the assembly line (early to mid-2008). This original auger had more of a square head to it. As such, the plates (both stone and stainless steel) were also designed that way. After these first few mills, the auger was redesigned to include more rounding. The plates were also redesigned to match the new auger.
In 2011, the auger went through another redesign, but the head on it did not change. It is interchangeable with the previous model, so most customers are able to swap out augers if you would like to try the new one. However, if you have one of the few original sets out there, you would also need to upgrade to a new set of plates (stone, steel, or both). You only need the new front plate, so as long as we have some in stock, we can offer them at a reduced price from a complete set (front and back plate).
You can see a picture of the original style heads below as well as a picture of the new design of the part that connects into the front plate. Note the flat versus rounded sides. Alternately, you can grind the new auger to fit inside the old heads, but you may prefer to just upgrade to a new set of burrs.
Topics: Kitchen Appliances | No Comments »
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