Bug Spray DIY

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I wrote this post last year but it’s relevant every summer.

This is somewhat counter-intuitive, but bugs do not like essential oils. That always struck me as odd since bugs and plants seem like they should be natural friends, but I guess the strength of essential oils is off-putting to them. This works out really well for us because we can lather ourselves up with essential oil laced products and smell divine while playing in nature, without having to endure the nasty smells and questionable ingredients of over the counter bug sprays. Citronella is an essential oil that is already commonly used in mosquito repelling products such as candles, but there are other essential oils that can be just as effective and perhaps more appealing to put directly on your body and/or your clothes.

One way to take a precautionary measure before even getting dressed in the morning is to apply a body oil with essential oils on your arms, legs, and stomach. To make a body oil, you just need a base oil or a mix of base oils such as sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, or jojoba oil, and add whichever essential oils you want to wear. Almost any essential oil or blend of essential oils will deter bugs, but especially good picks are lavender, peppermint, thyme, and lemongrass. You will want there to be 5-7 drops of essential oils per 1 teaspoon of base oil. (There are 6 teaspoons in an ounce, so aim for 30-42 drops of essential oils per ounce.) Make sure to shake the mixture before blending, and allow time for the oil to dry before putting your clothes on for the day to avoid oil stains. This can be reapplied throughout the day, but it is probably easier to make a spray for day time reapplication.

To make a bug spray, add essential oils to distilled water with at least a teaspoon of vodka, or use witch hazel instead, in a spray bottle (preferably dark glass) in the same proportion as above, 5-7 drops of essential oils per teaspoon of distilled water. You can spray this as often as needed on yourself throughout the day and it will help deter bugs and also provide a nice little scent pick-me-up when you do so. Again, any essential oils will be helpful, but the ones mentioned above would be a great place to start. Of course, citronella is always an option too.

4573EC2A-90F2-4FA1-AEC9-5A5BAE907BA21.jpg

In Valerie Ann Wormwood’s book, The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, she gives this recipe for a great blend to keep away the little buggers:

4 drops Thyme

8 drops Lemongrass

4 drops Lavender

4 drops Peppermint

She recommends putting a couple of drops of this blend on a cotton ball at night and placing near open windows or around your head or body, especially while traveling. Another technique for traveling is to add a couple of drops to boiling water and placing it by an open window or if you are sitting outside, right on a table next to you. Even very hot water in a mug will dissipate the essential oils, so as long as you travel with an essential oil or two, or a blend like the one she suggests above, you don’t need to worry about a diffuser.

I actually do like to take a little terracotta diffuser with me when I travel. They are quite small and do not require any heat, so it’s a convenient option. These make cute little gifts as well, and are one way to easily use essential oils in your car or in other places where you don’t have the option to light a candle or use an outlet.

If you do happen to get bitten or stung by an insect, lavender can be applied neat to the area. Applying essential oils to the body without a carrier is 99% of the time NOT recommended, but lavender is one of the few that can be applied without a carrier and it actually is quite good for burns, bites, and other skin issues. Do use caution if you have sensitive skin though.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your bug-free outdoor time! Please share this article with anyone who might be interested in flower powered bug repellent.

In case you missed the links above, here’s more information on making your own body oil: https://botanicalalchemyandapothecary.com/body-oils-diy/ and more details on making a body spray: https://botanicalalchemyandapothecary.com/essential-oil-sprays-for-body-and-home/.

Olde Wyves Tales

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Wild plants

One of the most engaging aspects of herbs is their lore. Women in particular spent a significant amount of time growing, gathering, processing, and using herbs all day, every day, for much of humanity, so of course a literature of its own grew around them. Because herbal knowledge was passed on through oral tradition, many rhymes and rhythms were involved for easier memorizing. Keep in mind that for most of humanity’s time, the majority of people were not literate, and even when the populace started to learn to read and write, it was the males who were educated long before females. Grandmothers had no other options for passing along remedies, rituals, and traditions than through songs and poems. By the way, I recently learned that wife (wyfe in old English) was just another word for woman before it had the marriage connotation, just as ‘wort’ is the old word for herb. When you see a plant with wort in the name such as mugwort, motherwort, St. John’s wort, etc, then you know it’s had a long history of herbal usage.

Herbs have such rich lore attached to them that they can be tied to certain planets and/or astrological signs, or the moon or sun, they are said to govern over certain professions and/or aspects of life such as willows are the tree of poets and artists while bay laurel is the herb for creativity, they of course each have many medicinal attributes, divination use, and roles in rituals and rites. They also have their own language such as a red rose given from one person to another means romantic love, while rosemary means friendship and remembrance. There are many charms and symbolism with herbs as well, and since we could all use a bit of luck, protection, and magic, here are some ideas to consider:

Growing sedum, known as hens and chicks, will protect your home and garden, especially from lightning. Here’s a traditional rhyme about it:

“Round and green, hen and chick Sting of burns allay Rosy leaves will stick and prick But keep lightning away”

A white hawthorn hedge protects the garden and home from bad luck and mischievous spirits.

Feverfew hung in the house cleanses it and wards off disease as well as treats melancholy when applied to the head. (Make a crown of feverfew and I’m sure you will be jolly indeed!)

Garlic wards off evil and disease. Putting a sprig of mugwort in your shoe prevents weariness, however, if you do this on Midsummer’s Eve you run the risk of being carried off by a white fairy horse which will then leave you stranded! This one is timely for the quarantine I’ve heard~ if you have had a falling out with your spouse, you are to each give each other pennyroyal to make amends. Growing sage assures a happy house and that the woman there is the master. Eating sage ensures a long life as this traditional rhyme promises: 

“Those who would live alway Must eat sage in May.”

I don’t know about you but I want to plant all the plants possible just to be on the safe side because it seems they all have their specific domains to give luck and protection to. This is a very small snapshot of herbal lore of course because it is a vast history with variations as plentiful as the individuals who passed this history on. If you enjoy this aspect of herbalism, I recommend the book, Mugworts in May by Linda Ours Rago, which is where I got most of the above little tidbits. I hope your July is magical and your hearth and home are protected and graced with luck for the rest of the year.  

 

 

After Sun Spray DIY

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Happy July and Happy Canada Day to all of the Canadians! I’m sure we are all pretty happy to enter into the second half of this unusual year. Here in the Seattle area there is a common understanding that summer weather does not begin until July 5th, and true to form it’s windy, drizzly, and cool this morning (see above pic). The sunny days are coming though and if your skin tends to burn easily, this after sun spray is easy-peasy to make.

Peppermint and lavender will be the stars for this after sun spray, as well as aloe vera juice and/or witch hazel. Peppermint needs to be used with care because it can irritate sensitive skin, so although it is cooling, use it in moderation. Lavender’s healing effects on burns started the study of aromatherapy as we know it, so it’s fabulous on its own in this recipe if you don’t have peppermint or are too sensitive to it. Aloe vera is a great plant to have around your house in case of burns, or the juice can even be used as a facial mask for its firming action. Witch Hazel has tannins which help soothe sun burned skin and you can use it alone as the base if you don’t have aloe on hand.

–2 oz spray bottle (preferably dark glass)

–1oz witch hazel (can be plain or infused)

–1 oz aloe vera juice

–10 drops lavender

–5 drops peppermint

–Store in the refrigerator for up to one month, or use 2 oz witch hazel instead of aloe and store for 6 months in a cool, dark place.

Don’t forget to label your bottle with what it is and the date you made it. Writing down your recipe for next time is always beneficial too, as well as any notes such as ‘too much peppermint’ or ‘try aloe juice next time’.

May your July be a fresh start to this year with many happy summer days ahead.

 

Another Update and St. John’s Wort Folklore

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Summery path through greenery

In last week’s post I mentioned HopTea but hadn’t tried it yet. From the packaging to the taste, this is so similar to beer that honestly I didn’t care for it because I have never liked beer. My sons both liked it though (what is it about males and that beer taste? I swear it’s innate!) but my oldest liked it best and drank the bulk of it quite happily. He would love me to keep in stock so now I have another thing to add to my grocery list! They have ones with caffeine too, which seems ideal for people who want a beer taste without the alcohol or the sedative effect. Although I don’t care for the beer-like taste, I still think this just a really cool, unique herbal product and appreciate the simple, clean ingredient lists. The packaging is excellent too although it was a bit confusing at first to figure out if it had alcohol in it or not. I scoured the can, then their website, and it seemed not to have any, but just to make sure I did ask the company and it is indeed free of alcohol.

Aiden enjoying HopTea

Since this is St. John’s Day (June 24th) which is why St. John’s Wort is named such (blooms this time of year and considered the best day to harvest it), I’d thought I’d share a fun little folklore of the herb. Most know this herb for its anti-depressant actions, and some know it is also anti-viral and externally eases aches and pains, but there is still more to this herb.  St. John’s Wort has been used for hundreds of years as a protector and wound healer, and also used in divination. Because it is flowering around summer solstice, there are many variations of rituals for young women to divine who their future husband is and/or how long it will be until they are married. One way is to pluck a few flower tops in the dewy morning on solstice, in secret of course, then place them under your pillow and you will then dream of your future husband that night. Or, hang the fresh cut solstice flower tops on your bedroom wall and again, you will dream of your future husband. Another version actually begins the entire story line of a cute little-known book called The Lark by E. Nesbit where the main character uses St. John’s Wort on a summer solstice night along with an accompanying magical rhyme to see the face of her future husband. This takes place right after World War One and I love how herbs were still such a part of life in the not so distant past. E. Nesbit is known for her children’s stories by the way, so although The Lark is not labeled ‘young adult’ it would fall into that category I believe if it were written today. It’s a fun little read for an adult too, but perfectly appropriate for young adult or even middle grade readers if you are looking for summer reading options for your kids. And if you are disappointed that you missed this magical night of marital prophesy and now have to wait an entire year, rest assured you can sleep with a rose petal under your pillow and dream of your future spouse any night of the year.

If you are the crafting sort, I have a couple of videos on making St. John’s Wort tincture and several on making herbal oils so you can follow those directions using fresh St. John’s Wort. I don’t have a video making St. John’s Wort because it is one of the only herbs that does need to be fresh, not dried, in order to make oil and I have never had access to a large amount of fresh flower tops.

Enjoy the magic of summer.

Product Reviews Continued

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First of all, I have to say that I’ve already ordered more ultima replenisher from my last blog post. My oldest son and I both like to workout and after enjoying those electrolyte replenishers for a few days we were hooked. electorlytes

My youngest son did not miss out on the samples. Since he is the only one in the house that eats dairy and gluten, he was the guinea pig for the Iconic Protein Drink that is made with organic, grass-fed dairy. He is hard to please when it comes to anything food related but he loved the drink and said he’d definitely drink it again. It has 20 grams of protein which is great for a growing teenage boy so I’ll be looking to get more of these too.

He was also the one who got to sample the Eagle Foods Popcorn Indiana Movie Theater Butter Popcorn and he loved that too. My other son sampled the Eagle Foods Kettle Popcorn and he said that was very good. He liked the slightly sweet taste combined with the saltiness. Both have very short, straightforward ingredient lists that I appreciate, and are a lower calorie snack then a regular bag of chips.

Kettle popcorn info
Movie theater popcorn info

The St. Dalfour fruit spreads are not new and are something I buy off and on when looking for jam. They are tasty and I love the packaging (I’m an admitted sucker for packaging) which shows off its French origins and French-method recipe. (OK, I’m sucker for all things French too!) This is the type of fruit spread you can add to a gift basket or give as a hostess gift with some scones for spending the weekend at someone’s cottage and it will be a perfect treat. Or just use it everyday pb&j sandwiches like I do~ that works too.

We still haven’t tried the HopTea because it has calming, relaxing herbs in it which is perfect for right before bed, but I keep forgetting about it because I drink hot herbal tea every night and that can is in the fridge. It’s ingredient list is very short actually, just carbonated water, chamomile, and hops, which sounds so different and intriguing. I’ll have to write myself a note to remember to try it tonight! They have other flavors as well and I really like the fact that they are just herbs and/or tea, and carbonated water.

These all were part of the New Hope Influencer Co-op blogger box which I occasionally receive throughout the year and I don’t receive any payment for talking about these items, just as a reminder.

Thank you for reading and I hope your solstice is a good one!

 

New(ish) Natural Foods and Supps

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I just received a box of samples from the New Hope Influencer Co-op of which I am a part. Since it just arrived on Monday, I haven’t had a chance to try most things, so this will be continued next week. The first two things my family and I tried are worth talking about now though. The first thing I did was throw the sugar-free cookie mix from Pyure Brands into a bowl, added vegan butter and flax meal to replace the egg that it called for, and then ignored the directions which said exactly how far apart to drop the batter. I decided to save myself from cleaning up another pan and put them way too close together, so I ended up with a sheet of cookies that had become one, and when I tried to cut them up my youngest noted they looked like the shapes of countries. They are still good though and my sons don’t seem to mind a bit that they are sugar free and oddly shaped. Cookies can be any shape and still be good! But if you make these cookies, you might want to follow the directions all the way through.

The other product one of my sons and I tried is the Ultima Health Products’ Replenisher. I will now have to keep these in stock all the time because they are delicious and so refreshing after a workout. I rarely think about replenishing electrolytes and salts after a workout and tend to just drink a lot of water, but you can feel the difference when you take in something with added post-workout oomph to it. My son really loved it after his run today. He tried the grape and I tried the raspberry and we both thought the taste was just right in a slightly sweet and fruity way, without being sickly sweet nor too kool-aide-ish.

I will give out more information about these next week when we have a chance to try more of these items.

Stay well everyone and just think, you are living through one year that will certainly go down in the history books many times over and it’s not even half way over yet!

Sustainable Businesses Owned by BIPOC

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There is an herb to heal just about everything, but there is no herb for injustice. Voices and actions are needed and now is the time. I don’t know what to do honestly, but I’ve seen some suggestions to white people who want to be allies to give their space over to BIPOC people, so in that effort I am highlighting some brands and lists of sustainable BIPOC-owned brands. Please take a look and if you feel called to do so, follow, share, and buy from these brands when you can.

This first list has sustainable fashion and beauty brands:

https://www.restitchstance.com/black-owned-ethical-brands-to-support-this-black-history-month-and-every-month/

This next one has a list of sustainable fashion brands BIPOC owned:

https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/ethical-fashion-brands-owned-by-women-of-color

Natural foods list:

https://www.eatthis.com/black-owned-food-brands/

All the wellness categories are covered here:

https://www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/black-owned-wellness-brands/

This is a holistic and natural body and beauty care company:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Thirddaysoapsgarden

I will add to this list as I learn more and I’d love your help. If you know an herbal shop, natural foods/products brand, or some other sustainable company that is black-owned, please let me know.

Thank you.

Olive Leaf for Immune Support

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I have a several posts about immune support but I haven’t mentioned olive leaf yet. This is a great option if you are looking for a high antioxidant boost as well as immune system support. Barlean’s, which is located just a couple of hours north of where I sit and type, (they are in Ferndale, Washington, so if you know where Bellingham is, then you probably know Ferndale), sent me these samples and I’m so impressed with the taste of the liquid! The literature makes a point of saying that they know “it doesn’t taste like candy” but actually the liquid is minty just like a really nice after dinner mint. It’s the only one of the three products I’ve tried so far but I assume the throat spray tastes similar and the capsules are capsules so there is not a lot of tasting to do.

Olive leaf is known for being high in polyphenols which are those antioxidants that berries, grapes, tea, and others are known for, and the reason wine became known as a health-promoting drink. Olive trees are extremely hardy and can live up to 1,000 years so there is obviously something extra about these plants, and that something seems to be the polyphenol, oleuropein. There are studies indicating olive leaf as an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral, and there was a gold-standard scientific method clinical study that confirmed oleuropein was able to beneficially change the white blood cells’ response to invaders from immune havoc to immune balance. In other words, it really works in supporting the immune system’s prime function.

I’ve been taking a tablespoon of this liquid in about 1/2 cup of cold water and it tastes great. They have some recipes for using it in teas which I’ll share below, but really it’s so tasty I use it as little refreshing treat in the middle of the day. Here are two teas they suggest:

Sweet Dreams Tea:

  • 1 Tbsp Olive Leaf Complex peppermint flavor (pictured above)
  • 1 Chamomile Tea bag
  • 1 Tbs raw honey
  • Hot water in a mug

Apple Cider Cinnamon Tea

  • 1 Tbsp Olive Leaf Complex peppermint flavor (pictured above)
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp raw honey

It’s good to mix up your immune support supplements just as it’s good to mix up probiotics and adaptogens, so this has been a great find. I’ll add this into my rotation between astragalus, elderberry, and mushrooms, and use several of them when I feel like I might be coming down with something.

I hope you are all staying healthy and enjoying this spring (in the northern hemisphere).

Be well!

Sunscreens (Toxic and Nontoxic forms)

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Since we are approaching Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, I thought I’d repost this from a couple of years ago. Sun protection is important but you want it to be nontoxic to both you and the environment. Here’s a quick refresher on what to look for and what to avoid.

It’s that time of year again when we are bombarded with messages about sun safety and the need for daily sunscreen. That refrain has become a little dissonant lately though with more and more people questioning the ingredients in their sunscreen, with good reason. That ‘protective’ layer can house some awfully hazardous chemicals that have actually started to be researched as potential causes of cancer themselves, as well as having other undesirable qualities such as hormone disruptors, allergy-causing, and skin penetration. To review the specific chemicals and their risk factors, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), check out the graph located in their article here. They list oxybenzone as the most hazardous chemical in sunscreens, so it is a good idea to double check that at least that one chemical is not in any of your sunscreen products.

The alternative to chemical sunscreens is mineral based sunscreens which are considered safer. Jessica Rubino, in her article for Delicious Living, explains mineral sunscreens in this way:

Mineral sunscreens use active mineral ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. They reflect the sun’s rays like a mirror to protect exposed skin.

UV protection

When buying sunscreen, protection from UV rays should be your top consideration. In that sense, mineral options take the prize, according to the EWG. Zinc oxide, in particular, delivers the best UVA and UVB protection (also known as broad-spectrum coverage), says Leiba. “Mineral active ingredients don’t break down as readily in the sun, offering greater protection for longer.”

Ingredient safety

Generally speaking, naturally derived ingredients used in mineral sunscreens are gentler than chemicals. Still, some considerations remain. Avoid titanium dioxide in powder or spray form; the EWG claims it’s linked to toxicity when inhaled. Also, it’s worth reading up on nanotechnology, which creates tiny particles that are often used in mineral sunscreens to make them easier to rub in. Since labeling regulations of nanoparticles don’t exist yet, ask manufacturers directly about their policies. EWG maintains that nano in sunscreen is safe, but research continues. (There do exist non-nano mineral sunscreens, such as the one from Babo Botanicals below.)

Appearance

Other than those that use nanoparticles, mineral sunscreens simply don’t rub into skin as well, often leaving a white film. In the quest for mineral sunscreens that apply more evenly, some  companies are trying non-nano ingredients, such as an aloe base and ZinClear, a zinc oxide. If you choose a safe mineral classic, expect to take an extra minute to rub it in.

In another article from Delicious Living, the following nine sunscreens were given the safety rating of 1 (safest!) by the EWG. Compare that to oxybenzone which has an 8 (out of 10) rating and it’s clear these mineral sunscreens are a far safer bet. That being said, I do want to point out that from what I have read and also gathered from my naturopath, people really need half an hour of sun on their faces and bare arms every day, without sunscreen, for proper amounts of vitamin D. Here in the Pacific Northwest, as well as other places around the country and world, proper amounts of vitamin D are not even possible without supplementation because of the lack of sun for many months out of the year. Vitamin D is important for immunity, skin, bone, and mental health, and blood pressure concerns, plus a lack of vitamin D has been implicated in breast cancer and prostate cancer, as well as many other chronic health conditions. Keep this in mind when determining your sunscreen usage. It’s not only important to choose your ingredients wisely, but also to know how to use your products to ensure optimal health. The following are listed alphabetically:

Andalou Naturals All-in-One Beauty Balm, Sheer Tint, SPF 30

andalounatural-sunscreen

With well-rounded complexion protection, Andalou’s BB product not only uses minerals to shield from harmful rays but also to lend a subtle, “sun-kissed” tint to skin. Fruit stem cells and superfruits provide an antiaging and brightening boost, too.

Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick Sunscreen, Fragrance Free, SPF 30

babobotanical-sunscreen

Containing 20 percent non-nano zinc oxide and a cocktail of nourishing botanicals to sooth the skin (think avocado oil and cocoa seed butter), this new launch a clear winner in safe sun care, and the EWG rating agrees.

Badger Unscented Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 35

badgerfacestick-sunscreen

Badger continues to raise the bar for safe sun care, this time focusing on developing effective nontoxic preservatives specifically for mineral sun care. Badger’s line includes products for the whole family; this easy-to-apply face stick contains 22.5 percent zinc oxide for superior active lifestyle protection.

California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen, SPF 30+

californiababy-sunscreen

A brand that has rightfully earned the trust of moms, California Baby once again delivers on baby-centric safety, according to the EWG. Ideal for little ones, this fragrance-free product offers a comfortable application that is also sting-free for the eyes (moms can use it as a gentle-on-the-complexion option, too).

Goddess Garden Everyday Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30

goddessgarden-sunscreen

A go-to for anyone seeking daily, no-fuss sun protection, this product contains an efficacious blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in a base of soothing aloe leaf juice, shea butter and coconut oil. Plus, it’s organic. A great choice for your body—and the earth.

Hampton Sun Sunscreen Lotion for Baby, SPF 45

hamptonsunforbaby-sunscreen

Another extra-gentle, excellent choice for babies, this product complements its UV-protective mineral blend with soothing chamomile and sunflower oil.

Jersey Shore Cosmetics Anti-Aging Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 35

jerseyshore-sunscreen

Sun protection is your No. 1 defense against aging. But extra protection is a major boon. Top-rated by the EWG for its UV protection, this SKU also contains vitamins E and D3 for antiaging prowess.

Juice Beauty Sport Sunscreen, SPF 30

juicebeautysport-sunscreen

Tailor-made for an active and beautiful lifestyle: Protect with chemicals, support with plant extracts, antioxidants and vitamins.

Mineral Fusion Mineral Sun Stick, SPF 30

mineralfusion-sunscreen

Mineral Fusion knows what skin needs—and the company is no stranger to delivering it with carefully crafted mineral formulations. This product starts with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, then gives skin a vitamin and antioxidant boost.

In short, avoid chemical sunscreens, especially ones with oxybenzone in them, and instead opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Also, if you must use a spray sunscreen, only use ones made with zinc oxide, not titanium oxide, because the EWG lists it as unsafe when inhaled in that form. Enjoy the sun and please subscribe for weekly posts about herbs, natural health, and green beauty, and please share with anyone who might benefit from this article.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Not a Recipe

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I have never been so tired of cooking in my life. I know some people have become inspired by this lock down and groups of friends are exchanging recipes in chain letter fashion, but not me. I was asked to join one of those recipe exchanges and I declined, not because I didn’t want to share a recipe but because the thought of 36 emails coming at me with recipes I had no intention of making was more than I could stomach. (Pun intended.) There are three of us here, two of us eat relatively the same with avoiding gluten and dairy, and the other one is extremely picky, lives on gluten and dairy, and refuses to eat leftovers. Adding to the meal plan disruptions, the boys have taken full advantage of the online schooling and are sleeping until late morning or early afternoon, while I’m still waking up at dawn-ish so our timing is all off. That actually isn’t quite as bad as it sounds because the boys are teenagers and can eat pretty much anytime, all the time. In other words they can have breakfast at 11:AM and lunch at noon no problem. If I let it, this all means I can be in the kitchen making one meal after another all day long and by dinner time I’m not happy about it. In regular times the boys take care of their own breakfasts and lunches on school days, so I’ve tried to keep that going in this strange time, but for some reason it just hasn’t worked like that more days than not. Probably because if I’m making myself food, it’s just not possible to not end up making them food as well. So, the default dinner has turned into either gluten free pizzas, one with dairy and the other not, or gluten free and vegan mac n’ cheese, or its more posh cousin, pasta with Alfredo sauce, also gluten and dairy free. I thought I’d provide an overview of these with reviews in case you too are looking for the easiest way to get dinner on the table with as little effort as possible.

For pizzas, I use Trader Joe’s gluten free flat breads that can be found in packs of two in the refrigerated session. For one son I add Trader Joe’s vegan pesto, shredded vegan cheese, red onions, and turkey pepperoni slices. For the other son I add regular red sauce and shredded mozzarella or an Italian cheese mix. For myself I add 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil to each flat bread (I make each of us two flat breads at a time), sea salts mixed with herbs, extra basil, oregano, and rosemary. I cook these on 425 for about 10 minutes and make up a salad at that time for one of my sons and myself, and cut an apple up for the other.

Makes great bread sticks
Ingredients are gluten, dairy, and egg free
Easy gluten-free focaccia

Whole Foods has a vegan Alfredo sauce that the boys love. I’ve never tried it but they are happy to eat it any time with either Trader Joe’s gluten free penne or fusili. We sometimes get Jovial’s gluten free pastas which are a treat but usually eat the Trader Joe’s versions more often. My gluten and dairy eating son likes all these too by the way. That is saying a lot.

3D23850A-6297-4043-852D-09248F1F0D1A

Daiya’s mac n’ cheese and Alfredo boxes have been my sons’ go to meals of late. Again, both my sons love these which makes my life so much easier. To be honest, I’ve tried these and I don’t really love either one, but my sons think they are awesome so it doesn’t really matter what I think. I can eat them if I really don’t feel like making myself something different, but usually what I do is saute garlic, broccoli, onions, and smoked salmon to eat on top of the Daiya boxed food. (One son eats it all together, one needs them on separate plates.) I put the sauteed food on top of a salad or eat it on some other carb such as leftover rice which we almost always have. Easy enough. (The pics below are off their respective websites because I need to go to the grocery and get more.)

The last gluten free and vegan mac n cheese we have tried lately is Annie’s. This is the kind that needs to be mixed with non-dairy butter and milk, but I personally think this one is better than the Daiya. My sons disagree and since I’m making it for them, I’ll stick with the Daiya, but if you try the Daiya and are not thrilled, give Annie’s a try. I liked it.

Organic Gluten Free Vegan Cheddar Mac

What are your quick dinner ideas when you don’t feel like cooking? Or are you cooking up a storm and loving it? Whether you are relying on boxed foods or letting your inner Julia Child come out to play, do whatever it takes to stay sane during this strange time.