With the launch of our big new project a mere 2 days away, we’re working overtime here at the Vintage Remedies office. There are so many important details about the new program that we don’t want you to miss. So, even though we can’t tell you what it is just yet, we can give you some pointers of things not to miss when it comes out. (And you might just call these subtle hints about the awesomeness of the new launch!!)

1. Giving Back. We’ve always dreamed of having a one-to-one aspect to Vintage Remedies, but haven’t had just the right project to make that work. Now we do and we’re so excited about this feature of the new launch. So, when we make our big announcement Tuesday, don’t miss the “Giving Back” tab on the right!

2. Connections. This new launch will have its own facebook fan page, twitter page and newsletter – completely separate from the regular Vintage Remedies pages. On these new pages, we’ll post even MORE practical tips for natural living. Don’t forget to sign up, like us and follow us! (And here’s a hint – you’ll earn more entries in our giveaways when you do!)

3. Benefits. This new launch is extremely versatile! It benefits the workplace, medical professionals, families, childbirth professionals and so many more people! (Confused yet? It’ll all make sense Tuesday…) So, if you’re a medical, childbirth or wellness professional, an employer, a mom or a part of a family (that’s everyone!) be sure to click on the “Benefits” tab to see how this new launch will best benefit you and your unique needs!

4. Completely Unique. Sometimes we take a concept that’s already being done and do it better. We did that with our Herbalist courses, and are proud to offer the best available! But sometimes, we get a little creative and come up with a completely new idea that’s never been done before. Like Vintage Remedies for Girls, Guys and Kids. We love both types of projects, but this one is completely unlike anything else. Make sure you read through the description to fully explore all of the great features and components of the new launch. Trust us – having worked on each individual aspect of the project, we know there are features galore!

5. Exclusivity. We’re thrilled about this new launch and expect it to be a HUGE hit. To share our excitement, the first 25 to participate will benefit from some special savings. Unlike our previous releases where the pre-release phase was determined by a specific date, this one is restricted to the first 25, so you don’t want to delay. Plus, there are big benefits to being the first in your area… you’ll see why on Tuesday!

Excited yet? We are! We’ll be posting more giveaways soon. The next three will have a combined retail value of OVER $500! Definitely stay posted, enter the giveaways and join us Tuesday for the big announcement. We know you’ll love it as much as we do. See you then!

(Note: I have some new guest bloggers that will join us from time to time! These guests are students at Vintage Remedies or staff members with some great things to share. This is the first post by Elizabeth Battle, Clinical Master Herbalist student.)

The holidays are often accompanied by a great deal of food-induced guilt. Many of us find ourselves feeling overstuffed and ready to commit to a New Year’s resolution of dieting and exercise.

Of course, overeating is not healthy no matter what food you’re consuming. After all, too many calories are too many calories! But healthfully prepared and eaten in moderation, traditional Thanksgiving fare can benefit your body and bring you health for the upcoming holidays and New Year.

Cranberries

Whole cranberries – not the sugary, canned jelly – are very nutritious. Their high levels of Vitamin C are welcome additions to the diet during cold and flu season, and cranberries’ high levels of antioxidants make them valuable sources of nutrients. They have antibacterial properties (hence their reputation as a urinary tract preventative and treatment). Fresh berries are optimal, but frozen berries are a close second. Much of the Vitamin C is lost in the drying process, but dried berries still retain their antioxidants. In November, these little berries are at their seasonal peak, so they are less expensive and fresh ones are readily available in most grocery stores. Try this raw alternative to processed cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving:

Blender Cranberry Sauce (4-6 servings)

Put the following into a blender:
-2 cups fresh cranberries
-1 peeled, segmented orange
-1 peeled, chopped apple
-1 cup of sweetener such as evaporated cane juice, honey, dates/date sugar, agave nectar, etc.

Add unsweetened cranberry juice, orange juice, or water to get the mixture to a blender-friendly consistency. Then just blend and serve.

Turkey

Turkey – especially free-range, organic turkey – is a good source of lean protein when healthfully prepared (hint: not deep-fried). Turkey has riboflavin (Vitamin B2), phosphorous, and selenium. The latter is an antioxidant trace mineral that has been implicated in blood sugar regulation. Brush a whole turkey or turkey breast with olive oil before baking, and your turkey will be a tasty, healthful dish.

Green Beans

Put away the canned soup and fried onion rings and serve these crispy green vegetables coated with flavorful herbs and spices. Green beans are full of vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins C, K, and A, iron, calcium, and several B vitamins. They also have those coveted Omega-3 fatty acids, a bit rare in a plant food. Try steaming a pound of them lightly and tossing them with 2 teaspoons of organic butter, ¼ teaspoon ground mustard, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon minced chives or scallions, and a generous dash of garlic powder. You can also combine them with antioxidant-rich tomatoes in a baked dish.

Baked Green Beans and Tomatoes (5 servings)

Saute in 1 tablespoon olive oil until translucent:
-1/4 cup chopped onion

Stir in:
-2 cups steamed or lightly cooked green beans
-1 cup diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
-1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (use less if using salted canned tomatoes)
-herbs such as oregano or marjoram to taste

Pour this mixture into a greased casserole and top with:
-1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (fresh or dry)
-1/2 cup grated, sharp cheddar

Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Try something new by giving traditional Thanksgiving foods a bit of a make-over this year. And have a healthy Thanksgiving!

- Elizabeth Battle

Elizabeth Battle is a freelance writer and editor who has a lifelong interest in herbs and natural health. She is a homeschooling, single mother who is currently studying with Vintage Remedies and working on a book about her experiences in the Appalachian mountains. Elizabeth lives in West Virginia with her son, various chickens, three cats, and a dog.

When it comes to sweetening our homebaked goods, it is often difficult to convey the importance of choosing natural sweeteners over refined white sugar. After all, you can get a bag of white sugar for a few dollars, whereas a bottle of good maple syrup will run you well over $10. How do you justify the expense? A sugar gram is a sugar gram, right? Not exactly.

Natural sweeteners are not only the option for the posh with money to spare in the grocery budget. The health benefits they offer far outweigh the cost difference – and the cost could be a great factor encouraging us to reduce that total number of sugar grams so that it fits into a more ideal part of our well balanced diet.

For example, researchers found 13 brand new compounds in maple syrup this year, not to mention the 20 antioxidants they found. These compounds provide antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and even anti-diabetic benefits. Yes, anti-diabetic. So, while refined white sugar can lead to diabetes, natural maple syrup has compounds that can help prevent diabetes, adjusting for the sugar content. In other words, by consuming the food the way God created it, the risks associated with sugar consumption are addressed by the protective compounds that are included within the syrup.

Maple syrup is also a source of natural minerals such as calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium and B complex vitamins.

For our Vintage Remedies School of Natural Health students – most of these compounds are flavonoids and phenols. It is believed that the phenolic acids are secreted as a result of the stress caused by the tapping of the tree to remove the sap.