7 Tips on How to Hate Running Less, Edamame yes or no?, and More in Today's Monday Mix-up!

Good morning readers! I'm getting right to the links I've found for you because the kids are waking up soon!!!

Looking for Leaders on Climate? Follow the Women Farmers — this article and the video there pulled me in. Maybe it's because since I read the Lopez Lemong book to the kids, Running for My Life, I have extra empathy for those suffering in poor countries.

In case you missed the Kitchen Kop *monthly* blog recap, you can check that out here and read my apology. (I'm very frustrated and feel so bad you guys!)

Have you brushed up on your coconut oil knowledge lately? I just updated this post with info and other links on what the various terms mean, what are the health benefits (there are many!), how I use it, and where to buy it: What is virgin coconut oil and why I love it!

I have to tell you about the BEST book I read last week! It started with a read-aloud, which we do together every day around here, and normally we all love it. But the kids just kept complaining about the newest book, Mara, Daughter of the Nile. “We can't stand this book Mom, let's read something else!!” However, I was SO into this book and decided, forget it, I'll just read it myself. So I hopped on the treadmill and finished it one afternoon. I was shaking it was so intense, and the ending was so good I had to go back and read it over a few times since! So if you want a really good book, go get Mara, Daughter of the Nile, it's only $7. (I just realized today that it was written in 1953, interesting…) OH, one more thing, I also just realized that the same author wrote our last read aloud that the kids liked (not loved), but I loved it too: The Golden Goblet. Okay last one, a similar style of book, but different author — again I loved it, the kids not so much: The Bronze Bow. I have to nail it again on our next read aloud or I'll have a mutiny on my hands. Any suggestions??

Here's a physician who is actually pro-vaccines, but he says, “American Academy of Pediatrics, you have lost your vision and sold out to big Pharma. Vaccines are wonderful for most children, safe for most children, and should be given to most children, but on a different schedule than the CDC schedule.” Read the whole article.

Here's another article from a guy I don't *fully* agree with (I don't think all vaccines are safe and wonderful), but I agree with his main point: always ask for thimerosal free vaccines! (Send that article to anyone you know who is pregnant.)

Did you see that the free BOUGHT movie viewing time has been extended through next weekend? CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE BOUGHT MOVIE and Learn The Truth About Vaccines, GMO’S & Big Pharma

Edamame is a natural plant food so it must be a healthy snack, right? Not so fast… “Bottom line is that the quantities of antinutrients and toxins in the edamame collective add up quickly. Edamame can thus put you at risk for digestive distress, thyroid disorders, immune system breakdown, reproductive problems, etc.” Read more of Dr. Kaayla Daniel's Q and A session on edamame.

A little more info on why it's best to avoid soy in your diet. And here's some nutrition information to consider for vegetarians.

We had company over the weekend and I didn't get much posting done last week, so this guest post from Jill sure came in handy! Did you know that Chaga is a woody mushroom that grows on birch trees? Not only does it have many therapeutic and health-promoting qualities, but it also makes a delicious coffee alternative! Mine is on its way and I can't wait to try it, let us know, have you tried it? Learn about the benefits of chaga tea, along with the easiest way to make it.

Here's the other post I put up last week… Did you know that U.S. food regulations allow ground nut husk to be scented with cinnamon bark oil and sold as ground cinnamon? It also allows the addition of flour to prevent this “cinnamon” from caking! So, as with the olive oil industry, it pays to know what you're getting, and I've got an incredible source of cinnamon for you: Click here to learn more: Why and Where to Get Fresh Cinnamon.

We have a string of gorgeous spring-like days around here (think it's really spring?!), so yesterday I went for a long walk with my friend, Sonia, who walks fast and has longer legs than mine so it's a work out, I tell ya. Today I'm going for a run, which I haven't done in a while, so it's good that I just found this article: 7 ways to make running feel less terrible. I do #1 a lot, usually while calling a friend or a sister to chat a while, then I'll sprint some, and I alternate back and forth like that. Here's another post you may want to read: Is endurance cardio GOOD for you? And another: My 4 tiny tips for beginning runners.

That's all from here, have a good week everyone!