What's all the hipe about Buckwheat pillows?

I have never in my life paid so much for something that is in its self a by-product. The fact that anyone would pay $80.00 for a pillow who's outer material is simple cotton, and who's inner filling is what is left over after they hull buckwheat, has never really made any sense to me.

There are many awesome benefits to using these pillows though, firstly they are awesome comfortable.... Think memory foam, only all natural, and non toxic. I have also read in several places that Buckwheat are non allergenic. My two asthma kids have no issues with their pillows now, and they sleep very comfortably. Buckwheat breathes, if you make the pillow out of cotton, and use a cotton pillow case, you will never wake up sweaty again, the pillow wicks moisture from you, and it seems that dust mites don't like them.

So after researching buckwheat pillows and why on the web, I decided it was in my best interest to just make one for myself. Now finding your buckwheat hulls is another story. Since they are all the rage right now be careful about just ordering them from the Internet, since you will most likely get over charged. I order mine through my favorite health food store in town. The owner orders huge 50 lbs sacks for me, and when I say huge I mean it. The hulls themselves are very light weight, so 50 lbs is a lot.

Then I take a a pillow case and I cut my material roughly the size of the pillow case. Sew the seems at 5/8 of and inch, but leave yourself a hole roughly the size of a glass at the end (so you can put your hulls in. Then turn it right side out. I like to stitch a second seem on the outside as well,, better safe then sorry. Spilled buckwheat hulls are a nightmare to clean up.

After you have the case sewn then use a simple canning funnel to pour your hulls in. I like mine to weigh about 4 1/2 to 5 lbs, and the cool thing is that you can reopen it and add more or take some out to suit your likes. I like to weigh mine with a fish scale (very inexpensive), then close up your hole, and Voila` you have a buckwheat pillow that sells for WAY too much money and it cost you literally a few dollars to make.

A few hint's instead of buying new material for your cover, just cut up a favorite old sheet, since you will definitely put a pillow case over your pillow to protect it, who cares what the cover looks like. Just in case you haven't noticed there is a lot of buzz about Lavender lately, and I can say that it's right on. I make tea from Lavender flowers at night to relax me, I put Lavender Essential oil in my baths and I put satchels of lavender in my buckwheat pillows. The smell is subtle and it is so relaxing to breath deep the sent of calming Lavender before I close my eyes at night. Next time I make one for myself, I am going to put Chamomile in there as well.

Have fun, and perfection is not the purpose, the purpose is a comfortable, healthy, supportive pillow that will last you for years.

MUST read Books!!!!

Here are a list of books that I think are important for every woman, parent or believer to read, I will give you a link to each one on Amazon, but please try e-bay, or your local library!

Complete Jewish Bible I love this version of the Bible. You get a real Hebraic feel, and can see a more accurate accounting of names and Yahweh's feasts and festivals. The only complaint I have is that the translator did not use our God's true name, he followed the Jewish tradition of not using the true name of God, I suppose it was to keep from misusing it.

Nourishing Traditions I LOVE THIS BOOK! What a blessing Sally Fallon is. This book, which is technically a cook book, has opened my eyes to a way of life and cooking that has been lost for decades. I don't like the shellfish recipes, as I eat kosher. But everything else is amazing. It will do every mom good to get this book, read it, learn it and implement it. Not everything will sound good to you, but work with the recipes and tweak them to suit you and your families taste.

Unassisted Childbirth This author changed my life. Laura Shanley is a pioneer of the Freebirth (Unassisted Childbirth) Movement. Her book gives you no nonsense information on how to have a home birth, and why it is important. I feel that you absolutely have to read this if you are planning a home birth. Even if you are planning to have a midwife, there is always a chance that she wont make it on time, so the knowledge you glean from this book will be power for you and your family.

Created To Be His Help-Meet What an amazing eye opening read this was for me. I feel that all women should read this book, take what you like and leave the rest. You will be able to figure your man out, and understand what he needs to be happy, and then how amazing is it that you will be happy as well. My marriage was transformed by this book. Please Please Please, read this if you are married or plan to be married.

To Train Up A Child If you are having any issues with your children this book will save you. I always had a hard time figuring out what I was doing wrong with my children, I loved them a ton, I protected them from everything, and I didn't spank them. Funny how they were just about out of control. Talked back, didn't listen, fought with each other and just about drove us NUTS!

Then a friend of mine turned me on to this book, and our lives are peaceful and awesome. The number one thing that children need, BOUNDARIES! This short book will give you all the tools, that with God's help will transform your household, and create loving and respectful children.

On The Questions Of Jesus I received this book free of charge at an awesome event I attended put on by Michael Rood Ministries. The Author and his wife were at the event and she gave me this book, as I didn't have money to purchase it. It has been a complete blessing to me. Don, has combed through the New Testament and asked all the questions that Yahshua asked, and then gives you some wonderful in site into how it applies to our lives. I love to read one a day and pray and meditate on it. I truly feel that Yahweh is working with this author, if you are blessed enough to find a copy of this book, you will be a happy believer.

The Unschooling Handbook Wow! If you are wondering what Unschool is, this is the place to go. I know that I struggled with the concept for years until I read this book. The author puts unschool into sharp perspective but quoting family's all over the country, they give their ideas and typical days. You will get a full picture of how to introduce learning opportunities for you children, what to watch out for. It's very helpful for parents who are trying to shake this western Greek idea of education and how children need to be 'exposed' to an education rather then taking it for them selves.

Wise Woman Herbal For The Child Bearing Year One of my best friends is a Lay Midwife. She told me about this book, and I am so impressed. This author gives you a no nonsense list of Herbs, that are essential for us a women to have in our daily diets, to support healthy cycles, ovulation and pregnancy. There are several pages on breastfeeding and postpartum issues. The only problem I have with this book is that in the beginning there are herbs listed to help with a 'natural' abortion, and herbs that will make you sterile. I personally don't think that those things are ok. But to each his own.

How To Raise A Healthy Child: In Spite Of Your Doctor The title says it all. I have stopped taking my children to the Dr. for everything, and only for the really big issues. You NEED to read this book. Very informative!

Farmtown for learning?

This might come as a shock to some, but I am advocating that everyone figure out a way for their children to play Farmtown. For those who haven't heard of it, Farmtown is an interactive game that you can play from Facebook. At first I refused to even look at it, figuring it was stupid and that I would be wasting my time, but now that I have played for awhile and allowed my older children to play for a few days I gotta say Wow, what a learning game.

Not only do they learn about farming (yes a simple form to be sure) but they also learn about money (saving and spending), you have an opportunity to work for other farmers, and hire others to work your farms. They get a chance to work on their spelling and typing skills, as they chat with friends and family, and send and receive gifts. All in all I love it, and so do the kids. It really warms my heart to see them working to save enough money to buy a barn, or animal they really want, because I know that in a limited budget household like ours, they wont get very many opportunities to work with money in real life, so I am super glad that I can give them this chance to practice these important skills.

And for those who are unfamilluar woith facebook, it is a social netwqorking site that you can connect with friends and family. Unlike myspace it seems relatively innocent, and you can be sure to only have family and friends on your friends list. Strangers hardly ever ask to be friends with you, usually only if you are in a group (home schoolers, ER fans .....) together.