Thursday, June 30, 2011

Is your energy being zapped?

If you drink iced coffee for energy, you may want to check the ingredients.  Some syrup flavors contain sodium benzoate which will zap the energy out of your body.  The additive is also found in Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper and some flavored water and fruit drinks.  Coca Cola elimated its use in 2008.  Try ordering organic syrups next time you look to boost your energy with coffee.

More than half of women are deficient in Potassium which will cause fatigue.  This is due to fluctuating estrogen levels that leads to potassium loss.  Warm weather and high salt diets can cause a minimal drop in potassium making you feel fatigued.  A simple hair analysis can pinpoint potassium levels.
If you take magnesium and potassium together, you could feel more energized.  Aim for 400 mg of magnesium and 4,700 mg of potassium.  Eating food like spinach, avacados and bananas can help fill the patassium needs.
When it is hot outside try drinking coconut milk to help replace electrolytes lost through sweat.  Coconut milk contains 600 mg of potassium.
Himalayan salt helps promote a healthy mineral balance.  Place 1/4 cup of himilayan salt crystals in a jar and fill it with water.  Let it sit covered overnight.  Mix 1/2 tsp. of solution into a glass of water and drink 15 minutes before breakfast.
Stay energized by promoting a healthy mineral balance...

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Quick bits about foot fungus, exercise and prescriptions

Lavender oil isn't just for a good night's sleep.  It also contains antifungal properties.  It helps to fight off  skin and nail problems such as althlete's foot.  Try adding 20 drops of lavender oil to a tub filled with hot water and soak your feet for 20 minutes at least twice a week.

Did you know that just thinking about working out makes you eat more?  Cornell University states that those who read about exercise ate 701 caleries of snack later on -- that turns out to be about 340 more calories than those who only answered personal questions.  Next time try thinking about the health benefits and not the slimming effects of exercise.  Exercise only slims if the diet is adjusted.

How are you feeling about the prescriptions your doctor has written for you?  You may want to check to see if the doctor has been paid to promote the med or not.  In 2009 eight pharamaceutical giants began to pay doctors for prescribing certain drugs and ProPublica wants to tell you about it.  Between 2009 - 2010, drugmakers gave doctors $320 million to promote their meds.
 Log on to Projects.ProPublica.org/DocDollars

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Myths that you should know for the summer.

Salt water will not heal a wound.  It will only increase the risk of infection.  Dab some unpasteurized honey on it instead.  Honey will destroy bacteria and start new cell growth.  Cover the honey with a bandage and let the healing begin.

Don't put ice on that sunburn!  Ice will hinder healing.  Instead, make it a spa night and soak in a cool bath containing black tea and oatmeal.  Both will cut healing time in half.  Add two cups of tea and one packet of Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment.

Go ahead and add Mayo to that next picnic salad.  Mayo reduces the amount of bacteria in salads which helps prevent food poisoning.  Add honey to your food before you leave home to give it time to kill off lingering germs before it hits the hot sun.

Don't use deet the next time you want to ward off mosquitos.  Use the oil of lemon eucalyptus which offers more protection than low concentrations of Deet.  Try Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent.

Milk can prolong flare-ups with poison ivy and does not soothe it.  Instead try washing the area with Dawn, Palmolive or Joy dishwashing detergent and let dry.  These cleaners will break down urushoil and reduce itching, redness and pain by 56 percent.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

4th of July drink recipes!

All American Stripes
Dip the rim of a martini glass in water and then dip it in 2 Tbs of white sugar crystals.
In prepared glass, combine 1 oz. each of chilled cranberry cocktail juice and grenadine.
Over the back of a spoon, slowly pour 2 oz. of Blue Curacao into glass; repeat process with 2 oz. white chocolate liqueur.  Glass should appear striped with red, blue and white.
Blue Banner Wave
In a shaker with ice, combine 3/4  cup white cranberry juice, 1 oz. blue curacao and 1/2 oz silver tequila.
Shake and strain into glass.  Garnish with edible white flowers.
Fireworks Flair
In shaker with ice, combine 1/2 cup cranberry juice, 1 oz. vodka, 1/2 oz each of blackberry brandy and triple sec.  Shake and strain into glass.  Add blueberry ice cubes.  Garnish with berry skewer.

Enjoy and have a safe and fun holiday!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

What to do with citrus peels?

Next time you go camping throw some orange peels in a baggie to take along.  Why?  Do you have a hard time starting the fire?  Toss the peels into the kindle before lighting the fire.  The flammable oils in the orange peels will help the peels catch on fire quickly and burn slowly which makes them ideal for starting a fire.  You will also experience a little aromatherapy.
Here's a recipe for summer ready skin:  1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup finely chopped lemon peel (or other citrus), then add enough olive oil to form a paste.  While in the shower, massage the citrus peel scrub in circular motion into your body.  The sugar and peel particle will slough away dead skin while the citric acid will act as an astrigent and tighten your pours.  The Vitamin C will refresh your skin and brighten it.
Does your glassware sparkle and shine?  If not, next time you do dishes drop 1/4 - 1/2 cup of citrus peels into the water and steep for 5 minutes.  Wash your dishes as normal.  The peels' citric acid will help dissolve the mineral deposits and soap scum that cause cloudiness.  Let it shine!
Remember those moth balls that grandma used to use?  Throw them out!  Cut off the foot of an old pair of panty hose and stuff 2-3 Tbs. of dried citrus peel in it.  Tie off the opening and place the sachet in your closet or storage trunk.  The citrus smell will repel moths and leave your clothes smelling fresh.
I love dipping bread in olive oil so here's a fresh idea!  Cut the peels of 3 lemons, 2 oranges, and 1 grapefruit.  Avoid the white pith and place them in a food processor with 1 cup of oil.  Pulse until well blended.  Let stand at room temperature for an hour.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.   It's perfect for salad dressing, fish or my favorite, dip bread into it!  Yummmm!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

The Boat Pose (Paripurna Navasana)

Strengthens and tones the abdomen, legs and back.
Improves balance.
Tones the intestines.
Limbers the lega and hips.

Begin in a seated postition with your legs lengthened in front of you on the floor.  On an exhale, lean back and begin to raise your legs.  You may need to hold on to the back of the legs or place your hands on the floor behind you for support.  You may need to keep your legs bent until you are strong enough to lengthen them.  Your hands may be on the floor behind you, supporting your legs, or extended by the sides of your legs.  If you have the flexibility, you may hold onto your toes and go into the full version of the pose.  You may repeat this pose 2 -3 times to strenthen your back and abdominal muscles.  Please remember to breathe while holding the pose.
If you are straining while doing this pose, hold the pose for a shorter time and rest for a few breathes in between repeating the pose.  Be sure to take care of your body and do each pose with caution while listening to what your body has to say.

Lady Gaga: Born this way

This is one of my new favorite artists.  Usually the best price is found on Amazon.com.  Check it out!  It's pretty good...

Monday, June 13, 2011

Why own a pet?

After a stressful day, go home and stare in your pets eyes for 2 1/2 minutes.  You will experience a 20 percent hike in oxytocin, a feel good hormone that banishes negative feelings and encourages calm and relaxation.
Dogs have been known to detect seizures before they occur.  Because dogs have this special sense it allows epileptic people to live life somewhat normal.
Dogs are nice to have if you have children.  Some dogs are sporty and young children like playing fetch with them especially if they have no siblings to play with.
Cats are adored by old ladies because of their mannerisms and cleanliness.
Horses have been used for various types of transportation for many years.  The Amish use horse and buggy for their main type of transportaion to this day.  They are handy in areas where vehicles cannot travel.  Their elegance is proven during official and historical functions like weddings of the British royalty such as Kate and Will.  They are also used in cities like New York for joy rides through main parks which also provides the owner with a means of earning a living.
If you have rodents, you should consider owning a pet, especially a cat.  Cats will eliminate all rats.
Constant care is needed with all pets. This includes visits to the veterinary clinic, cleaning and companionship. Some pets need to be groomed more than others.  Remember, pets are domesticated wild animals and may from time to time behave in an untamed manner.  Also, check with your city to see if you need a license to own your animal.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Prep:  10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup low/sodium soy sauce
3 Tbls. vegetable oil
1 onion, halved and sliced
1 lb. frozen stir-fry vegetables, thawed, patted dry
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbls. grated fresh ginger
2 cups cooked brown rice

Stir rice in 4 cups of boiling water.  Return to a boil.  Reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer for 35 minutes or until rice is tender.  Remove from heat.  Let stand uncovered for 5 minutes.
Toss chicken with 1 Tbls. soy sauce.  Place a large skillet over high heat.  Add 1 Tblsp. oil, then onion;  stir-fry until onion starts to brown, about 1 minute.  Add chicken: stir-fry until cooked through, 5-6 minutes.  Transfer mixture to a bowl.  Add 1 Tblsp. oil to skillet.  Stir-fry vegetables for 2 minutes.  Transfer to bowl of chicken.
Add 1 Tblsp. oil, garlic and ginger to skillet;  stir-fry for 30 seconds.  Add rice;  cook for 2 minutes.  Add chicken, vegetables and remaining soy sauce;  cook for 1 minute longer.  Serve immediately.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

What is a chakra?

There are many definitions of what a Chakra is but the name originates from the Sanskrit name "wheel of light".  Chakra serves as a collection and transmission center for both subtle, or metaphysical, energy and concrete, or biophysical energy.
Chakras are either circular or vortices that are conical in shape.  According to Sanskrit sources, a circle describes a rotation of shakti, or feminine life energy which denotes yantras that direct reality and references the different nerve centers in the body.
If one or more of these chakras are out or blocked, there's a good chance our life is out of balance.  During my last conference, a man from India came to talk with us about this kundilini balance of the chakra system.  He mentioned that when we have unblocked each chakra people will be drawn to us.  They will want to be around us at all times.  Why not work towards balance in our lives?  Here is a quick summary about the chakra system:

First Chakra - Located at the base of the spine.  Its color is red.  The element is Earth which means it grounds us.  It's orientation is self preservation and its demon is Fear.

Second Chakra - Located in the genital area and deals with emotions and sexuality.  Its element is water so its purpose is movement and flow.  The color is orange and identifies with emotions.  Its demon is Guilt.

Third Chakra - Located in the solar plexus and its purpose is energy and will.  The element is fire so it likes to bring heat to the body.  The color is yellow and it identifies with the ego.  It helps with self-definition and the demon is Shame.

Fourth Chakra - Located in the chest so its element is air.  The color is green and it identifies with social identity.  The orientation is self-acceptance and its demon is Grief.

Fifth Chakra - Located in the throat and its element is sound.  The color is Bright Blue and it identifies with creative identity.  It's orientation is self-expression and the demon is Lies.

Sixth Chakra - Located between the brows its element is light.  Its purpose is seeing, intuition, insight.  The color is indigo and the orientation is self - reflection  The demon would be Illiusion.

Seventh Chakra - Located at the crown of the head.  The purpose is pure awareness, understanding, unity with the divine.  The color is violet or white and identifies with universal identity.  The orientation is self - knowledge and the demon is attachment or ignorance.

Thank you to Chakra Balancing by Anodea Judith and The Subtly Body by Cyndi Dale

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Miss Representation Movie

  I watched this movie over the weekend and was horrified at the truth that I was unaware of.  The movie doesn't seem to give a resolution to the problem of women being miss represented.  I wanted to put this blog out to see if I could get any comments or ideas as to how women can move ahead in this world without intimidation or criticism.  As a business owner I have become concerned about our future as women.  This is not a stand alone world,  this is a support one another world and something we need to take action on.
This movie takes me back to the days of The Wizard of Oz.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_garland#The_Wizard_of_Oz  This is what I found on this site.  After Shirley Temple was turned down this is what they did to Judy Garland:  Garland was initially outfitted in a blonde wig for the part, but Freed and LeRoy decided against it shortly into filming. Her breasts were bound with tape and she was made to wear a special corset to flatten out her curves and make her appear younger; her blue gingham dress was also chosen for its blurring effect on her figure.
Although, that did not affect the succuss of the show:The Wizard of Oz was a tremendous critical success, though its high budget and promotions costs of an estimated $4 million coupled with the lower revenue generated by children's tickets meant that the film did not make a profit until it was re-released in the 1940s.[29] At the 1940 Academy Awards ceremony, Garland received an Academy Juvenile Award for her performances in 1939, including The Wizard of Oz and Babes in Arms.[30] Following this recognition, Garland became one of MGM's most bankable stars.
And yet she wasn't good enough.  When I was a child watching this movie, I did not care what Judy Garland looked like.  I cared about the story.  What the story was telling me.  Is it good?  Or is it bad...The story was good.  So were all the people in the film.  I don't remember what they looked like.

This paragraph was taken from www.missrepresenation.org.

When  the new documentary film Miss Representation premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, audiences were riveted, and Oprah Winfrey acquired its broadcast rights. Writer/Director Jennifer Siebel Newsom interwove stories from teenage girls with provocative interviews from the likes of Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Lisa Ling, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Rosario Dawson, Dr. Jackson Katz, Dr. Jean Kilbourne, and Gloria Steinem to give us an inside look at the media and its message.
As the most persuasive and pervasive force of communication in our culture, media is educating yet another generation that a woman’s primary value lay in her youth, beauty and sexuality—and not in her capacity as a leader, making it difficult for women to obtain leadership positions and for girls to reach their full potential.
The film accumulates startling facts and statistics that leave audiences shaken, armed with a new perspective, and asking the question, “What can we do?”


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gkIiV6konY  visit the trailer at this site.