DegestZen for digestion issues

DigestZen Blend Oils :

Ginger

Peppermint

Tarragon

Fennel

Caraway

Coriander

Anise

Blended to use for:

All digestion issues (i.e. bloating, congestion, constipation, diarrhea, food poisoning (internal), heartburn, indigestion, motion sickness, nausea, and stomach ache).

May be helpful for these Chronic Conditions:

Crohn's, IBS, Ulcers, GERD

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Daily Facial Moisturizer (doTERRA)

2 T almond oil
2 t vegetable glycerin
1 1/2 t grated beeswax
1 T distilled or spring water
1 vitamin E capsule
30 drops of doTERRA essential oil
Lavendar and Roman Chamomile to soothe skin, melaleuca or geranium for a clearer complexion.

Combine first three ingredients in a small saucepan and warm the mixture over very low heat, stirring occasionally until the beeswax melts.  In a separate sauce pan warm the water over low heat.  Remove both pans from the heat and cool until the wax and oil mixture just begins to thicken but is still liquid.
Drizzle the warm water into the oil and wax mixture, while stirring rapidly with a wire whisk.  Continue whisking vigorously for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale yellow.
Pierce the vitamin E capsule and squeeze the contents into the cream.  Next add the essential oil and continue whisking for another 4-5 minutes until cream is thick and shiny.
Transfer to a glass storage jar and allow the cream to set for at least an hour before using it.  The moisturizer will keep for 3-6 months if stored in the refrigerator, or 1 month if left at room temperature.

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doTERRA facial scrub

Pour a teaspoon of granulated sugar into your palm and add a few drops water and 1 drop of doTERRA wild orange essential oil.  Apply gently to your face avoiding the eye area and massage in circular movements for 30 - 45 seconds, then rinse.  You can apply the scrub 1 - 2 times a week.

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doTERRA Hydrating Facial Toner recipe

1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon witch hazel
1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
5 drops doTERRA clary sage essential oil
5 drops doTERRA grapefruit essential oil
5 drops doTERRA roman chamomile essential oil

First sterilize the water by boiling 3 minutes and then let it cool.  Combine all ingredients in a 2-4 ounce spray bottle and shake to blend.  Before each use, shake well and then either spray directly onto clean skin, or spray a cotton ball and apply.  The toner can last up to 2 months.

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Revitalizing Facial Cleanser

1 ounce vegetable based glycerin
2 ounces unscented liquid castile soap
1 ounce distilled or purified water
1/2 ounce  witch hazel
1 drop doTERRA rosemary essential oil
1 drop deTERRA peppermint essential oil

Directions:
Mix together and store in a plastic or glass bottle.  Works for all skin types and lasts 3-6 months.

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DoTera Spa essential total skin care kit

Total Skin Care Kit

Enjoy all the skin care products in the dōTERRA® family. These amazing products all use CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils, as well as quality ingredients for beautiful skin. Total kit includes Facial Cleanser, Clear Skin Foaming Face Wash, Pore Reducing Toner, Immortelle, Clear Skin Blend, Tightening Serum, Anti-Aging Moisturizer, Hydrating Cream and Invigorating Scrub.

★ Total Skin Care Kit (3723)

US$ 276.33

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Morning Glory Muffins Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (8-oz.) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 2 large carrots, finely grated (1 cup)
  1 cup golden raisins

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 15 minutes).
2. 2. Meanwhile, combine flour, salt, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.
3. 3. Whisk together sugar, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract; fold in crushed pineapple and carrots. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Fold in toasted pecans and raisins. Spoon into lightly greased muffin pans, filling two-thirds full.
4. 4. Bake at 350° for 23 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 5 minutes. Remove from pans to wire rack, and cool completely (about 30 minutes).
5. Note: Muffins may be made ahead and frozen in a zip-top plastic freezer bag up to 1 month, if desired. Remove from bag, and let thaw at room temperature.

Coriander Essential Oil

Coriander Essential Oil
Coriandrum sativum

Popular across many cultures for various uses, Coriander essential oil is extracted from the seed of the coriander plant. Coriander's healthful therapeutic benefits, which can be attributed to its extremely high linalool content, range from digestive support to supporting a healthy insulin response. For aromatic, topical, or internal use.

Coriander Essential Oil 15 ml 3078 (3078)

US$ 34.67

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Cassia Essential Oil

Cassia Essential Oil
Cinnamomum cassia

Cassia, a close relative of cinnamon, is notable for its wonderful fragrance. Mentioned in the Old Testament, cassia has literally been used for thousands of years both for its fragrance and calming properties. For aromatic or topical use.

Cassia Essential Oil 15 ml 3002 (3002)

US$ 25.33

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Dr. Weil's Cornbread Recipe (vegan)

Cornbread

Description

One of the most popular American quick breads, cornbread is traditionally made with milk or buttermilk and eggs. This vegan alternative can be spiced up with chopped jalapenos or green chile for a delicious Southwestern twist. Food as Medicine Coarse, stoneground cornmeal is a significant source of dietary fiber, which is important to healthy bowel function. Diets high in fiber have also been shown to help in weight loss and healthy weight maintenance.

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups yellow cornmeal (organic and stone ground, if possible) 1 ¼ cups unbleached white flour ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 ½ cups boiling water mixed with 2 tablespoons expeller-pressed canola oil, plus a little extra for oiling the skillet

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425° F. Lightly oil a cast-iron skillet with a little canola oil. Heat it in the oven while you mix the cornbread batter. 2. In a large bowl stir together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, brown sugar and salt. 3. Add the boiling water mixed with 2 tablespoons canola oil and stir to mix, but do not overbeat. Add additional hot water if necessary to make a light batter. 4. Spoon batter into the hot cast-iron skillet. Batter should sizzle when it contacts the skillet. Bake 30 minutes or until the cornbread is light brown on top and springs back to the touch. 5. Cut into wedges and serve. Serves 6 Nutrients Per ServingCalories: 198.5 Protein: 3.8 grams Fat: 5.0 grams Saturated Fat: 0.4 grams Monounsat Fat: 2.6 grams Polyunsat Fat: 1.7 grams Carbohydrate: 34.2 grams Fiber: 1.6 grams Cholesterol: 0.0 mg Vitamin A: 47.1 IU Vitamin E: 0.9 mg/IU Vitamin C: 0.0 mg

What are doTerra essential oils?

Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, and flowers of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant, eliciting profound emotional responses. Yet the use of essential oils goes well beyond their fragrant appeal. Used throughout history for their
medicinal and therapeutic benefits, essential oils can be used as natural alternatives in holistic self-care practices. Their unique chemistry allows them to be used aromatically and applied topically to the skin, while other essential oils can be used as dietary aids to promote vitality and well being.
dōTERRA® (meaning “Gift of the Earth”) essential oils represent the safest, purest essential oils available in the world today. Each of dōTERRA’s
Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essentials oils is carefully extracted by a global network of skilled growers, distillers, and chemists ensuring a consistently powerful user experience. They are 100% pure aromatic extracts and contain no artificial ingredients and are tested to be free of contaminants such as pesticides or other chemical residues.
We welcome your participation in our mission to share the life-enhancing benefits of therapeutic-grade essential oils with the world. Your path to a new philosophy of wellness begins by opening a bottle.

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Peppermint Beadlets (doTERRA new product)

Wake Up your senses with dōTERRA’s

New peppermint beadlets.

Through a unique and exclusive process, doTERRA has

captured the therapeutic benefits of peppermint essential

oil in the convenience of a soft gelatin beadlet. Each

tiny beadlet delivers a refreshing burst of peppermint as

it quickly dissolves in your mouth, while invigorating your

senses as you breathe in the cooling aroma of pure peppermint

essential oil. More than a breath mint, doTERRA

Peppermint Beadlets can be used for oral care, respiratory

health, digestive comfort, and all other situations in which

peppermint essential oil is used internally.

3815 Approximately 125 beadlets Retail $15.33
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doTERRA Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Cinnamon is most well-known for its extensive use as a spice in flavoring food. However, its popularity as an essential oil stems from its many therapeutic uses, including cinnamon's cleansing properties and its usefulness with aches and pains*. For aromatic, topical, or dietary use.

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Cilantro Lime Quesadilla

CILANTRO LIME QUESADILLA
1 cup shredded chicken
1 can of black beans
1 can of corn
1 drop dōTERRA cilantro essential oil
2 drops dōTERRA lime essential oil
4 tomatoes
1 avocado
Tortillas
Shredded cheese
Mix together chicken, black beans, corn, cilantro essential oil, lime essential oil, tomatoes, and avocado. Heat up grill. Place 1 tortilla on grill and spread a small amount of the black bean mixture on half of the tortilla. Sprinkle cheese on the tortilla and fold. Allow the tortilla to heat up and the cheese to melt. Repeat with as many tortillas as desired.

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Munising, Michigan 2012 vacation

We traveled to Munising for the 4th of July and spent a week with my father and son.  Our first day was R & R where we spent the day on the beach in Au Train, Michigan.  Au Train offers white sandy beaches and miles of sand dunes.  This is where the Au Train river meets Lake Superior.  Sometimes swimming in the river is a nice option than Lake Superior.  I prefer Lake Superior though.
On Tuesday we traveled to Sault Ste Marie, Michigan where the soo locks are that take in the big ships and move them around the great lakes.  We got to view two ships go through and picked up some fudge while in the area.  We wanted to leave early so we could go to Whitefish Point where the bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald sits today.  Be aware of the cost of visiting the shipwreck display.  We opted out but I did get to see the big bell through the open doors.  If you travel to Whitefish Point,  the towers of Canada may pick up your cell phone and you will be charged for international calling.  Canada is very close...
We decided to move forward to tequominom falls.  They are the largest falls in Michigan.  There are three parts, the upper falls, lower falls, and the rivermouth campsite.  There is also a microbrewery at the upper falls, a gift shop and icecream.  Our favorite part of the falls...My father compares these falls to Niagra Falls.
On Wednesday we stayed in Munising for the 4th.  We enjoyed the parade, firefighters waterfight,  the grease pole, and  rotisserie chicken.  Me, I opted for a hotdog.  We were looking forward to the fireworks that evening but the sky grew cloudy and down came the rain.  The fireworks were scheduled for thursday evening.
On Thursday we took a boat to Grand Island.  Grand Island National Recreation Area is part of the Hiawatha National Forest. This rustic Island offers visitors a wide range of primitive experiences and forest activities.  Here you can do hiking, biking, camping, and site seeing.  There is also a bus tour you can choose to go on.  It will take you around part of the island.  We chose to bike around the island to take in 21 miles of pure beauty.  We were told to take bug spray but not long pants and long sleeves.  The ride around the island was as lovely as expected with the east side being mostly woods and the west side cliffs and beaches.  The north end was the best part with the open water of lake superior and the majestic cliffs of the island.  The only problem we had were the flies!!!  They were thick and big.  We had no time to stop on the north end as we were running from flies.  All in all, I will return a little wiser and I will get the pictures I missed on the north end.  We used bike rentals and the bikes were in great shape and well designed for the terrain.
That evening we went down to the dock for the fireworks.  I am not sure how long they last but they are the best I have seen anywhere I have been.  Munising fireworks are like the grand fanale in most fireworks displays only Munising's will last for about and hour or more.  Check the world wide web for more information.  This is a display worth the trip to Michigan.
Friday we decided to go to the beach at Grand Marais, Michigan.  G
Enjoy visiting the local attractions, such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Sable Lake and Dunes, and Sable Falls. Enjoy the majestic beauty of the Log Slide known as Devil's Slide. The log slide and Pictured Rocks are must-sees.   We stayed on the beach most of the day and stopped along the way home for the largest sand dunes I have ever seen.  That is one thing you cannot miss. 
By Saturday morning I was ready to go home.  I think I slept for 48 hours upon my arrival to my own bed...Thank you Pure Michigan!

Enjoy visiting the local attractions, such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Sable Lake and Dunes, and Sable Falls. Enjoy the majestic beauty of the Log Slide known as Devil's Slide. The log slide and Pictured Rocks are must-sees.
rand Marais Michigan is located in Alger County along beautiful Lake Superior, this small town provides it's visitors with miles of Lake Superior beaches, agate hunting, sand dunes, and the Grand Marais Days Festival.Grand Marais Michigan is located in Alger County along beautiful Lake Superior, this small town provides it's visitors with miles of Lake Superior beaches, agate hunting, sand dunes, and the Grand Marais Days Festival.

Feeling rushed? Slow down with doTERRA.

Emotional Corner

Essential Oils for Feeling Hurried

Hurried: Working at speed; to move forward or act with haste and eagerness

Breathe-

Breathe oil can be helpful when you feel hurried or rushed. It can assist you in taking slower, deeper breaths. Slower breaths combat the stress you feel when trying to finish a project or meet a deadline. Try taking a short break, applying some Breathe oil on your chest, and taking a few deep cleansing and calming breaths.

PastTense-

Do you ever notice how you tense up all your muscles when you feel rushed? PastTense can help you stay relaxed by releasing muscle tension. Try applying PastTense over your tight muscles and areas holding tension.

Wild Orange-

Wild Orange reminds you not to work too hard and to remember to play and be spontaneous. It encourages you to let go of limiting patterns and embrace the abundance around you. Try applying some Wild Orange on your temples, stomach and toes when under stress.

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Nuts about Education

Almonds contain the most vitamin E and calcium, so they benefit your heart and bones.

Pistachios contain potassium and phytochemicals to protect cells from free radicals and help eye health.

Walnuts are full of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and promote brain function.

Peanuts are legumes which have the most protein, niacin and folate which help with energy production, cell maintenance and cognitive function.

Cashews are a great source of iron and magnesium which boost energy and help maintain healthy blood vessels, bones and tissues.

Blender Salsa (doTERRA recipe)

BLENDER SALSA
½ sweet onion
½ red onion
2 serrano peppers
1 jalapeño
3 cloves minced garlic
1 tomato
3 large red tomatoes (quartered)
2 Roma tomatoes (halved)
5 tomatillos
1 green bell pepper (quartered)
1 bunch of cilantro
Garlic salt
2 drops dōTERRA lime essential oil
2 drops dōTERRA cilantro essential oil
Add all ingredients to your blender. Puree ingredients until smooth. Leave the lid on your blender 5 minutes after blending. Pour and serve with your favorite tortilla chips.
Click the link below to purchase the essential oils.
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Wild Orange Vinaigrette recipe

1cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1-2 drops wild orange essential oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Combine ingredients in food processor or blender.  This dressing is good for all salads.  Store in a glass jar and it will keep in the fridge for several months.

To purchase the wild orange essential oil click here:
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doTERRA Essential Oils (Try some today)

dōTERRA (CPTG) Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade^® essential oils represent the safest, purest, and most beneficial essential oils available today. They are gently and skillfully distilled from plants that have been patiently harvested at the perfect moment by experienced growers from around the world for ideal extract composition and efficacy. Experienced essential oil users will immediately recognize dōTERRA's superior quality standard for naturally safe, purely effective therapeutic-grade essential oils.
Essential oils have been around for thousands of years and many are noted in the Holy Bible and by several other religions.
In modern times, the powerful healing properties of essential oils were rediscovered in 1937 by a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who healed a badly burnt hand with pure lavender oil. A French contemporary, Dr. Jean Valnet, used therapeutic-grade essential oils to successfully treat injured soldiers during World War II. Dr. Valnet went on to become a world leader in the development of aromatherapy practices. The modern use of essential oils has continued to grow rapidly as health scientists and medical practitioners continue to research and validate the numerous health and wellness benefits of therapeutic-grade essential oil.
doTERRA essential oils can be used internally, topical,  or aromatic.  Be sure to follow all the guidelines for each oil as they all have different properties and are effective in different ways.  All essential oils have a therapeutic benefit.
Using essential oils can be both profoundly simple and life changing at the same time. Working with someone who has used essential oils before will help first-time users have a more beneficial and enjoyable experience. A large amount of information is readily available for those desiring to increase their knowledge of essential oil applications.
Please visit my web site for more information and how to purchase doTERRA essential oil products.
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Iced Tea to Build Energy

Lemon-ginger Bliss

2 white or green tea bags
4 slices fresh ginger
4 sprigs mint
2 lemon slices halved
1 cup lemon seltzer
2 strawberries halved
Steep tea bags and next 3 ingredients in 2  cups hot water 1 minute.  Remove bags and ginger.  Chill.  Add seltzer and strawberries. Sweeten to taste.  Garnish with lemon.

Spiced Orange-Pom Joy

2 orange-and-spice black tea bags
2 orange slices, halved
2 lime slices, halved
1 cup pomegranate-blueberry juice
Steep tea bags and fruit in 2 cups hot water 1 minute.  Remove bags.  Add juice.  Chill.  Garnish with mint.

Berry-Peach Perfection
3 wild-berry or mixed-berry black tea bags
2 lemon slices, halved
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup strawberry-peach juice or white grape-peach mango juice

Steep tea bags, lemons and thyme in 2 cups hot water 1 minute.  Remove tea bags and thyme.  Add juice.  Sweeten to taste.  Chill or serve over ice.  Garnish with lemon.

Heal the body in a delicious way!

Cherries - these meltonin rich yummies will restore your restless sleep caused by longer and more humid days in as little as 10 days according to Canadian scientists.

Sesame seeds - Studies have shown that these little treasures relax and open brain blood vessels which cuts the occurence of headaches in half.

Lemonade - Stanford University research claims the scent of the drinks citrus calms the central nervous system while the vitamin C soothes and regulates stress-hormone production long-term.

Yogurt - Just one cup per day over 7 days will help relieve sniffling and sneezing caused by pollen or pet dander.

Watermelon - Cut sunburn risk by 26% by eating two cups of this sweet fruit per day.  It can also cut recovery time from sunburns in half.

Swap dressings and spreads to reduce calories.

These measurements are the equivalent of one Tablespoon.

Olive oil 120 calories swap for fresh Lemon Juice 4 calories
Mayonnaise 100 calories swap for Light Mayonnaise 49 calories
Tartar Sauce 75 calories swap for Relish 15 calories
Guacamole 25 calories swap for Salsa 8 calories
Honey Mustard 30 calories swap for Yellow Mustard 10 calories
Vinaigrette 72 calories swap for Balsamic Vinegar 14 calories
Barbeque Sauce 35 calories swap for Tomato sauce 5 calories

Try it.  You might like the change.  I tried them all and my food has a better taste.  It's not covered up by sugar and other added ingredeints.  Enjoy!

Cranberry-Orange Scones

Last year at Christmas I made scones and gave them away in baskets.  Yummm.

Ingredients

Scones:

• 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• Zest of 1 orange, grated
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup heavy cream

Glaze:

• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange juice $
  Click to see savings
  

Preparation

1. 1. Make scones: Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment. Place sugar and zest in a food processor; pulse 2 or 3 times to combine. Add flour, baking powder and salt; pulse to combine. Scatter butter pieces over flour mixture and pulse until butter is incorporated with a few larger pieces remaining. Add cranberries and pulse once or twice, just to mix.
2. 2. Transfer flour mixture to a large bowl. Pour cream on top and stir with a fork until just combined; do not overmix. Line an 8-inch round baking pan with plastic wrap. Press dough into pan to form an even layer. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured countertop, carefully peel off plastic wrap and cut dough into 12 even wedges with a sharp knife. Place scones on baking sheets. Bake until light golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool scones on a wire rack.
3. 3. Make glaze: Stir sugar and juice in a small bowl with a fork. Add more sugar to thicken or juice to thin if necessary. Drizzle glaze over scones and let stand 10 minutes to set.

Sweet Tea Lemonade recipe

Enjoy this wonderful summer treat!

Ingredients

 

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 large sprigs mint
• 8 black tea bags
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4 large lemons)

Preparation

1. 1. Mix sugar and 3 cups water in a pan and bring to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Turn off heat; stir in lemon slices and mint. Allow to cool, then strain.
2. 2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Place tea bags in a bowl; pour water over and let steep for 10 minutes. Remove and discard bags. Let tea cool.
3. 3. In another bowl, mix lemon juice with 3 cups water.
4. 4, Combine syrup, tea and lemon mixture. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours. Serve over ice, garnished with additional lemon slices and mint sprigs, if desired.

Add some seasoning and stay healthy!

Fresh Dill - Add it to your favorite salad, soup or omelet and help maintain a youthful, radiant complexion.  Dill helps protect skin cells from the damaging effects of UV rays and inhibit the breakdown of collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and supple.

Fresh Chervil - Add to eggs, cream cheese dips or mashed potatoes and reduce tension.  This anise flavored herb helps dilate and relax blood vessels.  This will help reduce blood pressure, increase circulation and shifts the body into a relaxed state.

Fresh Parsley - Garnish your dish with fresh parsley and flush harmful contaminants from the body.  This herb boosts the livers ability to break down and eliminate metabolism-slowing toxins.

Fresh Peppermint - Spice up dishes with peppermint and ward off indigestion.  The menthol oil relaxes the smooth muscle tissue in the stomach and intestinal walls reducing cramping, constipation and reflux.

Fresh Lemon Verbana - Eat a little of this and become a little sharper!  The herb reduces levels of inflammatory compounds which leads to performance improvements in learning and memory related tasks.

Fresh Cilantro - Eat some of this and put a little pep into your life.  This herb improves insulin secrection and can prevent energy-sapping blood sugar spikes and crashes for up to six hours.  Tastes great in Salsa!

Flaxseed Smoothies Boost Your Health

Flaxseed can help lower your risk of breast cancer by 64%.  Flaxseed contains lignans which are naturally occurring plant estrogens.  Lignans help balance female hormones to ward off health issues that plague women with age.
They also help balance estrogen levels that rise and fall wildly in women between the ages of 35 and 50.  Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN found that lignans steady hormonal swings enough to reduce hot flashes by up to 57%.
Consuming 1 1/2 Tbs. of flaxseed per day slows hair loss in 9 out of 10 women according to Taiwanese study.
1  Strawberry Kiwifruit kiwifruit, peeled and chopped
1 Banana, peeled, chopped and frozen
1 cup frozen strawberries
2 containers (6 oz. each) nonfat strawberry yogurt
1 cup milk
2 Tbs. flaxseed meal, like Bob's Red Mill

Blend and enjoy!

Sweet Berry Bliss
3/4 cup frozen strawberries
1/3 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
2 Tbs. cream cheese
1 Tbs. flaxseed, Bob's Red Mill
1/2 ts. vanilla extract

Add 4 ice cubes to blender with all the ingredients listed above.  Blend and enjoy!

Coco-Peach Pina Colada
1 cup frozen sliced peaches
1 container ( 6 oz.) nonfat pneapple-coconut yogurt
1/4 cup light coconut milk
1 Tbs. flaxseed meal, like Bob's Red Mill

Blend and enjoy!

Know where to go for discount groceries.

Farmers Market - Most grocery stores have to have their products shipped to them and may pass on shipping and handling costs to you.  If you buy directly from the farmer, you cut out the middleman and save cash.  For a list of local farmer markets check out localharvest.org.

Drugstores - Drugstores are now giving out rewards.  Check with your drugstore to see if they have a loyalty card.  Target now has a loyalty card and you get discounts and points.  Drugstores also have great deals on food items.  Check the circulars!

Big Box Stores - When purchasing large quantities sometimes you get a substantial break.  You could save up to 30%.  But don't be too quick about grabbing the big bag.  Always check the unit price on all of the sizes offered.

Dollar stores - Dollar Stores don't do much advertising and employ fewer people.  This means they can pass the savings on to you.  Many of the them are now offering brand name items and not just generic.

Gas Stations - Gas stations are now turning into small grocery stores and often have great deals on groceries or snack items.  If you don't see it, ask the cashier.

Online - It is often less expensive to shop on line.  Try these sites:  Alice.com; Amazon.com; Peapod.com; Soap.com.

Small tricks for difficult tasks

When you break a glass, use a cotton ball to wipe up all  the slivers and tiny shards.  The fibers will catch any tiny pieces you can't see.
Ever try to get a sticky label off of something.  Put a little bit of peanut butter on it and let it sit so it can soften the adhesive and then wipe clean.
Dingy artificial flowers can be cleaned by putting them in a plastic bag with a few teaspoons of salt.  Shake the bag until the salt absorbs the dust.  If the salt sticks, place a hose over the end of a vacuum and vacuum the flowers clean.
Use a coffee filter to fix scuffed shoes.  It is lint free, easy to hold and disposable.  Coffe filters are also great for cleaning mirrors and windows.
To prevent containers from tomato based stains, mist with nonstick cooking spray before filling them.
Make your jewelry shine by placing it in an old pair of panty hose.  Place it in the top rack of your dishwasher and wash it out.

Upgrade to a better you

Start some new good habits this year.  Here are some ideas.

Do you exercise?  Add yoga or meditation to help reduce the effects of stress.  Having less stress wards off disease, according to research.

Throw on some shades any time you head outside.   Sunglasses help protect against the sun's ultrviolet rays which can damage the retinas over time.  This can lead to macular degeneration which is an age-related eye condition that leads to impaired vision or blindness.

Check your multivitamin for magnesium to help build bone strength and also helps absorb calcium.  Taking cilicon with calcium and Vitamin D improves production of collagen, which gives bone strength and flexibility.  Try taking supplements 3 times a day to give your body a more consistent flow of nutrients.

Steer clear of 2nd and 3rd hand smoke.  The particles left behind in hair, clothing and other surfaces are considered 3rd hand smoke and contain the same harmful chemicals as secondhand smoke.  Thirdhand smoke can become airborne when disturbed...

Give thanks daily to increase your happiness.  People who are happy live longer according to a study from the University of North Carolina.

Try something new this year and keep your brain active.  People who challenge their brain continually will experience less memory loss as they age than those who don't challenge their brain.  Take guitar lessons or do crosswords puzzles.  Get up off the couch and learn to dance!

Thai Yoga Massage Workshop January 28, 2012

Join us if you can Saturday from 10:00am - 12:00pm for a Thai Massage Workshop.  At this workshop you will learn basic techniques to practice Thai on each other.  This is a great way to spend a Saturday morning with a friend, spouse, sibbling or child.  You could go to lunch or grab a cup coffee afterward to allow the session to slowly sink into the muscles.
Thai massage is practiced fully dressed on a Thai massage mat.  The mat is thick and almost similar to a small mattress.  During the massage your partner will stretch and massage your muscles and take you into a relaxed state of mind.  It may at times seem almost energizing but it ends with a long resting period to give your body time to respond to the massage you just received.
Call us at 608-780-7909 to sign up!

Prepare your skin for Winter!

Moisturize your hands 2 -3 times a week.  Choose an intense moisturizer like Yes to Carrots Intense Repair hand cream.  First dampen your hands and then smooth the cream on before slipping on a pair of cotton gloves.  Leave the gloves on for 30 minutes or overnight.  Enjoy your hands!

Plug in a humidifier to add the moisture back into the air that your heating system is pulling out.  Put it in your bedroom while you sleep and keep the humidity between 30 - 50 percent.  Change the water daily and clean the machine every three days.

Licking your lips will dry out your lips faster than leaving them alone.  Try putting a salve on your lips that contain glycerin, lanolin and dimethicone.  Blistex Cold and Allergy lip soother is great for the lips.

Summer is not the only time to grab that SPF suntan lotion.  The sun shines in the winter too.  Sometimes the sun will reflect off the snow and that can be just as harmful as the sun shining on you.  Always protect exposed skin with a moisturizer that contains a broad-spectrum suncreen of at least SPF 15.

Soften the calluses on your feet with a dry foot file such as Telebrands PedEgg.  Afterwards, apply a cream with exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids like Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair foot creme.

Taking a bath in the winter will help cure the winter blues.  Skip the drying bubbles and add a capful of oil under running water.  Try Aveeno Skin Relief shower and bath oil.

Long steamy showers feel good for the moment but are very oil stripping for the skin.  Get out of the shower quickly after cleansing with a hydrating body wash.  A body wash with jojoba and cocoa butter are great for softening.

Put away products with high levels of alcohol, such as toners and astringents, during the winter months.  Clay based masks should also be avoided and they can rob skin of essential moisture.

Right after bathing pat dry with a towel while keeping skin slightly damp and smooth on some moisturizer immediately.  If you see flakes, use a thick moisturizer on that area.

Shield your skin from moisture-zapping chills.  If the weather is cold, cover up all exposed areas.  Leather guards your skin better than wool and wrap a chunky scarf around your neck made of soft fabric or fleece.

Save up to $10,000.00 this year!

Instead of bottled water which may cost $365.00 a year at $1.00 a bottle, add a filter to your tap. A filter for your tap may cost about $30.00 and for fresh water on the go, pick up a self filtering water bottle for as little as $10.00. Do you have a home phone and a cell phone? How many times a day/week/month does it ring?  Consider cancelling your home phone and put the savings toward your cell phone bill. Basic ingredients for the pantry such as flour, pasta, eggs and milk are generally the same no matter the producer. Why pay more for a brand name when you can get the same thing for less money in a generic name? Do you watch only a handful of channels available to you? Then you may be able to do without cable. If you have a Roku box, Wii or other compatible gaming consoles, you can replace your cable service with online streaming. Purchase a Hulu Plus account which gives you access to current popular shows and an archive of more than 33,000 episodes of your favorite series, plus a library of movies.   Drinking a glass of wine at a restaurant is marked up as much as 200%.  I have seen a glass of wine sold at $7.00 a glass and the bottle is sold at a local market for as low as $12.00 a bottle.  Enjoy a glass of wine at home instead with an appetizer.  You could save between $100.00 - $200.00 per year.  I often drink beer in place of wine for money savings.   Do you love manicures and pedicures?  Well, I found that polishing my own nails at home is well worth the savings.  I also paint my own flowers and designs.  I watch while I get a pedicure and go home and try it.  Of course, who doesn't love to be pampered.  Go out and have some fun and use it as a treat 3 - 4 times a year but have fun at home too....Invite a friend and have twice the fun!   Last but not least, let's talk about exercise.  How much money have you spent at expensive gyms or country clubs?  Check out the local buzz.  There is always a community pool or a hotel that you can pay once a month to swim in the pool.  How about going outside just like the mailman in snow, sleet, or rain?  I bought spikes for my shoes and I am on the road to run!  Check out your local gym or community education.  Or...try my place!   Peace to you in 2012!