After the storm that dismantled much of my garden a few weeks ago, with a little cleanup and tender loving care, the garden took on another form of beauty.
On Canadian Thanksgiving (October 9) we had a family and friends dinner/ party at the garden farm ‘Red Barn’.
Everyone brought something, (we brought a turkey). We didn’t spare the sweet and the savory.
A warm fire in the fire pit nearby invited us to come and sit, share stories and enjoy the art of roasting marshmallows.
I love the product so much, I use it confidently everyday.
I say confidently because I know that I am actually feeding my skin nutrients…period.! No chemicals, no additives, just good stuff.
Here are some juicy tidbits to consider…
Did you know:
Most women absorb up to 2 kilograms of chemicals through their skin from their toiletries and cosmetics over the course of a year!
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that 884 chemicals used in personal care products and cosmetics were toxic!
Those are troublesome stats.
At this seminar you will learn how to find skin care products and cosmetics made without the plastics, silicones, petroleum, artificial fragrances, dyes, and other unsafe ingredients found in most beauty products.
Let me introduce you to the Presenters:
Cheri Watson
Cheri Watson is a businesswoman who created a natural line of cosmetics, Accents Cosmetics, in 2004 and manufactures them in Mission, BC.
Daniel Wong
Daniel Wong is a compounding pharmacist who owns Marshall Compounding Pharmacy.
He also specializes in natural remedies for a wide range of common maladies.
Daniel Wong can be reached at Marshall Compounding Pharmacy - 604 859.8333. Email: marshall@relcomsys.ca
are sweet and juicy ( I never realized how delicious raw beets are)
are anti-carcinogenic
are high in antioxidants
increases oxygen-carrying ability of the blood by up to 400%
were traditionally used to battle leukemia
have been shown to inhibit colon and stomach cancer
help reduce serum cholesterol
help to normalize blood pressure
are a powerful cleanser and blood purifier
help to keep your arteries elastic
help to prevent varicose veins
are high in folic acid
stimulate the function of liver cells
protect the liver and bile ducts
are highly alkaline
help to relieve constipation
are anti-inflammatory
help in detoxification
If you are not use to consuming beets, give your body time to get accustomed to it. This is a powerful food.
(Warning: you may experience red stool!)
“Beet juice is so powerful that it you may feel dizzy during cleansing. This discomfort is normal as toxins are being eliminated. It is advised to drink plenty of water to help in the elimination of toxins.”
Somehow he partly slipped down the steep embankment at the back of our home while reaching for some tasty blades of grass. At least that’s what we think happened.
A neighbor (for whom we are so thankful) saw him struggling to get back up, and helped him, but… the effort was too much for Rocky’s heart.
He passed away within the next 15 minutes as we held him in our arms and told him how much we loved him.
Rocky had arthritis in his rear knees which left him with little strength in his back end.
Finally, the lazy, crazy, ‘dog days” of summer are here.
Where did that term ‘dog days’ originate?
Answer: ancient times.
In the summer, Sirius, the ‘dog star’, rose and set with the sun.
“During late July, Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather.
They named this period of time… ‘dog days’ after the dog star.”
Did you know that what’s on your skin and in your bathroom could kill you?
Fact: Most cosmetics on the market today are loaded with toxic chemical potions, often referred to as TheDirty Dozen.
The word ‘natural’on the front label means very little when the dirty dozen, (below) are listed on the back of the label.
1. Bisphenol-A: Also called BPA. Used in moisturizers and makeup as antioxidants and preservatives. It’s associated with tumour growth and hormone disfunction of humans. Harmful to wildlife.
2. Coal Tar Dyes: Appearing on bottles as
“p-phenylenediamine” or colours listed as “CI” followed by five digits, this chemical is common in hair dyes and is linked to cancer. It also contains low levels of heavy metals.
3. DEA: Diethanolamine makes products soapy, sudsy or creamy, but also irritates skin and may be toxic to the immune and nervous systems of humans and fish and wildlife.
4. Dibutyl phthalate: Found in nail polish, it enhances the capacity of other chemicals to cause genetic mutations of humans. Harmful to fish and wildlife.
5. Formaldehyde-releasing agents: These irritate skin and eyes and harm marine life. Examples are DMDM
hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, quarternium-15 and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.
6. Parfum/perfume: Fragrances are considered “trade secrets” and could contain any number of chemicals.
7. Parabens: Used as a preservative in makeup, parabens are linked to breast cancer and hormone problems, particularly in women of childbearing age.
8. PEG compounds: Polyethylene glyco compounds open skin’s pores, allowing other harmful chemicals to penetrate more deeply. This chemical is often found in creams and is linked to cancer.
9. Petrolatum: Also called mineral oil jelly, this chemical carcinogen is common in moisturizers and lip balms for providing shine and a moisture barrier.
10. Siloxanes: Used in cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten, these compounds can irritate the skin, eyes and lungs and are harmful humans, fish and wildlife.
11. Sodium laureth sulfate: Used to create foam, this chemical may be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which cause cancer. It can be found in soaps, shampoos and toothpaste.
12. Triclosan: Found in antiperspirants, deodorants, cleansers and hand sanitizer as a preservative and antibacterial agent. It interferes with hormone function in humans. Harmful to fish and other wildlife.
♥
Switching to toxin free skin care products isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.
Today my toxin-free skin care is loaded with mangosteen goodness, and works to restore, rejuvenate, and protect the skin.
This bill, Bill C474, was a safeguard for our Canadian Farmers!
Bill C-474 was a private member’s bill that would have required an analysis of market harm before new Genetically Modified (GM) varieties are released.
Most people want to the assurance that the food they eat is REAL, wholesome, and good for them.
When buying asparagus, make certain the tips of the asparagus spears are firm and dry.
Asparagus can be stored for one or two days in the refrigerator. This is one vegetable that does not store for more than a couple of days. It soon begins to deteriorate.
The benefits of asparagus are numerous and the list is impressive. Thank you for visiting Healthy living examiner.com where you will learn more about these benefits.
That is one of the reasons why I grow kale in my organic garden.
This past summer I planted two varieties of kale – the curly purple kale and a long leaf green/blue kale. We enjoyed both but I do prefer the curly purple variety.
To eat it raw, I either add it to my juicing along with other vegetables first thing in the morning, or I make dehydrated kale chips. It can be added to a salad or used to decorate a plate.
The dehydrated kale chips are a very viable substitute for regular chips, and provide a highly nutritious snack. They taste so good there’s usually none left for another day.
Gerry Bellett of the Vancouver Sun writes, “Researchers at the University of B.C. and the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute have identified the gene that destroys brain cells in both Alzheimer’s patients and people with Down syndrome.”
This discovery is significant in helping scientist find answers to forestalling Alzheimer’s disease.
Although it will probably take years before science finds these answers, this discovery offers hope for the future.
In the meantime, there is one care facility making headlines by letting love and respect for the elderly rule their care giving.
Each Alzheimer’s patient is given the freedom to eat, bath, sleep and even eat as much chocolate as he or she wants. A little ‘schnaps’ before bedtime is also given, if that is what brings comfort.
I have a family member in a care home, and several friends who have a member disabled by Alzheimer’s disease. I applaud this way of caring for the elderly.
Here’s what happened to one 96 year old Alzheimer’s patient in Beatitudes care home, when they decided to break the rules and let her have what she wanted …Read more…
Light therapy works best when used on a daily basis, starting in fall and ending in springtime.
Also known as bright light therapy or phototherapy, light therapyis widely recommended by doctors and naturopaths.
A note of caution:
Persons affected by SAD may also be suffering from other conditions. Talk to your doctor, naturopath or mental health provider to find out if light therapy is right for you.
Ted Williams, no longer homeless, got a little emotional in his interview with CBS News “Early Show”, yesterday. He is looking forward to reunite with his 92 year old mother, whom he has not seen for years. A touching story.
The top breaking news story today is a story of HOPE.
Ted Williams, a man with an amazing golden voice, was homeless yesterday. Today he has numerous job offers, one of them from Cleveland Cavaliers. Besides a full time job with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Quicken Loans has offered to pay a mortgage for him. WOW!
The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:
The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads This blog is on fire!.
Crunchy numbers
A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 11,000 times in 2010. That’s about 26 full 747s.
In 2010, there were 8 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 52 posts. There were 104 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 64mb. That’s about 2 pictures per week.
The busiest day of the year was April 1st with 172 views. The most popular post that day was Outhouses I Have Known.
Where did they come from?
The top referring sites in 2010 were alphainventions.com, search.aol.com, blogcatalog.com, twincities.com, and bigextracash.com.
Some visitors came searching, mostly for sunflowers, alouette lake, life drawing, outhouse, and sunflowers pictures.
Attractions in 2010
These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.
Christmas music gently filled the little coffee house. Unlike the carol heralding a ‘midnight clear’, this night was everything but. Snow fell fast and thick.
In the corner, a young man sat alone. He looked out the window and watched as the last patron of the night plowed their way out of the parking lot.
“Young man, we’re closing.”
He nodded, put on his coat and made his way to the exit. He looked to be about fourteen, fifteen at the most.
As the door closed behind him, the cold quickly bit into his face and hands. He pulled his collar up close to his face.
“Do you have a ride?” a voice called to him.
The young man turned to see someone standing in the shadows of the building.
”No, I’m good,” he answered firmly.
The man persisted. “I’m not so sure about that. It’s Christmas eve. Shouldn’t you be home with your family, sitting by the fire and enjoying hot chocolate, or something?”
The lad shrugged his shoulders as if to say… yah, so what. Who cares anyway.
The young man saw that he was an old man. Old enough to make him wonder what someone this old was doing out in a snow storm at this hour of the night.
The old man continued. “Where you’re headed… it is not worth it… You do have options you know.”
The young man was beginning to feel somewhat uncomfortable. He stared at the old man not sure what to make of the encounter.
“How do you know where I’m headed?” he finally asked.
“I know that place, under the bridge.” The old man continued. “You won’t find what you’re really looking for out there. Running away isn’t the answer.”
Now the young man paused.
How did this old man know that he was going to that “homeless place” where he might make it through the night?
Maybe if he was lucky someone would share their Christmas “Spirits” with him.
And how did this old man know that he was running away?
The old man smiled knowingly and said. “I’ve been young and now I am old…but I have never seen God’s children forsaken”… The old man talked so strange…and yet he was most compelling.
“I know a place. A place where you can get a hot bowl of homemade soup, and a good night’s sleep.”
The old man began to make his way through the deep drifts of snow. The young man hesitated but only for a second or two. “Man…what do I have to lose,” he mumbled.
He began to follow in the old man’s footsteps.
After some time, the old man stopped at a building with a sign that read, “The Welcome Home Centre”. He turned to the young man. “They will take care of you. You can stay as long as you wish.” Then he paused, looked the boy in the eyes and added, “God loves you, you know. He’s got plans for you”.
The young man did not know what to think. No one had ever talked to him like this before.
They stood in silence and waited.
Eventually a pleasant sort of man answered the knock on the door. The young man’s last bit of resistance melted away as he breathed in a blast of warm fragrant air. He smelled something wonderful.
“Come in… welcome,” the man said sincerely.
“I…ah..need a place to hang till this storm’s over,” the young man said, hesitantly.
“You’ve come to the right place then,” came the reassuring answer.
The young man sighed.
He turned and started to thank the old man but no one was there.
“That old man, who was here with me. He brought me here. He was just here,” the bewildered young man exclaimed .
“I didn’t see anybody but you, lad,” came the answer.
“But he was here, I followed him here. He told me about you…he knew stuff about me…he…”
Bewildered, the young man took one last look out into the white night. He saw only lonely empty streets and a fast disappearing, single set of footprints, that lead to The Welcome Home’s front porch.
Putting a kind hand on the young man’s shoulder the man at the door said, “It’s not the first time this sort of thing has happened son. “I do believe you. Come…I want to hear all about it.”
It’s now midnight and that brings our 2010 Christmas eve story to an end.
Yes, this young man’s life was changed forever that Christmas eve.
What will this Christmas bring you?
Will you let God’s love bring you a miracle this Christmas?
I wish for you, a life changing kind of Christmas.
One that you will remember forever because it was…well…life changing.
Etched in my memory, this experience always brings a smile to my face – the kind of smile that supposedly immediately increases the levels of DMAE in your body. (anti-aging !!!)
Happy thoughts, laughter, giggles, anything that makes you sign and go ‘ahh.
Think on these things and your internal fountain of youth will begin to bubble and then pour.
(Check out my post on“God Gave Me Laughter”for more on what happy thoughts can do for you.)
In my research, I discovered that anchovies, wild salmon (not farmed) and sardines contain DMAE.
Rosie, was a Jersey cow. Jersey cows are quite beautiful, I think.
Anyone who has met a Jersey will be captivated by their eyes. Big, beautiful, soft, and gentle with thick, long and curly eye lashes. (to die for eyes)
Jersey cows produce much more cream than other cows. Rosie gave us plenty of rich cream to turn into butter.
Making butter the way we did, was the perfect arm muscle toner/builder. (another sure fire way to up your DMAE - good healthy exercise)
Today we set aside time to lift weights and count to 10 or 20. Back then we had to shake the container until we had butter. A lot longer than a count to 10 or 20.
My thought for the day – seek out those things that make you smile and make some butter.
As for me, I’m planning to have several more “smile” moments thoughout the day.
And, I think I’ll have Wild Pacific Salmonfor dinner…again.
Snow. There’s nothing more inviting than a fresh snow fall. I love to walk in it, play in it, look at it and take pictures of it. A walk around the neighborhood is all it takes for a few good photo memories.
I took this Month’s Theme photo very early one hot July morning. Chairs that were meant for the garbage dump, now nestle invitingly among the Sunflowers, Cukes and Nasturtiums.
Cukes and Nasturtiums are two great Companion Plants.
How do Nasturtiums make good companion plants?
Their job in the garden is to excrete a strong essence into the air and soil. This will help you in your fight against aphids, white fly and also root pests. This essence is secreted into the soil where it works for you to deter plant pests.
You can also plant Nasturtiums between all cabbage family plants, fruit trees, melons, pumpkins, potatoes.
Nasturtiums are very healthy to eat.
These flowers are high in vitamin C, iron and other minerals, and are a powerful antibiotic, antimicrobial, antioxidant .
Try adding them to a fresh green salad – you’ll discover a peppery, juicy taste which is quite delightful.You can eat the hot pungent seeds as well.
I enjoy munching on a few Nasturtium flowers along with some Sugar Snap Peas and a juicy carrot, while working in my garden.
I love this chair. The brilliant orange/red flowers attract bees and hummingbirds. They are sure to visit me, when I visit the garden in the early hours of the morning.
This 100 ft. by 20 ft. organic garden turned out to be one of the best things that could ever happen to me .
I’ve been planning to get back into some sort of ‘get back into shape’program for the past year or so…well, I found it. Not only do I have the most amazing, bountiful, beautiful garden, (Thank you God – you are the amazing master gardener), but I also am on an exercise program that I actually enjoy.
What to do for my exercise program during the winter months?…that’s another blog.
For the past few weeks I’ve been digging deep and getting my roots into organic gardening.
First things First...My husband planting a few raspberry bushes
After putting stakes around our garden section, my husband (far right) promptly dug up a spot in the middle of the garden for his favorite fruit, raspberries.
Our garden spot, approximately 20 feet wide by 100 feet deep.
Pretty ambitious I know…but I grew up with BIG gardens, and had my own little (almost organic) garden for years… so am well aware of what I am committing to.
What’s the story behind this
Organic Gardening Community?
A friend with a farm, and a 6 acre field, is the impetus for this inviting Organic Gardening Community. This year will be the first of organic gardening for most of us.
A lot of Googling, along with wise advice and teaching from organic garden specialists, is making this experience not only interesting but also quite invigorating.
Let’s just say I am having a lot of fun getting into shape in more ways than one.
Course I’ve had to take several Epsom salt/ lavender baths and drink my Xango Mangosteen juice and Black Cherry juice faithfully…all great detox, high anti-oxidant solutions, for those achy sore joints and muscles…
A week or so later…and with a lot of good old get down dirty digging, here’s what we accomplished.
Herb Garden in progress
Then our daughter got in on the action. We took her Chevy 1/2 ton up to the top of the field and gleaned some rocks for my herb garden.
A few days later…
Now things are beginning to take shape.
I promised you a Community Organic Garden with a TWIST…it’s coming…
To my herb garden, I added some high quality organic mushroom compost and began to plant. I planted strawberries right at the top. I also gleaned some thyme and sage from my home herb garden and transplanted them among the rocks.
I couldn’t resist picking up some pansies to remind me of what’s yet to come…
Now back to the real work.
May 1st - Gardeners 'making hay' while the sun shines
Can you picture a more beautiful garden setting???…I am really beginning to feel like a farmer now.
So far I’ve got the beans and peas planted, pickling cukes, a variety of lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, and garlic( garlic I planted all over the garden to ward off the vampires and other such nasty garden pests), rosemary along with carrots, and leek, onions and chives.
The poles with chicken wire are for the beans, peas and pickling cukes.
I transplanted some flowers into my flower garden just in front of the herb garden. I can’t imagine a garden without Lavender…so I added some of that as well.
One bright morning, I found bunny tracks on one of the beds… so immediately a gardening friend researched how to discourage rabbits from loving our gardens… a few plants they don’t like are lavender, garlic and catnip.
So I planted all three.
I do hope the laugh won’t be on me.
Also I discovered, you can sprinkle garlic powder around the plants – this is supposed to work quite well. I might give that a try if the other doesn’t do the job.
As much as I love bunnies, you don’t need my lettuce… there’s no shortage of clover and healthy non-sprayed dandelions out there for you little critters.
Every Tuesday evening, about 25 (and growing) of us community gardeners meet in the loft of the barn for dinner and digging. We eat, get the updates and training, share our knowledge, and go dig in the dirt.
As a community, separate from our individual gardens, we will be planting potatoes and corn of which we’ll share the fruits.
We all take turns bringing the soup, buns and dessert. The loft has been transformed into an inviting and unique meeting place… or just a place to hang out and enjoy a cup of coffee, tea and tasty torte, after gardening for a few hours. With hot running water, a sink, oven, tables, chairs, and couches, we are well pampered farmers.
You don’t find all this in your everyday garden community.
Our friend and owner of Little Farm Products has a very creative imagination and generous heart. The opportunities are endless.
That’s the TWIST.
Next time…all about Complementary Gardening and Gardening with the MOON.
True to my word, I searched my closet for photos of my Newfoundland dogs.
Our two Newfies, Panda Bearand Dandie Lion, are called Landseers (Black and White). The Landseer was named after an English painter, sir Edwin Henry Landseer.
For more of Edwin Henry Landseer’s paintings check out the Encore Editions site where I found this painting. Delightful artwork. Encore Editions
Called “Newfoundland and Woodchuck”
“Their big head and kind, gentle expression makes them very adorable and dignified”, as my daughter put it.
Beautiful, dignified, and true to their nature, these dogs were every bit a Newfoundland at heart. How we loved our Newfies.
Panda Bear was one of our two, very much loved Newfies. He was the big boy, Dandie Lion, she was a lady.
Today, my story is about Panda Bear.
I was told that Newfies have a sense of humor. I wondered about that… how can a dog have a sense of humor. I soon discovered they do.
On one occasion, Panda being in a playful mood, snuck up behind our 11 year old daughter who was day dreaming, gazing out her bedroom window. I was watching from a distance wondering what Mr. Panda Bear was about. I watched as he moved towards her in a deliberate, quiet stalking manner. Then, without warning, he gave her a quick nip in the butt.
Even I didn’t expect that.
He promptly (as if it was all well thought out) jumped onto her bed and barked loudly in her shocked face.
“Come and get me” he challenged.
Standing on the bed beside her he was every bit as tall as our daughter. If one didn’t know him, one would have been quite concerned.
Once recovered from the shock, our daughter began to laugh and of course I joined her. We laughed, really laughted and Panda laughed with us.
Panda was the king – he ruled the neighborhood. He was a good king. He ruled with kindness, he was fair and just. His neighborhood subjects rarely gave him any trouble and if they did, it was not for long. If discipline was needed, he gave it without doing harm – using his size and commanding voice – perhaps a good chest plant or maybe a chase around the park.
I think I have a hundred stories I can tell about our Newfies. Perhaps another story another time…first I need to find some of those photos taken before digital – hidden somewhere in a shoe box in my closet.
In my state of great discomfort, I picked up my sketch book. I started sketching what I saw from the, all be it little, but nevertheless, comfort of my bed. I soon discovered that sketching helped to control the pain somewhat.
I still had a couple of days until the dental appointment.
Sitting in emergency waiting to get some meds, a dozen handsome firemen came through handing out these adorable teddies. My husband who is always on the look out for freebies, asked for one for me. Seeing my plight they had compassion one me.
Yes, this is an experience I don’t wish on anyone, but having said that, it is a pain that will go away, and soon my jaw and mouth will be all back to normal once again.
On December 24th 2004 our family lost a loved one. That pain still lingers at times – especially at this time of year. Yes, the pain has lost its edge, and for that I am thankful. The good part is that I have the hope and peace of knowing I will see him again someday.
Acknowledging the fact that difficult circumstances come and go regardless of the time of year, I will continue to look forward to Christmas whatever it brings.
Is it just me or doesChristmas seem to come around much quicker these years?
A couple of weeks ago, when the reality hit me that the Christmas season was fast approaching, I had a momentary feeling of wanting to just skip it ALL this year…that overwhelming feeling many of us are familiar with…I have so much to do in so little time, with so little money.
Then I did a little reminiscing and thankfully the Christmas spirit came upon me once again.
For those of you who need a little encouragement I invite you to come and reminisce with me. I’ll let the pictures do most of the talking.
Scenes from Christmas past spending time with family….
This nativity scene the kids and I made when they were little. They’re all grown up now, but we still haul these little characters made from spools and cloth out every Christmas.
Our tradition – on Christmas eve our family tells and acts out the Christmas story of Jesus birth. We each take a part and the characters to go with that part.
The parts about Mary soon to deliver her first child, and Joseph having to travel by donkey to Bethlehem for taxation. Caesar had ordered it and they must go… we tell of how there was no room in any inn because of this, but then they find the stable where they will be warm and safe. That night Jesus was born.
Then comes the part about the shepherds watching their sheep by night, and then the angel of the Lord showing up – suddenly in a brilliant flash of light, and how he tells them not to be afraid but to go and see the baby that was born, the son of God come to bring peace to all men – to save them from themselves and their own destructions…and the angel is joined by a host of angels singing and praising God. All of heaven is in a state of rejoicing.
We move to the Wise men and tell how they followed the star which led them many many miles, all the way to the stable where Jesus was born. They brought him most precious valuable gifts of Gold and Frankincense and Myrrh…
We light the final candle in the advent wreath…
And then… we open the gifts…
Christmas is complete once again. I sit silently in my comfy chair, alone now among the lights and the glow of the flickering candles, and I am thankful. My heart is calm and full of gratitude…for my family, my friends, and most of all my God who did the unthinkable – sent his only son Jesus to earth so that I, you, everyone, could have a relationship with Him. Now that is what it’s all about. And that is why I celebrate Christmas.
David Letterman, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Bernie Madoff, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, ACORN, Michael Moore, Michael Vick, Barack Obama, Perez Hilton, Bill Maher
Then let the fun begin
Watch them get splattered.
Then do it again. And again. And again.
Tell your friends.
The Peckobel Canon is an arrangement of Pachelbel’s Canon in D and the Chicken Dance song.
NOTE: One of my husband’s productions. A fun and innovative way to express yourself in a safe and non-threatening way. Good for a few laughs. My part in this all…coming up with Major Chicken of course.
The tasty, nutritious asparagus falls under the category of super foods in my books.
Here’s what I learned about asparagus.
Asparagus is:
* Rich in proteins
* High in fibre low in carbohydrates and calories
* An excellent source of vitamin K, folate, vitamin C and A as well as many other minerals and B vitamins.
* Calcium and magnesium are found in the idea ratio of 2:1.
* Good for your heart
* Good for your gastrointestinal tract and colon
* Good food to help with depression
* Considered a diuretic
* Has anti-inflammatory effects
* Helps detoxify the body
* Good for nursing mothers – stimulates milk production
* Has anti-fungal and antiviral qualities
* Helps prevent bladder and urinary track infections
* Great for your capillaries – helps with preventing bruising and varicose veins
* Suppose to help stop hair loss
Almost too good to be true? That is an impressive list. And that’s not all I found. I left plenty of the supposed health benefits out – because it did sound just a bit too good to be true and would require that I spend a lot more time researching.
Having said that, I think we’ve got the picture.
How to best prepare asparagus. Lightly steamed is the most nutritious. This only takes a few minutes so don’t walk away from the stove. Use glass or stainless steel pots. When done, the stems should be a bright green color and still have a crispness to them. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt or Mrs. Dash and serve with a meal – or eat it all by itself as a snack.
Asparagus is a member of the lily family. Other vegetables in the lily family include leek, onions, and garlic.
I think you would agree that Asparagus is an excellent food to incorporate into your diet on a regular basis. Sometimes people avoid eating asparagus because of the smell excreted in the urine subsequent to ingestion. An amino acid called asparagine found in abundance in asparagus, is the reason behind this. Asparagine helps the body to cleanse itself of waste material.
This is the time for berry picking in British Columbia. Our personal favorite berries are Cherries, Blueberries, and Raspberries.
This year was an exceptional season for berries. In no time we filled our buckets to the brim with the berries – picking has never been such a pleasure.
This year topped it off with an abundance of cherries from just one tree, unlike any other year I can remember.
Eatin' and Pickin' them sweet cherries
What are some of the health benefits that these berries provide?
Blueberries…
…contain antioxidants that are thought to help our bodies fight free radicals. They also contain vitamins and a significant amount of fiber.
Studies on rats have found that blueberries slowed age-related loss in their mental capacity. The studies also showed blueberries to improved learning and memory.
Japanese researchers demonstrated the usefulness of blueberries in improving weak eyesight and lessening eye fatigue.
Cherries…
…are an effective and fast-acting for eliminating swelling and pain. Not to mention they are delicious to eat. Eating just a few cherries a day helps to the body to deal with uric acid levels, keeping them in check. Cherry juice is just as effective. (Note my previous blog on cherries - What do Exercise and Black Cherries have in common?)
Raspberries…
…are a good source of antioxidants and may even have 10 times more antioxidants than tomatoes or broccoli. Raspberries contain some very specific antioxidants that are found in few other sources.
So enjoy those rich nutrient filled, tasty berries while you can. You can always freeze some for those harsh winter months. We’ve got plenty in our freezer to hold us until spring.
You can find more information on these berries at:
Crab apples anyone? No, they are not a berry but since they are one of my husband’s favorite fruits, I’ll mention them. They are a good source of Dietary Fiber and Vitamin C - good for jellies and Jams, and for those who like a tart treat, they’re all yours.
Chuzzle’s Incredible Journey is written for ages pre-school to Grade Two. A Mother and daughter effort – written by Minde Wachsmann, illustrated by Carrie Wachsmann (myself).
Chuzzle, a young adventurous porcupine with many endearing qualities, embarks on a journey to find his dear friend Whuzzle. Chuzzle and Whuzzle used to play together everyday when they were neighbors.
Then Whuzzles and her family moved far away, past the Little Stream, through the Deep Forest, beyond the Green Blue Pond, and up the Giant Big Hill.
Chuzzle missed her very much. One day he decided he was now old enough to venture out on his own. Saying goodbye to his parents, Chuzzle packed his lunch and bravely embarked on his incredible journey to find his friend Whuzzle.
I sketched, then pencil crayoned the sketches. I scanned the sketches and detailed them using Photoshop and Wacom Tablet. Using my digital Nikoncamera, I took photographs and used them to create backgrounds.
This juice beverage uses the WHOLE mangosteen fruit.
Mangosteen fruit is known throughout the world as The Queen of Fruits.
“There is a legend about Queen Victoria offering a reward to anyone who could deliver to her the fabled fruit.” (Wikipedia)
One of the things I learned was that this juice uses every bit of the fruit.
Remember what your Mom said about the best part of the apple and the potato and the carrot being in the peel?
The best part of the mangosteen is found in the peel.
The peel of themangosteen is called the Pericarp.
This is where most of that good stuff is found.
That good stuff is called Xanthones.
What are these Xanthones?
“Among the powerful phytonutrients found in the rind of the mangosteen, xanthones stand alone in their impressive benefits. Scientific studies suggest xanthones may promote well-being.”
Xanthones in Mangosteen
“Researchers have identified dozens of biologically active xanthones in the mangosteen fruit. Today, researchers are just beginning to uncover the powerful scientific properties behind the mangosteen fruit.”
Summer has definitely arrived. This past week we’ve enjoyed 30-35 degreeweather. (85 – 95 degrees F) I say it’s too hot to be serious about working. Sitting in my little office with merely my fan for air conditioning, I’m thinking of everything but computer stuff.
Some of you may be having images of a nice cold beer right about now.
Actually, I’m still thinking about last weekend and our weekend retreat at beautifulStillwood Camp and Conference Centre.
Here, visual artists have the opportunity to tell the heart-wrenching and heart-warming stories of the American warrior.
Our experience began with a Red Carpet private screening of the MGM/UA major motion picture Valkyrie, staring Tom Cruise – the beginning of 4 days and evenings of fascinating and captivating story-telling.
I have had a beautiful purple flowering Lavender plant growing in my little garden. To my chagrin – the harsh winter killed most of it and I am left with but a small, although healthy looking shoot. I am nurturing it in hopes that it will have a speedy come back.
Here’s why.
Lavenderis not only pleasant to look at, it is soothing to the soul and healing to the body.
I use it as a natural perfume.
One drop of Lavender oil behind the ear is all it takes.
I use it as an air freshener.
A few drops of Lavender in a spritz bottle makes a great air freshener. I also have a little container of dried flowers in my house at all times. Just pinch a few in your fingers and inhale. You’ll feel your body relax.
Put flowers into a cotton pouch, add a little embroidery if you are so inclined, and squeeze and sniff.
2. Its soothing properties. I use a drop on the pillow at night.
Lavender is calming to the heart, relieves anxiety and soothes the nervous system. Soon, sleep comes sweetly.
3. Its culinary uses. I use it in tea and put it in salad.
Lavender makes a great addition to a cup of tea or even salad.
For a pot of tea use about 1 heaping Tbsp. of the Lavender flowers.
(fresh or dried)
For Salad, sprinkle as desired.
Lavender is has been used to aid the digestion since ancient times.
4. Its healing properties. I use it for healthy skin.
Add a few drops of Lavender oil to your bath. It will lift your spirit, calm the body and heal the skin.
Add a few drops of the oil to your all natural body lotion. From ancient times Lavender was used for it’s healing, antiseptic properties.
Lavender is often used to treat burns and wounds. Keep a spritz bottle of water with a few drops of Lavender oil added, in your beach bag. Spray lavishly onto skin after spending time in the sun. On hot days, I spritz to keep cool.
Here is MY “squeeze and sniff”Lavender pouch.
Notice the embroidery. No, I didn’t make this one. This was a gift from a friend. I make very good use of it.
My husband is hooked on Lavender too. Not to be outdone, he took a sock, filled it with dried flowers and put it into his car. Talk about smelly socks.
My husband's Lavender "squeeze and sniff" pouch
And… a few more interesting pieces of information:
Did you know that Lavender is known as a love potion?
Apparently, in Roman times “women hung Lavender next to their beds to incite the passions.”
Did you know that Lavender is mentioned in the Bible?
“Lavender is mentioned many times in the Bible. In ancient Greece, Lavender was called “nardus,” “nard,” or “spikenard” (named for the Syrian city of Naarda) and was used as a cure for everything from insomnia and aching backs to insanity.” http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/features/lavender.html
Several passages in the Christian Bible which mention Lavender (spikenard):
Song of Solomon (Canticles) 1:12
“While the king is at his table, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance.”
Song of Solomon 4:13, 14
(King Solomon talking about the love of his life)
“Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with pleasant fruits, fragrant henna and spikenard… spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices.”
If you are a romantic at heart, the book of Song of Solomon is a must read book.
Mark 14:3 “…And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper as He (Jesus) sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenards. And she broke the flask and poured it on His head…”
(This woman is showing honor to Jesus by giving him her most costly possession)
John 12:3 “…Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil…”
(Here Mary gives the very best she has to Jesus, showing Him honor)
Here’s another good site to visit. Very nicely done.
Chuzzle leaves home – Carrie ©
