Dr. Esselstyne Shares Healing for the Heart

I am really enjoying listening to the talks from the 2014 Food Revolution Summit. I decided to purchase the whole set so I could listen to them and soak in all the information at times and a pace that was good for me.

I am very impressed with the talk that was given by Dr. Esselstyne. He is a heart surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic who has been demonstrating through scientific studies that a plant strong diet can reverse heart disease. In fact, he mentions that in rural China or the Papua highlands in New Guinea, Central Africa or among the Tarahumara Indians in Northern Mexico, where the people eat plant strong diets, there is no heart disease; it is virtually unheard of.

Dr. Esselstyne is one of the primary contributors to the movie Forks Over Knives, and he has written the best selling book, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. He recently published a research paper that involved 200 patients, all with significant cardiovascular illness. 89.3% made the dietary changes and were adherent to a whole food plant-based nutritional lifestyle for 3.75, or almost 4 years. Of all those who were adherent, 99.4% avoided any further cardiac events during that time period, and change began to be seen in just weeks. In the group that was not adherent, 62% had further cardiac events.

According to John Robbins, the interviewer of the summit, statin drugs are usually the first line of treatment for heart concerns. There are more than 215 million prescriptions written for them each year which generates about $14 billion in revenue for the pharmaceutical companies that make them. Statin drugs are taken now by nearly one in four US adults between the ages of 45 and 64 and by about half of those over 65.

Statin drugs have many side effects, the primary one being that they force the liver to stop producing cholesterol, which is needed by the body for so many functions including hormone production and brain clarity, to name a few. This is why doctors will regularly check liver enzymes to determine how much the liver is being damaged. Add to this that some people develop diabetes, others experience neuropathy or neuromuscular disorder, and still others experience cognitive disorders. More and more doctors are expressing concerns with Statin drugs.

If you have a family history of heart disease, or if you think you might be on the path to clogged arteries, high blood pressure or other heart related problems, why not try a plant based diet for a period of 6-12 months and see what changes take place in your body. I have no doubt that your experience would be in keeping with the results of Dr. Esselystine's studies.

Young Living offers some products that are great for heart health. Aroma Life is an oil blend that works synergistically to support the heart and its function.  NingXia Red juice is also a fabulous aid to the heart as it is extremely antioxidant and contains a rich source of vitamins and minerals that are helpful for heart health. Just contact me if you want to learn more.

What will you do for your heart today?

Topics to Tickle Your Interests?

Friday is the day that I turn this blog over to you. If you don't have anything particular on your mind, I would love to learn what topics you are interested in learning more about. Are there ailments you'd like information on? challenges you face? natural products you have used?

I look forward to discussing the topics of interest to my readers, so let me know what you would like to learn more about.

One more day until I give away a free Lemon essential oil, so leave your comment in order to be entered into the drawing.

Ready, Reset, Go!

Over the past several months, I have been getting into some bad health habits. Through the winter, I got out of the habit of drinking green smoothies on a regular basis.  I have been sporadic with exercise, and my exceptions to how I really want to eat and feel keep accumulating. I find myself making excuses for poor choices and my motivation and enthusiasm for a vibrant life has been slipping.

I've decided that today is the best day to begin again. I want to take advantage of the beautiful weather and the local produce, and recommit myself to this journey to better health. I don't need to get down on myself for past choices, but take some time to rekindle my enthusiasm for a future filled with good things.

Here are the steps I am taking to get back in the game:

1. Set aside time to refocus my vision and get in touch with my "Why". Why do I want to be
   healthier? When I know and reconnect to my reasons for wanting to be healthier, then I am more likely to follow through. I an excited to play with my grandchildren, enjoy outdoor activites like hiking, camping and canoeing, travel to new places, think clearly, wake up with energy and enthusiasm each day, do all that God has in mind for me to do to impact the world in a positive way.  
   
2. Set a plan for when I will exercise, plan my meals, shop, listen to motivational talks or watch motivating & inspiring movies. Failing to plan is really planning to fail. I will succeed to the extent that I plan to succeed. Planning allows me to reduce stress too, as I know important activities will get done. 
3. Find others to take this journey with me, those who will be willing to hold me accountable and share their own growth with me. Having companions on this journey to a vibrant life brings richness, new insights, greater resources and more fun to the adventure.
   
4. Get going! I can spend enormous amounts of time getting ready, ready, ready, and never "fire". At some point in time, the rocket has to be launched for the adventure to begin. 
5. Continue to learn. I know that I am fascinated and motivated as I learn more about the miracle of the human body, natural healing and interesting exercise activities. Collecting new recipes keeps me excited and adds a bit of flare to my menus. 

Have you gotten distracted from your journey to a healthier you? What will you do to refocus and set your course to where you really want to be?

A Testimony of Wealth and Freedom

Tuesdays is the day that I share testimonies with you, usually of natural remedies that have led others to healing. Today I want to focus on a different type of healing.

Many families suffer from an ailment called "too much month at the end of the money". Financial  pressures place tremendous stress on health, relationships and time with family.

I was listening to a talk today that shared these startling statistics:

• The current unemployment rate in the USA is over 7.5%
• 4.5 million people are unemployed in the USA (and half have stopped looking for a job)
• 800,000 are in hardship conditions
•  54% of college graduates are unemployed
• 50% of all college graduates are in a job that does not require a college degree
• 80% of all baby boomers in the USA have less than $25,000 in savings and are living paycheck to paycheck

Financial worries and hardships create high levels of stress and this negatively affects health. For many people, having an extra $500 a month would make a huge difference in their lives.

2013 YL convention

This is my testimony: I was able to make this extra $500 a month three years ago, 5 months after joining Young Living as a distributor. I was still working my full-time job as an admissions counselor and completing my masters in counseling. I was able to work 5 to 10 hours a week on my YL business, share natural health remedies (which is my passion), and build a team of wonderful fellow distributors, which generated this income. My income has steadily grown, as my team has grown, and I was able to leave my full-time job this past fall to work my home business full-time. I love it! Of course, the personal health benefits have been wonderful too.

Networking marketing is a home based opportunity that has offered me freedom, a residual income (income I will have for years to come), fun coworkers, flexibility and personal development.

Some people are a bit wary of network marketing because of bad experiences with previous companies and sales people who were overly aggressive. However, that does not characterize most network marketing companies, which contribute $20 billion a year in gross sales in the USA alone. 52% of all small companies are network marketing companies and the Small Business Association estimates that 50% of all USA households will become involved in a home business.

Those who have achieved leadership ranks with Young Living, which means they have talked to more people over a longer period of time, make substantial incomes. Those who are at the Silver rank usually make between $2000 and $4000 a month. Those at Gold rank typically earn $6000 to $10,000 a month. Diamonds, Crown Diamonds and Royal Crown Diamonds make an insane amount of money each month. As the saying goes, "If some people have done it, then it's possible for anyone to do it."

With the average American household earning $36,000 a year, adding some additional income can be difficult to do if you are trading hours for dollars. In network marketing, a limited number of hours can be used to share with others, train new members, and help the parent company sell more product and reach more people, which leads to financial rewards.

My office is my home. I choose my hours, my contacts and decide who I want to work with. I can travel to visit children and grandchildren without having to punch a clock. I can work with people all around the world.

If you think you could benefit from an extra $500 or more a month, are willing to learn and develop new skills, and love natural healing, I am willing to work with you to bring this blessing to your life. If you are already a Young Living distributor, let me help you learn the steps for success.

So what have you got to lose? Let's get growing!

Patriotic Fruit Salad Mixed With Gratitude

On this Memorial Day, I am feeling especially grateful to be an American and to have the freedoms that we do, to choose the work we do, the food we eat, the people we associate with and the opportunities that we have. I know that I can't begin to comprehend what it is like for millions of others to live without the things that I take for granted.

What I have is due in large part because of the sacrifices of others who have been willing to risk their lives for my freedoms. I just want to reflect on this today and to say thank you. Thank you to my dad who served in the Air Force, to my nephew, Robert, who is serving right now. Thank you to my future nephew-in-law who is starting his journey with the army, and for my high school age nephew who has decided to join the Ohio National Guard.

On this day of remembering those who have served our country, we proudly wave the red, white and blue and spend time with family and friends. In keeping with this theme, I thought I would share a simple, yet colorful way to join in the fun and still enjoy a simple, healthy treat.

Patriotic Fruit Salad
2 cups organic strawberries, raspberries, watermelon
1 cup organic blueberries, blackberries
1/2 cup organic, unsweetened flaked coconut
Mix together and enjoy this colorful treat.


What patriotic, healthy treats do you enjoy? Any suggestions or recipes you could share?

Are You Open Minded For a Change?

I would have said that I am a person with an open mind, willing to learn new things and adjust my view accordingly. Yet in the past week I have been challenged to rethink this belief. It seems as if God has been opening my eyes and allowing me to see how I am often defensive when hearing a new idea or viewpoint, or I will make a snap judgement about a person I am meeting or hearing about for the first time. This certainly does not demonstrate humility or openness.

I have been listening to talks from the 2014 Food Revolution Summit on a variety of topics from GMOs, to world hunger, to animal cruelty, to eating healthier. The 24 people interviewed are from a wide range of backgrounds and lifestyles. While I am interested in natural healing, I would not have considered myself to be a "tree hugger" or "cow kisser". After listening to several of the talks, I have a greater appreciation for some of the concerns raised and the implications of our choices.

I learned that animals raised specifically for food in the United States consume staggering amounts of grain. If Americans ate 10% less meat, we could use the grain saved to feed 16 million people, the same number of people that will die of hunger this year around the world.

Most of the animals raised for food in the United States are raised on factory farms and live in such horrific conditions that if we experienced their situation first hand, we would probably be sick to our stomachs and be extremely disturbed for quite some time. In recent months, I watched the movie Vegucated and began by making jokes and thinking that "these people" take animal care too seriously. What I learned shook my position and challenged me to learn more. Now I try to buy my chicken and lamb from a local farm with humane practices and no antibiotics or GMO feed.

Other talks in the Food Revolution summit challenged me to consider my reasons for eating organic produce. Up until now, I have chosen to eat organic food largely for my own health. I want to avoid pesticides and other toxins. I had never really considered the people who have to work in the fields where chemicals are being sprayed. Did you know that the average life span of a migrant field worker is 49 years. If I eat organic produce, then I am sending a message that I want better working conditions for field workers.

You can still listen to some of the talks from the Food Revolution Summit. The final talk between John and Ocean Robbins is very powerful. I challenge you to keep an open mind and heart as you listen to this.

I believe God wants me to have a heavenly perspective and to remember that the earth is not my final home. Yet while I am here, it is important that I care about all those who walk this world with me. I am challenged to be loving both to myself and to others and to do the best I can to be healthier and create a healthier world for those who will follow.

Have you listened to any of the summit? What did you think?
Leave a comment and you could win a free Lemon essential oil on June 1.

That's All I Can Stands...

How many of you are old enough to remember Popeye the Sailor Man? Well, Popeye had an expression that was classic. When he saw injustice or something that stirred his adrenaline, he would state, "That's all I can stands. I can't stands no more!" He would eat his spinach, grow super large biceps and take care of the injustice (usually with force).

While this may be a cartoon character, there are real people that we are all aware of that were motivated in the same way to tackle an injustice or seek to bring about change.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was stirred by the injustice of racial discrimination. Mother Theresa was stirred by the heartbreak of the sick and dying being alone on the streets of India in their last moments of life. Moses was stirred by the oppression of his people and, when asked by God at the burning bush to lead the Israelites to freedom, said yes even if he had concerns about his own abilities.

Family Missions Company serves the poor

I have been listening to recordings of talks from the Willow Creek leadership summit and specifically a talk by pastor Bill Hybels that addressed this very discontentment. Bill challenges us to consider what God has placed on our heart that we "can't stands no more". Where might God be calling us to make a difference in the world, whether in my home, neighborhood, church, community or the wider world. I believe we are all called to answer this call.

I realize that my discontentment has come from watching people be devalued by our society, in relationships, by our consumeristic society or even by those who are suppose to be healers, like some in the medical community. This discontentment goes back to my teen years when, feeling somewhat misunderstood and devalued, as I am sure all teenagers feel, I felt the tug to bring affirmation and understanding to other teens through retreat work and church ministry. This discontentment, and desire to somehow bring value to others, has directed many choices in my life.

One reason I write this blog is to share affirmation, hope and to empower you, my readers, to embrace the beauty that is you. You are nature's greatest miracle, and God's masterpiece. Do you believe this?

Each of us has the ability to change our physical health, our thoughts, and these will quite naturally lead to a change in our emotions. When we embrace our own value, then we are not afraid to step out and bring value to the lives of others.

How does better health influence this call? Quite simply, when I feel better, I am less self-focused; I have more energy and a clearer vision. I spend less time in bed, the doctor's office or complaining about my health challenges. Finding my discontentment can also motivate me to want to make better health choices too. I want to "get to work", so I value feeling better.

What can't you stands? How can taking better care of yourself assist you in bringing positive change to the world?

Sleep in Heavenly Peace?

Over the past several years, I have heard whispers about the toxins found in most traditional mattresses. Now that I am needing to purchase a new mattress, I have started exploring the world of mattresses and how the choice of sleeping materials may be affecting my health.

Since most of us do spend about one third of our lives on our bed, it makes sense to me that I should give it at least some consideration so I am not compromising all the healthy steps I am taking when I am awake. Is choosing a mattress or sleeping materials just about how firm the bed should be or how soft the sheets might feel?

I really knew very little about this topic. I started looking online and reading what I could find. What I have been discovering is interesting and concerning. For example, did you know that traditional mattresses, like so many other products manufactured today, are created with many synthetic materials and toxic chemicals? Is this a surprise when our foods, cleaners, personal care products all seem to have more and more toxic additives? The number of new chemicals introduced into our environment each year is in the thousands. Why would mattresses be any different?

For the last 50+ years most mattresses have been made of polyurethane foam, a petroleum based material that gives off volatile compounds that can cause respiratory and skin problems. Formaldehyde, which is used in the adhesives of the mattress, cotton pesticides and flame-retardant chemicals are just some of the additives suspected of contributing to cancer, nervous system disorders, asthma, allergies and more. Greatest concern is mattresses used for infants and children since their bodies and lungs are more sensitive. Flame retardancy laws are demanding higher levels of toxic materials.

Earlier this week, I visited the Natural Sleep Shop, a mattress store that sells organic, non-toxic latex mattresses in Cranberry, PA. One of the owners was very patient in explaining the different types of latex, specifically Dunlop or Talalay, and how these can be stacked 2 or 3 to a "mattress" in various levels of firmness, from firm to medium to soft. The latex slabs are stacked and then wrapped inside a quilted casing made of organic cotton fabric with organic wool batting. The wool provides the flame retardancy, naturally.

The owner of the shop explained that he and his wife opened this store after they had a terrible experience with a newly purchased traditional mattress.  After some serious health issues emerged, they had their home tested for toxicity levels. Their bedroom, with this new mattress, was ten times more "toxic" than the rest of the house. This experience started them on a journey to find a healthier option and then make this option available to others.

Natural latex mattresses are more expensive due to the cost of the materials. Savvy Rest, the brand sold by the Natural Sleep Shop, guarantees their mattresses for 20 years, while traditional mattress companies are now recommending you replace your mattress every 8 years. The organic, latex mattress was very comfortable too.

For those who struggle with breathing issues, sleep problems or other health concerns, it might be worth checking out some healthier bed options. I am definitely intrigued and will continue to research this topic.

I am still at the beginning of my exploration. I'd love to know what you may know or be learning.

Egging You on to Good Health

When I was a kid, I loved when my dad would be away on a business trip and we would get to have something "eggstra" special, like scrambled eggs or pancakes, for dinner. It just seemed less stressful and was "eggsactly" what we felt like eating.

Since I don't eat much meat, and I try to eat my protein meals earlier in the day (as they take longer to digest and move through the system), I find myself making veggie omelettes or a frittata for a more substantial meal.

I purchase organic eggs that are from free range, pasture fed, and antibiotic free chickens. I just don't want more chemicals, pesticides or antibiotics traveling from my food to me. Eggs are a great source of protein and good fats. Add a few veggies, some herbs and spices and you have a delicious meal.

The color of the egg really has little to do with the nutritional value of the eggs, but more to do with the type of chicken that laid the egg. Of course, if you have the goose that layed the golden egg then that's a whole different story.

Here's what I made tonight.

Basil Veggie Frittata
This makes enough for two people.
2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 small potato, chopped into little cubes
1/4 large yellow onion, chopped
1/4 sweet red pepper, chopped
2 long slices of a portabella mushroom, chopped
1-2 inches of zucchini, chopped into little cubes
5 large basil leaves, chopped
pinch of sea salt
garlic powder to taste
dash of cayenne pepper
2-3 large eggs

Heat oil in cast iron skillet. Cook onion and potato until soft. Add rest of the ingredients, except eggs, and cook briefly. Beat eggs and add to pan. Cook until bottom is set, then put under the broiler in the oven until eggs are firm and top is puffy, but before eggs get too brown.

Options: Add an avocado to the top after it is cooked and some salsa for "eggstra" zip.

Do you have a favorite healthy egg recipe? Leave it for us in the comments below and your name will be entered into a drawing to win a free Young Living Lemon essential oil.

God's Thoughts on the Body

Do you ever wonder if God really cares about our physical body? Isn't He more concerned about our soul. Isn't the body just the "container" for our spirit?

I have been growing in my appreciation of the miracle of the human body and how much my physical health affects my emotions, spiritual awareness, stamina, service, thoughts and energy. I have even begun to believe that when I deliberately do something that I know is not good for my body, that I am outside of God's blessing at that moment.

The Bible is full of references to the body being the "temple of the Holy Spirit", "fearfully, wonderfully made" and "knit in my mother's womb". Jesus thought the body was important enough that He healed many people while He walked the earth.

I am a more productive, capable and selfless member of the human race when I am not in pain, feeling lethargic and sick, and just struggling to get through the day. Can you imagine what the world would be like if those of us with the financial resources were to use our blessings to take better care of our health? We would be sick less, which would enable us to have more time and money to donate to those around the world who don't have the same blessings that we do. We could transform the world!

This blog post is not designed to make you feel guilt, but to encourage you to keep traveling down the road to better choices and healthier living. If you can look down the road to see the benefits, not just to yourself, but for others too, you might experience greater motivation to take the next good step. I believe that God will bless your effort.

Your thoughts?

Happy Birthday to Me!

That's right, today is my birthday. I share this with you because I am so incredible grateful for my life, for those who fill my life with joy, and for the blessings that God pours out on me each day.

This natural healing journey is something I thank God for everyday. To feel younger and more energetic, have lost over 40 pounds, experience greater peace and joy, have balanced hormones, digestion, and mood...these are just some of the blessings that have been part of my journey.

Add to these health improvements the new friends, acquaintances and mentors I have been blessed to get to know on this journey, and I am one lucky woman.

Of course, I am also extremely thankful for the family and friends who have been journeying with me through the thick and thin, unhealthy and healthy, especially my three children, two grandsons, parents, and so many others who support and love me. Where would I be without all of you?

Life is beautiful!

In honor of my birthday, and because I am two weeks late to announce this, I am giving away a bottle of Blue Spruce or Ocotea to one lucky person who commented on my blog in April. The winning comment is...#9,

Cynthia  April 10, 2014 at 10:19 PM (on the April 8th blog post)
This post gave me a good laugh especially the masked man!

Congratulations, Cynthia.

Keep those comments coming and you could be the next winner of an incredible Young Living product.

In May, I am giving away a bottle of Lemon essential oil to one lucky winner. Just leave a comment on my blog in May and you could be chosen as the winner.

When Life Throws You a Curve...

The light will always break through the darkness.
God is always present. All is well.

I am a day late for this post, but let me explain why. Life has been a bit unsettled for me with my recent move and all that comes with that challenge. I have been plugging along trying to unpack, set up my office, follow up with my Young Living team and customers, write my daily blog, and continue to look toward the future with some planning and confidence in God's leading.

On Wednesday, I received a call from a woman from an organization, Freedom of Choice in Cancer Therapy. She said that I had been recommended as a speaker and asked if I would be willing to be the guest presenter at their monthly meeting in June. The conversation was pleasant and all the details were worked out. She mentioned that their May meeting was on Thursday night (the next day) and that I might like to attend the meeting to get to know the group a bit better. I thought that was a good idea. I hung up the phone and thanked God for the opportunity to share natural healing through essential oils in June.

Then on Thursday at 2:00 p.m., came the phone call that changed everything. The presenter for the meeting that night was suddenly stranded at a distance airport and would not be able to arrive in time to give his presentation. Would I please consider giving my presentation a month early? I felt a surge of "peaceful panic". I had not even prepared the presentation that I hoped to give yet? I had only 2 hours before I would need to be on the road to drive to the meeting location. Yet I felt a peace that God knew exactly what he was doing and would care for the details. I only needed to say yes.

The presentation went very well and the interest of those in attendance was evident. I was so blessed by their questions, curiosity and passion for natural healing. They were a wonderfully receptive and understanding group.

Sometimes life, or God, throws us an unexpected curve. Sometimes things happen that we don't understand or we struggle to see the good in the situation. Twice this week, God has reminded me in a graphic way that He is present in every situation.


Working on a puzzle to relax before bed, I have been convinced that a certain puzzle piece just does not fit into the puzzle I am working on. Eventually, I will realize my mistake as the piece fits perfectly into its location. Sometimes things happen in life that I don't understand or don't view as good. I may shake my "puzzle piece" in the air asking, "How does this fit into my life in a good way?" It may take time, but I know that one day I will see the blessings that came from that situation or event.

Driving along the highway one day last week, I witnessed a giant cloud blocking the sun. Darkness fell as the light was prevented from reaching the earth. As I watched, the sun began to stream out from behind the darkness. It was as if the light could not be prevented from spilling out to bless the earth. I was reminded that, even on the darkest days, the sun still shines just above (or behind) the clouds. God is always in my life (and yours) with love, even when I don't seem to be able to experience His love or see His care.

Am I making sense? Have you experienced this too?

I just realized that I forgot to post that for one lucky person who posts a comment on my blog this month, I am giving away a bottle of Lemon oil (one of my favorites!). April's winner will be posted tomorrow... stay tuned.

Ways to Protect Yourself From EMFs

Several weeks ago, I was talking with a woman who has been involved with natural healing for many years. She had done quite a bit of research on EMFs or electromagnetic fields. In the course of our conversation, she pulled out what she called her "blue blockers" and showed my her orange tinted glasses which she stated she wears after the sun goes down. I'll explain this more in a minute.

EMFs are everywhere, created by many sources, such as cell phones, power lines, computers, metals in our mattress, synthetic materials in our homes, and more. EMFs interfere with the body's electical "circuitry", disrupting communication in the body, causing cell oxidation, creating an acid state in the body and interrupting sleep patterns.

I don't propose to go into a long explanation, as you can read a good article on Dr. Mercola's site. I am not advocating anxiety or panic, but am just bringing some ideas to your attention. It seems that there are simple steps that can be taken that might really help eliminate some of the excess EMFs that may be negatively affecting your health or sleep.

Here are a few steps that I plan to take:

1. Keep my cell phone and computer out of the bedroom when I sleep and, if at all possible, try not to use them for at least an hour before bed. Limiting explosure to electronics before bed can actually help your sleep cycle.
2. Research "blue blocker" glasses to wear around my house at night. As the sun goes down, natural blue light diminishes which tells our body to prepare for sleep. When we use lots of artificial lights and electronic devices at night, we keep the blue light levels higher and this can disrupt sleep cycles. Wellness Mama has a good article on this that you might find helpful.
3. I am planning to get a new mattress and am hoping to find one that does not have metal in it, has less toxic substances and fumes, is comfortable and doesn't break the bank. I have heard that a latex mattress might be a good option. I'll keep you posted on my research and would appreciate your input if you know of any good sources/options.
   
4. I keep the head of my bed 3-6 feet from electrical outlets when sleeping.
5. I will continue to research this topic so I can better understand the risks of EMFs. I will also check out something called f.lux that can help with computer blue light at night.

I am just beginning my journey into this subject, but am very interested in learning more. I can appreciate that we have many more sources of EMFs than our grandparents did 50 years ago and this bombardment of our cells from EMFs needs to be seen as toxic and requires some wisdom and monitoring. 

What do you know about this topic? Have you taken any steps to limit EMFs?

Keeping Cool with Homemade Popsicles

As the sun shines and temperatures rise, the world around us seems to come alive. It is such a joy to watch flowers bloom, leaves burst forth, birds sing and people spending more time outdoors. With temperatures in the 70's and 80's, thoughts turn toward ways to keep cool.

Smoothies and popsicles are two of my favorite ways to accomplish this. I love making my Best Chocolate Shake Ever (or another variation), green smoothies with frozen fruit, and popsicles made with fresh juices and left over smoothies.

Remember, that green smoothies are a quick, effective way to get a super charged portion of nutrients and amino acids in a simple blended drink. There are lots of smoothie recipes on this blog; just search the "smoothie" label to locate them. My smoothie today was one I just threw together with ingredients on hand. With the leftover smoothie, I decided to make a few popsicles for a nutritious snack. Popsicles are a great kid pleaser too, and a sneaky way to introduce green smoothies and other healthy alternatives.

Banana Strawberry Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1 orange
6-8 oz. of water (I used some water kefir flavored with strawberries for part of the liquid)
2 cups kale leaves, ripped into pieces with stems removed
1/4 cup canned organic coconut milk (this is thicker and creamier than the coconut milk in cartons)

Put all ingredients into the blender in order and blend until smooth. 

A Mother's Day Tribute

As I reflect on mother's today, I am filled with gratitude for my own mother, for those who have been spiritual mothers in my life, and for my children who have filled my life and my heart with a passion for motherhood (and grand-motherhood).

Mothers are a great example of unselfish love and sacrifice, of compassion and nurturing, and of creativity and resourcefulness.

Two stories that I recent heard illustrate the unique role of mothers. The first is about a job posting that was listed in the classified section of the newspaper. It read,

Wanted, person to work 7 days a week, on call 24 hours a day. Responsibilities include culinary creations, housekeeping, driving, event planning, on call counseling, peace negotiations and more. Compensation is not monetary, but will involve delayed gratitude in future years.

I am not sure that any of us would respond to an ad like this in the newspaper, yet we can definitely identify the role of a mother in this description.  If this sounds like your own mother, I hope you took the time (if she is still living) to thank her today.

The second story that I recently heard involved two warring tribes. In the middle of the night, the tribe from the mountain attacked the tribe on the plains, disappearing back into the mountains with an infant from the plains tribe. The next morning, the bravest, strongest warriors of the plains tribe attempted to climb the mountain to rescue the infant. After several attempts, they believed all was lost. Suddenly, they saw the mother of the kidnapped infant coming toward them from the top of the mountain. She was carrying her child. When she approached the warriors, they inquired how she was able to climb the mountain and bring back the baby when they had not been able to. She replied simply, "It was not your baby."

I know that I would walk through fire for my own children, and I know that my mother has already endured many hardships on my behalf.  So today, I say "thank you", to mothers everywhere, and especially my mother, for saying yes to bringing forth life and then nurturing that life to the best of her ability.

What do you like best about motherhood or your own mother?

Sort, Purge, Pack, Move and Simplify

There is nothing like moving to help you realize you live in a first world country. I think I live fairly simply, yet the process of preparing for my move to a new location and then having people help me move all my "stuff" opened my eyes to the amount of clothes, shoes, decorations, kitchen gadgets that I have. I could not help wondering what those in a third world country would think about my belongings.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that belongings are somehow evil. I believe that God wants us to appreciate the blessings that He gives and the rewards of our labor. I am wondering though where the line is between what is healthy stuff and what distracts me from thinking about and standing in solidarity with those who daily live with just the simplest of possessions, or who go without their basic needs being met.  

I guess my prayer is that I don't get caught up in the consumer mentality of having to have everything "just so" in my new location. I want to take a good look at clothes and shoes I almost never wear and see if there is someone who might be blessed by these items, even if through a thrift store or Samaritan House.

Just pondering. What are you thoughts on this?

Spring Citrus Weight Loss

With spring in the air and temperatures warming, I turn my thoughts to trading my winter clothes in for my summer wardrobe. As I begin pulling out shorts, capris and sleeveless tops, I wonder whether I feel ready to expose more of my body to the general public. After all, it has been a long winter and comfort foods have often been my companion. I may have put on a few pounds.

Let's face it, most people don't base their relationship with me on whether I am overweight, have cellulite or roll slightly in the middle. I would hope that people value my character (and I am quite a character), my personality and, well, just me! 

That being said, I still want to be slimmer, healthier, more agile and athletic and feel better about my appearance for myself. This is something that I want for me. So what can I do to drop a few pounds, firm up and boost my body's cellular health?

Here's a few timeless suggestions that are ripe for the taking:

1) Eat more seasonal, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Juice, blend, chop and lightly steam. These foods have higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and nutrients needed by the body for repairs, cellular healing, and overall body function.

2) Get outdoors and exercise. Find activities that you enjoy. Learn a new sport or join a hiking group (like I did!). Movement helps to get the lymph system moving and naturally detoxifies the body through sweat and muscle movement. Exercise also helps to oxygenate the cells.

3) Use essential oils and supplements designed to assist with fat reduction and weight loss. Following are two testimonies from women who experienced great success. I am eager to try the wrap and will let you know my experience in a future post.

Weight Loss Remedies

One woman heard Gary Young suggest the following remedy for weight loss and followed his advise with great results. Put 10 drops of Ledum into a bottle of Citrus Fresh. Each night dot the oil mixture all over (1 inch apart) the areas where you wish to lose fat (stomach, hips, buttocks). Rub the oil in and then wrap those areas with cellophane (creates sweating) and go to bed (she chose to skip the cellophane after the first night). Take two capsules with 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil at night before bed. This woman lost 3 inches in 6 weeks and she was almost to her ideal weight already. FYI: Citrus Fresh with Ledum breaks up the fat and the Grapefruit by capsule digests the fat.

Another woman lost weight using the Slique Caps. She did not have a scale, so when she went clothes shopping she was surprised to find she had dropped from a size 22 to a size 14. No wonder people kept telling her she looked great!

Hear a great 15 minute talk on citrus oils (orange, grapefruit, lemon, and tangerine) and their use by clicking here.

What healthy habits will you be employing this spring?  Can you relate to what I shared?