NATURAL SLEEP REMEDIES

There is an entire industry devoted to the issue of sleeping disorders offering both drugs and natural sleep aids to allow you to rest in order to maintain good health.
Sleep-easy tips

• sleep in a cool room with proper ventilation for fresh air
• ensure the room and surrounds are quiet
• do not use caffeine, alcohol or eat heavy spicy foods for several hours before going to bed
• try to go to bed at roughly the same time every day
• exercise daily
• avoid using the bedroom as an office or work area
• ensure you get enough sunlight to maintain proper circadian rhythms which are necessary for sleep
• do not fight the need to sleep - if you are tired rest
• use rhythmic breathing or other meditative techniques to help fall asleep

These natural substances can assist;

• Valerian Root - a calming herb used as a natural sedative
• Chamomile - another herb used for relaxation
• Kava - used to promote muscle relaxation and aids sleep
• Tryptopham - an amino acid precursor to Seratonin and Melatonin, which are both involved in sleep
• Magnesium - a mineral that helps promote relaxation

Before using any of the above consult a doctor or naturopath who is knowledgeable about these substances.

Sleep is extremely important and a lack thereof can lead to problems ranging from difficulties with simple tasks to weakened immune function.

Last night's carrot bake

• steam and mash carrots (leave them still slightly chunky and rustic looking)
• chop onion, garlic, green/red/yellow peppers and chilli
• mix all the above ingredients and add salt 'n pepper
• transfer to a baking dish and cover with seasoned breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast
• bake until the topping is crunchy and enjoy together with boiled baby potatoes dunked in basil pesto........................ and a crunchy cabbage salad.

Today I am grateful for;

• one day closer to Christmas holidays
• my brother and Kathy returning from their holiday - back home - Yay!
• looking forward to Mish's birthday picnic bash at Kirstenbosch tomorrow
• my 'whopping' good health
• FIFA 2010 draw - looking forward to the excitement this evening. Cape Town has been buzzing all week with Celebs
• our 2010 stadium - I'm so proud

Quote

Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit. - Unknown

Wisdom Card Reading

I am a harmonious being. I am in harmony with all of the people, places, and things that surround me in this world. I am at peace.

Today, spot the miracles with paws who laugh with their tails and join in raucously..........

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

MONDAY MUSINGS

Feed your face and your skin

Make sure you load your supermarket trolley with the following face-saving edibles;

• green tea - reduces cancer risk and may assist in reversing sun damage
• tomatoes - cook your tomatoes for many health benefits, also said to help eliminate skin-ageing
• sweet potatoes - loaded with vitamin C which is essential for collagen production
• almonds - they fall in the seed not nut category, a powerhouse of vitamin E
• dark chocolate - improves skin texture and resistance to uv rays
• carrots - the vitamin A repairs damaged cells, reduces the development of skin cancer cells and keeps your 'peepers' in top form
• flax seeds - the omega 3 fatty acids wipe out spots and fine lines
• spinach - the big C hates these luscious green leafies, they literally bolster the cells' ability to renew themselves

It's so easy, feed your "temple" with the above yumminess and your skin will automatically benefit.

Add this to the above and you will be "health-happening";

• use crushed garlic daily - it reduces your risk of many serious illnesses including cancer and heart disease
• add beans to your daily raw salad - it is said that people who eat legumes have a far lower risk of obesity than those who don't
• eat apples daily - full of anti-oxidants, vitamin C and potassium. Just add to smoothies or salads or munch as a snack.
• lemon juice - add to your filtered water, one lemon gives you 45% of your daily vitamin C - so simple!

Who can be an Urban goddess (Lulu McNamara);

Any woman can! Any woman who wants to reconnect with her divine female energy can realize her true Goddess potential.

Remember, as a woman, you are already an expression of the universal female archetype, and you deserve to be honoured as such. No matter how ordinary you may feel you are, you can still be a Goddess in spirit and action with your own unique Urban Goddess energy, characteristics and style.

More Urban Goddess Inspirations to follow in future blogs.

Last night's nosh;

Loads of lightly steamed crunchy Broccoli (including the green leaves) and a veggie bake, which included potato, golden Patti pans, courgettes, green beans, lentils- smothered in a tomato sauce and topped with wholewheat breadcrumbs for crunch. Oh, chilli and garlic of course. Together with this we had a carrot and cuke salad dressed with lemon juice and some herbs from the garden.

Today I am grateful for;

• yesterday's "cutie-pie" shopping for my two darlings
• the hours I spent yesterday working on Picasa - SOOO much to learn, SUCH fun
• it's November - Yay!!! almost holiday time again
• my early morning swim today
• today's breakfast of oats, apple 'n loads of flax seeds with green tea

Why;

do weekends seem to pass at the speed of a formula 1 racing car? So many things to do, so many places to go and so little time.........

Wisdom Card Reading;

Everything I do is by choice.

I now listen to what I say. I don't say anything that I don't mean to become true for me. (this is very difficult!)

Cultivate a habit of zest, experience every moment as extraordinary. Find a park, jump on a swing and giggle .....

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx