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

HOW TO SURVIVE THE SILLY SEASON

My silly season rules

• take care of yourself
• avoid erratic sleep routines
• create an oasis of inner silence - meditate
• swim lots
• walk instead of driving
• only participate in holiday activities that really hold joy and meaning for you
• no multi-tasking
• hide the laptop
• do creative stuff - my camera will be working overtime
• spend time with people you love
• the Buddhist practice of "right speach" is a useful tool - before you speak ask yourself these three questions: is what I am about to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?
• spend less time in the kitchen and more time outdoors
• no holiday shopping - stay away from Malls
• burn candles instead of using electricity
• drink loads of water and champagne
• commit to less
• laugh lots
• search for garden-fairies
• hug the pups
• picnic under a shady tree
• walk barefoot
• let voicemail work overtime

Powerful Pesto

• 16 brazil nuts, 30g sunflower seeds, 35g pumpkin seeds, 1 clove of garlic, 1 bunch Italian flat leaf parsley, 1 bunch basil leaves, 75ml extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt

Process nuts and seeds in food processor, ad parsley, basil, lemon juice, salt and olive oil. Add some water to thin out.

This freezes well and is yummy with pasta, jacket potatoes, grain salads or stuffed into celery sticks.

Contains loads of good anti-oxidants such as Selenium and Vitamin E and minerals such as magnesium and zink.

Deslish 'n quick 'n tastie 'n powerfully healthy ................

Remember what you get in life all depends on how you view yourself - your identity - and what you are capable of.

Quote

All the breaks you need in life wait within your imagination. Imagination is the workshop of your mind, capable of turning mind energy into accomplishment and wealth - Napoleon Hill

If you have a complaint - write a complaint letter... scribble out every thought of worry, anger, fear, shame, self-pity etc before the holidays. You will gain comfort, insight, strength and courage and you will ROCK through the silly-season.......and as always luv yourself......

peace'nwhirlpools of luv

xxx

HAPPY 1 DECEMBER 2009

Lemons grow in abundance in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mexico and the West Indies. Ayurveda regards lemon as a valuable fruit. Lemon is sour, warm, a promoter of gastric fire, light, good for the vision, pungent and astringent. It checks the excessive flow of bile and cleanses the mouth. It prevents vomiting, throat trouble, acidity and rheumatism.

Though lemon is acidic in taste, it leaves off alkaline residues in the body. This is why it is useful in all symptoms of acidosis.

It also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin P, niacin and thiamin.

The body is well cleansed if lemon juice and water is taken on an empty stomach early in the morning.

Lemon also contains more potassium than apples or grapes, which is very beneficial to the heart. In addition to this the vitamin C content of lemon helps considerably in calcium metabolism - therefore good for our bones.

Basic rules of happiness - Meghan Telpner

• appreciation without expectation
• being not doing
• being anchored in the present

Last night's yummy potato dish;

• potatoes, thinly sliced (with the skin)
• onions, sliced
• balsamic vinegar
• fresh thyme
• salt and pepper
• olive oil

what to do;

• parboil potatoes
• slowly fry onions in olive oil together with fresh thyme until onions are golden and soft
• add balsamic vinegar to onions and simmer until vinegar is absorbed
• layer half of the potatoes in a baking dish add salt and pepper
• add onion mixture
• top with remaining potatoes add salt and pepper
• ' squelsh ' the mixture
• drizzle olive oil over the top
• bake for 30 minutes
• EAT together with a green, crunchy salad and steamed butternut.

The world's whales are being threatened;

Go to www.stopbloodywhaling.org to help stop this.

Fave Taoist poem by Chade Meng

The breaths of a lifetime

A lifetime is not what is between the moments of birth and death.

A lifetime is one moment between my two little breaths.

The present, the here, the now, that's all the life I get.

I live each moment in full, in kindness, in peace, without regret.

Today I am grateful for;

• beams, which have been finalized
• the pizza I had for dinner
• gorgeous pics of Kent and Morgan I received yesterday
• the fabulous pressie my cuz gave me (will always treasure it - thanx)
• the Tibetan Tea House
• Southern Wright
• December and the silly season
• the surprise, special necklace my BFF gave me

Celebrate your life and shyne like a star .......

Peace'nwhirlpools of luv

xxx

SHINY GLOWING RED PEPPERS

Christopher Columbus discovered sweet peppers on his travels in the New World. He thought he could make a fortune importing this delish veggie BUT sweet peppers grew fine in their new, Mediterranean home.

When young, sweet peppers or bell peppers are green. There are also yellow, orange, purple and brown varieties. Red peppers are actually green peppers left to ripen on the vine for a longer period of time. The sweetest peppers are red, yellow and orange, while green and purple peppers have a more tart flavour.

Peppers are full of vitamins and BONUS consist mostly of water so are low in calories.

Picking a pepper : Look for smooth, firm flesh that has a rich colour and no shriveled or soft spots. Avoid peppers with a hefty feel - this usually means they are full of seeds.

Pepper partners : Sweet peppers taste great with eggplant, tomatoes, summer squash, onions, garlic and corn. Other good flavour partners include basil, marjoram, olives, mozzarella, goat cheese, Parmesan and capers.

Yummy roasted red peppers

• red bell peppers
• olive oil
• garlic cloves
• chopped parsley
• salt and pepper

What to do;

Roast peppers until they have blackened spots, blisters and are tender. Place into a plastic bag and set aside to cool. Once cool remove the skin and seeds. Cut into strips. In a glass jar combine salt, pepper,olive oil, garlic and parsley. Add peppers and store in the fridge.

Great on pizza's, salads, in wraps or as a snack with a cheese platter.

Today I am grateful for;

• fab summer weather
• yesterday's yummy pizza
• my new laptop courtesy of the insurance :) and
• the mechanical mouse
• the conduit guys
• Pete's visit - was sooo scrumptious to see you
• my 2010 Kent calendar

This makes me smile

" When I think of how much I have to look forward to, I almost hyperventilate." - Mike Dooley.

Fabulous John Lennon Quote;

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted."

Wisdom Card Reading

I am a natural winner. I only listen to the winners - people who know what they are doing and who live a joyous, loving, prosperous life.

Love yourself, create your own paradise and throw in some ' spur of the moment fun' and live it........

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

CHOLESTEROL KICKING CAYENNE PEPPER

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Cayenne Pepper hotness scale 8 - 9.

Cayenne pepper takes its name from its supposed centre of origin - the Cayenne region of French Guiana. It is now grown largely in India, East Africa, Mexico and the United States.

Cayenne is made from the ripened fruit, varying from red to yellow. The powder is red or red-brown in colour.

Cayenne pepper assists in reducing blood cholesterol. In fact, cultures who consume large amounts of Cayenne pepper have a much lower rate of cardiovascular disease. It is a traditional, as well as modern, remedy for rheumatic pains and arthritis due to what is termed as a "counterirritant"effect. This wonder-spice contains vitamin C, flavonoids, beta-carotene, capsanthine and capsaicin. It can "rev up"metabolism and aid in weight loss. Cayenne also improves circulation.

Add a pinch to lemon juice and water first thing in the morning to give your day some ooooomph!!!

So simple to be healthy;

• "unplug" and enjoy the silence
• eat often and well - low fat, fruits, veggies, beans, nuts 'n seeds
• tuck in and get your 8 hours of zzz's a night
• laugh lots, it's also great for ab-toning
• move, lift your arms towards the sky and see how high you can reach
• educate yourself about health challenges that you face
• drinks loads of clean, filtered water - flush out the toxins
• play
• do creative stuff - write, knit, draw, journal, etc
• take long, mindful breaths

Today I am grateful for;

• the cute pics of Kent
• the coming weekend
• breezing through Friday the 13th

Quick 'n yummy fried rice;

Fry onions, red chilli and garlic in olive oil. Add frozen mixed veggies and sauté until cooked but still crispy. Add cooked rice, salt and pepper and fry for a few minutes. This was delicious with baked tomatoes (topped with fresh organic basil from the garden), baked butternut and steamed caulie.

Quote

In three words I can sum up everything I've learnt about life : It goes on. - Robert Frost

Urban Goddess inspiration (Lulu McNamara);

If you are being disturbed by unpleasant dreams, buy a beautiful dream catcher and place it above your pillow. This is a Native American tradition that can really help a Goddess have the sweet dreams she deserves...

Luv life and life will luv you back - this weekend just be ...........

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

WEEKLY SHOPPING LIST

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Here's a good standard shopping list to use as a guide.

This will stop you from breezing down the 'danger-aisles'.

• broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, bok choy, brussels sprouts
• brazil nuts
• flaxseeds or flax oil
• apples, bananas, oranges, berries, grapes, etc
• garlic
• green tea
• olive oil
• sesami oil
• stevia
• turmeric
• asparagus, beets, spinach, sweet potatoes, green beans, butternut, etc
• wakame seaweed
• brown rice, quinoa, barley, beans, lentils, etc

When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot become manifest, strength cannot be exerted, wealth is useless and reason is powerless. - Herophilies, 300 B.C.E.

Spinach and red speckled kidney beans

Cook a tomato sauce as a base. I used tomatoes, garlic, chilli, onion and green peppers. Once the sauce has reduced to a nice thick consistency add the pre-cooked beans and simmer for around 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper. Just before serving stir through the chopped spinach.

Delish served in a wrap or on toasted rye with a pink cabbage salad.

Pink Cabbage salad

• white cabbage, chopped
• red cabbage, chopped
• onion, chopped

Mix all the above ingredients, add salt and pepper, lemon juice and olive oil.

Today I am grateful for;

• a rain-free day - AT LAST!
• fun surprise SMS's
• books

Famous vegetarians;

Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, George Bernard Shaw, Robert Louis Stevenson, Henry David Thoreau, Pythagoras, Paul and Linda McCartney.

More Urban Goddess inspiration (Lulu McNamara)

Forget the old hippie connotations and get the incense out - there are so many varieties now, you'll be able to choose one to suit your mood precisely. You can also use incense in a quick energy-cleaning exercise.

Here's my version of a quick energy-cleaning exercise;

Light incense and, while dancing around the house waving the incense, chant this mantra;

I clear my space of all negativity and open it up for fun times and peace.

Today, rejoice and savor each moment as a gift. Direct your attention to what really matters to you. View life as a passenger on an amazing journey and stay open to possibilities and surprises - they are constantly around you ...................

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

INVIGORATING WEDNESDAY

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Dry-skin brushing is very beneficial for the lymph systems. It removes dead cells and helps keep your 'temple' glowing.

Dry-skin brush for around 3 minutes in the mornings before you shower. This will stimulate circulation and reduces the appearance of cellulite.

How; you will need a natural bristle or plant-fibre long-handled brush. Start at the soles of your feet and working your way up your body always brush in the direction of the heart.

Then take a shower and smother yourself in body lotion or organic coconut oil.

Yummy red cabbage recipe

• onions
• red cabbage
• veggie stock
• wine
• flour
• olive oil
• Himalayan salt

what to do;

Sauté onions in olive oil, add chopped cabbage, a glass of white wine, veggie stock and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes until the cabbage is cooked. Add a spoon of flour to thicken the gravy.

This was delicious together with green beans, carrots and 'shrooms lightly sautéd with onions in a little veggie broth. Add a huge salad and you have a healthy meal.

More Urban Goddess inspiration (Lulu McNamara);

Plants in the house can literally breathe life into a room. An Urban Goddess fills her home with flowers as often as possible - there is no better way to enhance the spirit of a room.

Quote;

Lack of knowledge is darker than the night. - African proverb.

Today I am grateful for;

• the hectic day I had
• laughs with Mish
• recovering my lost file from the supermarket trolley
• the monthly garden service

Today enjoy the rain, wear cowboy boots with shorts, take a brisk walk and focus on the beauty of living ....

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx