Will I Be On Oprah?

Having just returned from a week of volunteering and attending the Seduction of Spirit event in Chicago with the Chopra Center (yes my daughter and I met Deepak Chopra, MD!)  I am refreshed with my intent to keep balanced!  ☺

As for my debut on Oprah or OWN network- well, let's just say it's possible! ;o)  HARPO productions were there filming Deepak for an upcoming show, and my daughter Rachael and I were in the audience, so ANYTHING is possible!  Exciting!

I will be sharing more of what I learned while away in the  near future, as the info I gathered reinforced my beliefs that we DO have control over our lives, health, work, relationships, money etc!!  Yay!  Yet what I wanted to concentrate on today is helping you develop a 'Spiritual Retreat' for yourself, whenever you need one! 

I find when I work with clients or talk to small groups, one of my questions is to ask "what do you do regularly to combat stress, or de-stress when having a tough day (or week, month etc)?"  Most people sit for minute or so before answering...and more often than not, they don't have much to share!  I find this a shame!  What I find and maybe you do too, is that we tend to scramble for some way to 'relax' or 'veg out' when we have really reached the end of our rope!  I find this can be the old, too little, too late approach!

This week I am working on figuring out what 'floats my boat' as far as calming me, inspiring me and just helping me find some quiet and relief from my thoughts and worries.  Sometimes I really want clarity and some PEACE from what's been in my face all day!  So I'm looking at CDs and downloading some music for my Ipod, I'm looking for comfy and pretty pillows I can use to sit on or prop my back up with, and I'm getting some incense this weekend to use for smudging - I still have some sage I've used in the past, but we used incense every day at the Chopra event.  If you are not familiar with smudging, it's been around for EVER, and the basic idea behind smudging is that the smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as it clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into another space to be regenerated.  Works for me!  Plus if you love the scent it just 'FEELS' good!  Can't hurt in my book.(I could use a boatload at work!)

Some benefits I've noticed:  Calmer, better mood, things irritate me less, more ideas, laugh more, sleep better - just to name a few.   Could this work for you?  Hmmm - I see some health benefits in the making! 

A pretty plant, music/Ipod, comfortable surroundings - are you getting inspired?  Having this space set up in your home- even a small corner somewhere, can draw you in when you are walking past to help set the mood for some quiet time to get connected.  We can ALL  use a little me time these days - even if it's a few minutes once or twice a day!  Start setting the stage for something that I know can make a difference in your everyday - time for some long awaited inspiration!   Have a wonderful weekend!

rt2health@yahoo.com

I can help you find your keys ☺

I Can Help You Find Your Keys ☺

And your car! lol

You JUST had them in your hand as you were heading out the door but it's a long drive so you better use the bathroom before you go. All done, you pick up your jacket or purse and now...where the heck are they??  You pat down all your pockets, dig through your purse and every pocket in your purse, check every table or piece of furniture you walked past - nothing, you now dump out your purse, digging frantically. Crap! You walk back to the bathroom and back to the front door again - really irritated now - and start checking rooms you didn't even go in as now you don't trust your judgement!  Blood pressure is going up, pulse is up - you are looking at the clock - WHERE THE HELL ARE MY KEYS?  Now you stop and breathe for a second, KNOWING they have to be somewhere.  You go back into the bathroom for the 3rd time and there they are sitting on the windowsill because this made perfect sense to you when you set them down. 

It happens and it can be frustrating, am I right?!  

I know when it happens to me any issues I have are two fold:

1) I am a thinker - meaning I am constantly thinking, planning, having ideas about something I could do, have, be, make better or try! Then I'm reading up on how to do, be or have!  Too much info. I've always been like this- it can keep me up at night!  

2) Hormones changing. Yup...it appears time is not standing still for me - and while I still feel like I'm in my 30's - I'm not. ☺ Female changes are occurring and I'm in the middle of it. Doing rather well for the most part..but it has been a constant need for adjustment on my part. Physically and emotionally.  My Female Balance has been a l-i-f-e-s-a-v-e-r. I used to take it 10 days out of the month for PMS..now I take it almost daily for Peri-menopause.  And thankfully, 90% of the time I feel like me - not some crazed person who wants to take someones head off BEFORE I even get up in the morning, or who wants to lay in bed all day due to the black cloud that has suddenly descended.  Happily I can take more of it as needed-depending on how I feel.  My magic wand!  

Of course no surprise that stress overload contributes to memory issues - I recently read that the amount of stimulus we get on a daily basis, such as talking, television, movies, newspapers, Ipods/radio, magazines, telephone, computers/the internet, is more input in one day that the average American had in their ENTIRE LIFETIME 100 years ago!  We are over stimulated on a regular basis.  

How to improve our memory, regardless of the reason? 

 Getting more blood to the brain.   

Let's face it, our body has to work hardest to supply blood to the brain as it's against gravity.  As we age our circulation can slow down, medications, health issues and lack of exercise can cause a slower path to the brain. And if you think about it, besides memory, eyesight and hearing are also affected - all above the neck.  So let's talk answers!

Gravity

Something I learned years ago when studying was using gravity to our benefit.  Costs you nothing and easy to implement.  Raise the foot of your bed.  The simple way is to grab a couple blocks of wood or equal sized books to raise foot of bed up to 1-2 inches off the ground.  The Yoga pose  downward dog is also very helpful when done regularly. (Both options not recommended if pregnant or have high blood pressure)

Herbs

Nature sure does make it easy! ☺ Here's a few that are shown to make a difference!  

Ginkgo Biloba is an all-round circulation booster. It is most widely know for its ability to improve memory, due to its ability to increase blood flow through the brain. In Germany, Gingko is used by physicians to treat varicose veins as well as memory. Ginkgo will improve blood flow and strengthen blood vessels. It is also anti-inflammatory, relaxes the lungs, improves blood flow to the heart and lessens coronary demand for oxygen -reducing shortness of breath and is helpful in asthma.

Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum) One of my favorite circulatory herbs,  cayenne stimulates the heart and helps regulate the blood flow and strengthening and clearing the arteries and capillaries.  Increasing circulation will only help brain function, as well as any condition in the body.  

Rosemary -  One of the vital benefits of rosemary is that it can help improve long-term memory. It can also help sharpen mental clarity and stimulates brain function.  It stimulates blood flow to the brain and increases mental alertness. According to a study carried out by UK researchers, the smell of rosemary alone can stimulate the brain and enhance mental performance. I used to have my daughter smell some rosemary essential oil while studying - plus it does smell wonderful!

At Root2Health I do have a wonderful combination of the above that will make a big difference when taken properly.  (Check out my Product Page) This and the above suggestions can help you to stay on top of things and improve your memory.  Don't let stress, hormones or the aging process be a reason or excuse to start down the forgetful path.

A KISS AND A BAND AID


Having just enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day with my daughter, it also brought up heartfelt memories of my own mom.  My mom was great at making me (us) feel better.  When sick, upset, hurting in anyway, mom always took the sting out of it, no matter how minor or big it was.  I hope I have done the same with my own daughter.  It's healing and it's empowering!  That feeling I would get or know I could count on, gotta say it's been a big influence on how I have always felt about life and general healing to this day.  

You can do this yourself!

One of the best things about having been educated in natural therapies and herbs, is the feeling of having control.  KNOWING I can come up with something to feel better or get better.  I also know help is available either close by or a click away if I need extra guidance.  Confidence and hope...that's what my mom supplied and so does anyone who makes you feel better about your situation.  My objective all these years has been to help others gain that for themselves.  

In my opinion staying healthy is not having a supply of medicine or a cupboard full of organic remedies to help what ails us, although it helps :o)  - it's also having tools in place to take care of a variety of health concerns...whether it be physical, emotional, spiritual etc. 

I have found that our physical concerns usually stem from ongoing emotional or spiritual thought malfunctions.  Something has caused a glitch or 'dis--ease'  somewhere in our world.  The LACK of ease in some area of our life.  Then what most tend to do, is focus or dwell on it with the idea we are 'fixing' it since we are focused on it or worrying.  NOPE.  Instead what we are doing is like fanning a fire that appears to be going out.  We keep it going or 'burning' by our constant poking at it. By taking away the fuel (our thoughts and worries) can help us find solutions and relief. Which is another concept I try to encourage...knowing how you can change your focus to feel better, even for short periods of time.

Knowledge is Power -  Information is infinite these days with the Internet.  I mean it was always available...it just wasn't always as easy to find.  Many people have been right where you are - and if it's a problem you are dealing with, whether health or otherwise- may I suggest you seek out the people who overcame that same situation?  Why would you go looking for someone who has or had your issue and they had a bad experience with it and probably not a source of healing or hope?  Refuse to 'go there'!  Instead ask questions from those doing better as you will find something of what they know or did that may be something you can also apply to your circumstances.  When I was dealing with my bowel issues and anxiety problems yrs ago, did I want to hear from the person who was on numerous medications or someone who lost their job or relationship due to their 'condition'?  Hell no!  I'll pass, thank you very much!  I wanted to hear from someone who felt encouraged, relief or marked improvement in their condition.  Someone who was now making light of it and finding themselves better for it and doing well.   And those were the people I learned from - I kept moving forward with each piece of info - sure I may have hit a few speed bumps...but they weren't road blocks...just bumps! 

My mom provided comfort, understanding, encouragement and hope - which always led me to the next step in getting or doing better.   It also helped to me realize I could do it or find it myself.  Teaching independence is part of parenting - I'm still learning but it's paying off.  .  

Maybe that's where the name Mother Nature came from - always there, not making a fuss or in your face, but there to help.   ☺

I'm here if you need help too - phone, email or  live and in person.  

rt2health@yahoo.com or 716-400-0532

Happy Camper ☺

I just HAD to share this...my family and I had been talking about Jim Gaffigan this past weekend and how much we can laugh as we listen to him over and over.  I always need tissue as I'm one of those who tear up when I laugh. ( I also tear up at tv commercials, reading, watching other people tear up, buying mushy greeting cards in stores...nice eh?)  You'd think I'd wear more water proof mascara!

Anyway...I'm a VERY big believer that LAUGHTER really is one of the best medicines.  Why is that?  Because you are forgetting any current problems you have while you are laughing - as well as lessening resistance you have in your body - very important as this is when healing takes place.  Lessening resistance is WHAT I'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT for years now ..lol  Meditation, yoga, doing things you enjoy, LAUGHING...all ways to lessen resistance.

Let me know if you laughed as much as I did...enjoy!

How Attractive Are You?

I'm being cagey here, but I hope you will take the time to read and give this a little thought. 
While I don't really think about my age unless someone has the nerve to ask me (wink) ...sometimes I will look in the mirror in certain light and wonder...."who is that?" Of course then I will go find a different mirror somewhere else and see if it's any better. lol. 

Recently after doing this I sat myself down in front of the computer and decided to start searching for various new and exciting facial creams and potions.  There are LOTS out there...after reading hundreds of reviews I was no closer to making a decision...so I of course whipped off an email to my best friend Heather in the UK.  As we are both the same age and have similar life outlooks, I can always count on her for her take on the subject.  And while she agreed with me about the whole aging issue and things we can do to 'improve' where we are, she did voice something I found particularly obvious.  Well not obvious until she pointed it out to me!

No matter what age we are... 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, etc...what kind of person are we drawn to?  Is it that stunningly perfect individual who defies all age brackets?  No...usually not...we may have friends who are physically appealing...but why do we stay friends with them - or anyone for that matter?  Drum roll..............Because we find them interesting!  We connect with them in some way and/or we find them so interesting we want to know more!!


Ah....how true!  So while I  find myself getting older, I do intend to age gracefully.  But MORE important than that - I am setting an intention to BE more interesting - for me and for those who choose to be around me! I will be trying something new, learning new things, travel somewhere different, eat or cook something different - get out of that self-imposed RUT.  Doing this gives me something to look forward to - a sort of challenge to myself.  I want to be someone people enjoy being around (I guess I always have) - not someone where folks go running as soon as they see me coming.  I hate to say I know people like that.  Certain folks who are in our lives, and probably happy in their life - yet nothing different or 'interesting' to comment on since our last conversation, no matter how long it's been.  


And of course since I decided on this a couple weeks ago, I 'happened' to find this short, inspiring video - I've already started 2 different 30-day changes for me - and it's funny how you can commit to something if you have a somewhat short range goal.  See if you agree - and hopefully you will join me in finding life and yourself more interesting. ☺

Let Them Eat Cake!  

After a weekend of eating I'm on a roll!  lol

Now granted I don't eat a lot of cake...but when I do, it better be good!  I'm like that with chocolate too!  And yes I realize many think sugar and flour are the enemy...but frankly for me the 'processing' that has gone into our 'foods' that I put at the top of the list to 'avoid'.  And it's not easy!  We pay for convenience and yet for something as basic as cake..how convenient is it really?  I mean we buy a box - add water, oil and eggs to most of them...and we 'make' a cake.  Did you know the basic ingredients needed for a made from scratch cake?

Butter
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla
Flour
Baking powder, salt
Milk
 
So if you can handle a couple measuring cups/spoons..you're done in about the same time.  And you can pick your own ingredients...organic butter or milk/flour/eggs if you so choose to make it even healthier!  (save money too as you have most of these normally on hand)


Here's what you get for 'convenience' in a box:  (plus adding your own eggs/oil/water)


Sugar, Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron,Thiamine Mononitrate,Riboflavin,Folic Acid), Vegetable Oil Shortening (Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Propylene Glycol Mono- And Diesters Of Fats,Mono- And Diglycerides), Leavening (Sodium Bicarbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate). Contains 2% Or Less Of: Wheat Starch, Salt, Dextrose, Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Cellulose Gum, Artificial Flavors,Xanthan Gum,Maltodextrin,Modified Cornstarch,Colored With (Yellow 5 Lake, Red 40 Lake). Contains: Wheat.

I hope you can see where I'm going here!  Now I'm not saying never use any convenient prepackaged item again - but what I am saying is we've gotten so far away from actual cooking it's affecting our health! We all get into a rut, but one thing I remember are family get-togethers of home cooked meals!  I LOVED these meals and what went into them...recipes exchanged and great conversation as well.   I'm on a bit of a rampage here as I sometimes get nosy and look in other peoples shopping carts when I'm in the store.  Some inspire me and I wonder what they are making! lol And others depress me as some are full of frozen meals and convenience foods I can't help but feel bad as even the kids in that house won't know how to cook!

My daughter Rachael inspires me with her experimenting with more ethnic and simple meals - healthier and end up costing less as well!  Or home made cookies made with the kids instead of store bought - again, something worth taking a little extra time for.

Another area I've been experimenting with as I pretty much despise bottled salad dressings, is making my own vinaigrette. Basic ratio is 1 part acid (vinegar or citrus) and 3 parts oil (I tweak this to my own tastes...but that's the beauty of it...YOU decide.  Basic ingredients to add:  minced fresh garlic, pinch of salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, honey etc.  All you need is a glass jar with a lid to shake it in and of course pick a healthy oil to use. Regular salad, pasta salad even as a marinade!  

Lordy now I'm really getting hungry! :o)
 

Natural Deodorant To Make At Home!

Just some fun info for those of us who like to try new things...as well as natural ones!  This is a well-known recipe for deodorant...so it will keep odor and bacteria away, but does not claim to keep you dry.  Have some fun with this and feel free to let me know how it works out!

All you need:

5 T         Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
1/4 cup  Baking Soda
1/4 cup  Corn Starch

Ok, so 3 easy ingredients and now you just have to measure, mix and your done! I do this in a  bowl first and then transfer entire mixture in a small glass jar with lid.  Depending on how hot/cold your home is...(colder here now) your oil may be a solid.  What I will do is heat some hot water in a pan, when hot (not boiling) I turn it off and place the jar of coconut oil in, to warm it and make it softer.  It will turn into a liquid if warm enough but as soon as it cools, goes to a solid again!  So use whatever consistency works for you to mix well.

I mix both dry ingredients well first and then add the oil.  Again, mix well and then I transfer into my jar with lid.  I keep in fridge, and will use a spoon to scrape some off some of the mixture and apply with my hands...rub in well and let dry/absorb before getting dressed. 

I have added 1 drop of an essential oil to this mixture as well...but actually like it just the way it is.  You can experiment!  Enjoy!

I was enjoying Tess's blog post and I asked if I could run it here!  Even if only a couple of these resonate with you, it's worth it!!  Enjoy!  

150 Bold Tips about Life, People & Wisdom
by Tess Marshall - at The Bold Life

1. Offer others your wisdom
2. Don't give unasked for advice.
3. Accept that everyone isn't on your path.
4. Pay for your dates dinner.
5. Plant a tree.
6. Learn to love yourself.
7. Stop whining. Change what you complain about. Let the rest go.
8. Get involved in something you believe in.
9. Believe in yourself.
10. Enjoy your journey.
11. Learn how to deal with anger, yours, and others.
12. Use music to change your mood.
13. Compliment others often. Never leave kind words unsaid.
14. Don't save your good stuff for later.
15. Affection isn't earned, it's freely given.
16. Live with less of everything…except love.
17. Visit Alaska.
18. Have a “Yes” so big it allows you to say “No.”
19. Learn how to say, “No, that’s not going to work for me.” Don’t offer an excuse.
20. Stop buying expensive coffee.
21. Use the money saved for a trip at the end of the year.
22. Buy a good pair of New Balance athletic shoes and walk or run consistently.
23. Learn how to receive. Just say, “Thank you!”
24. Learn to enjoy reading.
25. Admit when you’re wrong.
26. Let others have the last word.
27. Let go of quilt. It's wasted energy.
28. Touch the people you love.
29. Paint something.
30. Respect yourself. Don't tolerate abuse.
31. Learn to apologize.
32. Learn to dislike fast food.
33. Eat mindfully.
34. Change the oil in your car regularly.
35. Never visit someone empty handed.
36. Be who you are.
37. Understand and accept your weaknesses and shortcomings. Everyone has them.
38. Always hold the door open for the person behind you.
39. Call your mother today. Better yet, send her chocolates.
40. Spend time listening to a child’s laugh.
41. Find out what brings you joy. Then do it.
42. Learn about fine art and classical music.
43. Create your own health program.
44. Take responsibility for your own happiness.
45. Listen to your gut. It's never wrong. Never.
46. Keep your surroundings neat and clean.
47. Practice compassion and loving kindness.
48. Learn about a different culture.
49. Celebrate your strengths and successes.
50. Allow yourself pleasure.
51. Keep a gratitude journal.
52. Make the first move. Don't keep score of who did what last.
53. Learn how to fix things. Over time it will save you a fortune.
54. Tap into your own genius.
55. Decide fear won't stop you.
56. Learn to deal with rejection. Everyone won't give you what you want.
57. Create a vision for your future.
58. Refuse to participate in uncomfortable situations.
59. Create romance in your relationship.
60. Smile more.
61. Laugh frequently. It's a good thing.
62. Listen to someone you disagree with. Remain neutral.
63. Change a habit. Then change another.
64. Get outside and smell the day.
65. Always leave a big tip. Teach that the world is a generous place.
66. Stop blaming others for your misery.
67. Focus on one task at a time.
68. Spend one day working in the fields with migrant workers. Then ask yourself if they are taking our jobs.
69. Send thank you cards the old fashioned way.
70. Wear sunscreen.
71. Volunteer in a children’s hospital ward.
72. Go the extra mile.
73. Walk your date to the door.
74. Be courageous. Break up with someone face to face.
75. Learn what projection and how to accept it.
76. Don’t take things personally.
77. What people do is about them. How you respond is about you.
78. Bring flowers to someone. Buy a single stem for yourself.
79. Write poetry. It soothes your soul.
80. Count your blessings. When is the last time you were grateful for your refrigerator?
81. Be inspired by slam poetry. What a skill.
82. Be impeccably groomed. Dress up on low energy days.
83. Enjoy chocolate.
84. Learn to change your emotional state.
85. Forgive your parents.
86. Write down what you promise others.
87. Do the work.
88. Practice gratitude.
89. Agree to disagree.
90. Be willing to compromise.
91. Love toxic people from a distance.
92. Remain true to your dreams and visions.
93. Eliminate all forms of negative media from you life.
94. Live the life you’ve imagined.
95. Be true to yourself.
96. Embrace the present.
97. Just begin.
98. Give thanks in advance.
99. Use your imagination.
100. Collaborate with others.
101. Learn to admit, “I don’t know.”
102. Find something to believe in.
103. Get the help you need.
104. Learn how to cook.
105. Dare to be your best.
106. Take risks. Do what scares you.
107. See beauty in world.
108. Celebrate what’s right with the world.
109. Do something brilliant every day.
110. Encourage others.
111. Make a difference.
112. Continue to learn something new.
113. Mentor someone.
114. Learn to be frugal.
115. Spend time with children and the elderly.
116. Be honest about your taxes.
117. Wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day.
118. Don’t bet against yourself. Believe in yourself.
119. Don’t clutter your mind or environment.
120. Give anonymously.
121. Don’t believe your own thoughts.
122. Drop your story.
123. Jump for joy.
124. Take naps.
125. Expect the best.
126. End your relationship before you sleep with someone else.
127. Learn how to meditate.
128. Don’t text and drive.
129. Be happy for the success of others.
130. Don’t drink and drive.
131. Don’t drink, text, and drive.
132. Be inspired. Read and listen to good stuff.
133. Remember this too shall pass, it always has and always will.
134. Learn how to express yourself intelligently.
135. Be a mindful driver.
136. Thank a teacher.
137. Become a mentor.
138. Appreciate nature.
139. Be the love you want to find.
140. Notice small things; a blade of grass, a snowflake, tree bark.
141. Surround yourself with happy people.
142. Don't think about your problems. Solve them.
143. Give up control and manipulation.
144. Positively anticipate the future.
145. Learn how to grow things.
146. Where you find love lacking, offer love.
147. Spend less time at work and more time at play.
148. Learn self-restraint.
149. Learn how to relax.
150. Be bold!

Detoxing = More Energy!

A big part of our daily energy quota has to do with how well toxins exit the body.  Just like getting an oil change for your car "keeps your engine clean and running at maximum performance" - gently detoxifying your liver and urinary system to get rid of 'sludge' in the body makes sense too!  Because our environment is full of stressful chemicals, such as food additives, preservatives, pesticides, herbicides, etc., it is important to have a lifestyle full of healthier food choices and periodic cleansing.

The liver is responsible for handling most of our energy needs. It takes raw building blocks from food and breaks it down into basic nutritional components. The liver creates and stores sugars for both immediate and long-term energy use. If the liver is congested or diseased it will not receive or send out enough blood sugar and your energy will drop. Chronic lack of energy, especially after meals, could be the result of a sluggish liver

I am running a special till Valentines Day!  $39 for my Liver Gallbladder Formula and Detox Tea.  Save $6 off regular pricing! I will email instructions on how to use it when you make your purchase. 



 

1 Idea That Can Change Your Life

 

I've been reading books and following various blogs of late on the subject of kindness, being grateful for people and things and appreciative for where we are in our life, right now.  I think because I really never got into the Christmas spirit this year...it sort of passed me by and I felt myself rather down and feeling all 'bah humbug' in the weeks following.  Luckily I am realizing it's up to me to change that...and as soon as I started looking for things to feel better about, I found LOTS of inspiring things to help me.

Yes...1 thing that really can change everything.

What helped spur me on was a book I read called 365 Thank Yous, by John Kralik...a story about an attorney who was having a very rough time emotionally and financially..his worst ever. (many of his clients weren't paying him and he worried weekly if he'd be able to pay his staff)  He gets to remembering his grandfather and how he encouraged writing Thank You cards for gifts no  matter how small the gift was-and how he did as a boy but only when made to do it!  (Don't we all remember those days?? I do!)  So he decided he needed to find something to feel good about as he was feeling very desperate and ended up challenging himself to send 365 hand written Thank Yous within a year.  Took him a little longer but he did.  And it changed his life as well as those around him-all for the better.

After reading this book I was on a search to find other people who had done similar and found so many stories, books and websites that it seems it has caught on. (wink)  I wink here because it's not like being kind or grateful ever went away..it just doesn't always get the same kind of press as other dramatic, often unhappy stories do these days. The bottom line with all of this is I decided to start something similar.  I went to the Dollar Tree the other day(everything really is a dollar! lol) and bought a few packs of blank note cards and I've started writing Thank Yous.  I will keep track of who I send or hand them too (ie store clerk who always remembers my name) so I can see progress...and I will also keep track of any responses as well as how it felt for ME to do this.  I will also keep up my intentions for little random acts of kindness-an all year endeavor, not just around the holidays.

So exactly HOW will this change your life?  Like the man in the book,  a shift will occur.  You will start to be the person who looks for things going right, instead of things going wrong - less 'poor me' and instead, more to be thankful for in all areas of your personal and professional life. You will welcome into your life more ease, more joy, more stress-free moments, a healthier body, healthier choices, more fun, new experiences and opportunities - you name it.  Like attracts like - and now you are taking an active role in 'deliberately' attracting what you want, instead of just waiting or wishing to see what happens in your life.  The other people I read about all had positive changes in their lives and they are NOT the exception, as any of us can see and feel the benefits.

I am so ready for this - and have already started- I'd love to hear if this is something you can find time to do too!  

And in order to light a fire encourage some of you ;o) - I am Giving away a free 5.5oz of my Organic Liver/Detox Tea- a gentle cleanse to the liver, the skin, urinary system as well as the entire body- tastes pretty good too!   All you have to do is comment under this post- letting me know why you liked this idea or something you think would be fun to do for someone else.  I will pick one person randomly- and announce in my next newsletter within next 2 weeks...and then you can email me with your contact info/address etc. 

So the change has already started...I'm feeling better already!  ☺Thanks for reading.

Starting Fresh-Healthy Smoothies!

A very Happy 2012 to all and I hope you enjoyed some time to relax over the holidays.

Since many of us tend to indulge a bit more this time of year with sweets and heavier foods, there's no time like the next few weeks to introduce a new healthy habit.  Many you are familiar with smoothies, but it may not be something you do on a regular basis. 

I know I struggle sometimes with healthy breakfasts that aren't loaded with calories.  It's like I want 'something' but can only come up with the typical breakfast foods.  Cereal, toast, eggs - I have done fruit/yogurt but I get bored with eating the same thing everyday, and will then fall into temptation at work and grab a muffin or bagel. 

I'm wanting to change that so enjoy some of these easy recipes that can use anytime of day - guilt free! (I will make in the morning and take to work too as we have a fridge, just shake before you drink) ☺

Banana/Kiwi Smoothie

1 Ripe Kiwi peeled

1 half banana (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup non-fat plain or vanilla yogurt (greek or regular)

water, juice or milk (I use rice or almond milk- original or vanilla)

I will also use some ice cubes in place of the liquid...depends on what I have on hand

Blend well.  

Mango/Raspberry Smoothie

1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

1/2 cup fresh mango chopped

1/2 cup non-fat yogurt (greek or regular)

Splash of juice, milk, water or ice cubes

Blend well

Strawberry/Banana Protein Smoothie

1/2 cup fresh/frozen strawberries

1/2 banana

1/2 cup non fat yogurt (greek or regular)

2 tablespoons 'Green' protein drink

water, juice, milk or ice cubes

I use my Earth's Nutrition in most of my smoothies as this is my 'multi' vitamin as well.  Love all the B vitamins and nutrients it provides -and keeps my energy level up all day.(great for hair/skin/nails & thyroid support)  Any protein powder that you like can be substituted, but try to lean towards a 'green' supplement to add 'food' nutrients.  I will also add a tablespoon of fresh RAW honey sometimes for added nutrients.  Raw is best...regular honey on store shelf is just 'sugar' without the health benefits. Also greek yogurt tends to be higher in protein and less sugar, always a plus!

The thing to remember with these smoothies is that you are increasing your fresh food intake, thus making it very easy on your body to digest and absorb.  Great for weight conscious or meal replacement and gives you healthy energy boost all at the same time.  

Enjoy!

5 Health Tips You Can Ignore

I've always wanted to comment on some of these subjects when I hear folks discussing - Most times I hold my tongue as it's not that important.  But it irks me just the same!

1)  Cold Weather Increases Your Chances of Catching a Cold.   NOPE - You may get a chill if not properly dressed, but a cold, no.  The cold/flu virus comes by way of a 'germ' air born or by touching something.  So a good practice is to wash your hands when you come in from being out or occasionally while at work etc.

2) If You Exercise You Can Eat Whatever You Want - I wish!  Of course I wished I exercised more too! lol  But really...the bottom line is calories add up due to the foods we choose...and while exercise is a great idea to tone up and burn some calories..don't think you can 'chow down' just because you took that extra flight of stairs or did 30 min of cardio.  Cutting back on unhealthy foods and increasing exercise will help to do the job.

3) Low Salt Diets Are Good For You - Lots of new findings coming out saying the low salt diet may be doing more harm than good!  I always felt that was incomplete.  With salt I always felt whenever you start messing with a natural substance to make it more 'presentable' and nice looking (white) then how much of it is really what is should be?  I've used Celtic Sea Salt for over 15 yrs...and I LOVE it.  Enhances the taste of food...and you actually use less.  Full of the minerals from the ocean it's taken from..our bodies benefit.  Our body fluids are mostly a saline solution - makes sense to replace it in a healthy way.  Consider it this way, iodized table salt, and sea salt is like comparing hydrogenated vegetable oil to pure virgin olive oil.  Buffalo News Article

4) Attitude Has No Bearing on Our Health -  Again...I beg to differ!  Most of us are 'reactors' to our daily life.  Meaning we base our moods on how things do or don't go for us.  I know better and I still do it sometimes!  Read this from the Independent News UK:

"Robert Sapolsky, professor of biological sciences at Stanford University and an authority on stress, puts it like this: "In fight-or-flight, your body turns off all the long-term building and repair projects," he says. "Constant high levels of cortisol take your body's eye off the ball. Memory and accuracy are both impaired. Patrols for invaders aren't sent out, you tire more easily, you can become depressed and reproduction gets downgraded." Exposed to chronic stress for years, high blood levels of glucose and fatty acids increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes."

5)  I Don't Believe in Vitamins - Ok...maybe this isn't a 'myth' - ha...but I had to bring it up because I hear it soooo often!  When someone says this I almost want to respond with...then I suppose gravity is something you have a problem with too?  I know...sarcasm for sure!

But I do try to come back with a more intelligent answer than the statement, by pointing out that you don't have to 'believe' in vitamins...vitamins don't really care.  Vitamins are just 'there' - in our foods, in nature - they've been there since the beginning of time.  Nonchalantly supplying our bodies with nutrients (we decided to call them vitamins) that we use up as needed to keep healthy and strong. And since our food sources have changed so much...we are finding the good old vitamins that are supposed to be there have been stripped away by pesticides, genetically engineered foods, processing, etc.  So yes...most of us need to consider adding some nutrients to our daily diets.  I choose herbs or other concentrated supplements and I feel better for it.  Hopefully you are doing it too!

Just shedding some light on some practices you may want to re-think - hopefully to incorporate new thoughts and practices into your life and your family's.  ☺

Boy oh boy...Am I getting high tech or what??   Ok..well, maybe low tech if there was such a word, meaning I realize I'm behind the times, but GETTING there.  That should count for something!  

Watch my swell video to learn about something that is happening in the new year!! Ladies forward to any of your friends who may be interested!  A full-packed day with so much you can use to improve your life in EVERY area! ☺

The Good Witch and the Bad Witch  

Ah yes, those reading that title should have the movie the Wizard of Oz come to mind!  A good example of the wanted and unwanted!

Working with clients as well as in a natural store setting, I can't help but notice the huge increase in stomach and intestinal complaints.  So many of them are related to a similar issue but rarely treated appropriately, medically.  At least not with any lasting effects.  Today there is something I want to encourage even if you DON'T have any obvious issues, would be The Good Witch i.e. Probiotics. ☺

So what are Probiotics? Our bodies come prepared with our own!  Probiotics are live microorganisms residing in the intestinal tract helping to keep it functioning in a state of health.  They are considered the 'good' bacteria.  However when the unwanted bacteria becomes overpowering, symptoms start to show themselves.  Thus enters the Bad Witch.  Supplementing with additional Probiotics helps get this ongoing balance back on track. 


Sometimes you have to drop a house on the bad witch..what can I say?  lol  But seriously you have to go at this type of imbalance with diligence!  Stay with it for lasting results.  I know many have heard the concept of taking a 'probiotic' after using an Antibiotic (causes diarrhea for many) but this is not the only time to use a probiotic.  


Stress, numerous prescription meds, sugar/yeasty foods are the main offenders that bring about the lack of balance.  Some symptoms you may be experiencing that you may not attribute to Yeast overgrowth:  constipation, diarrhea, colitis, IBS, canker sores, muscle/joint pain, congestion, nagging cough, , numbness/tingling in the extremities, acne, night sweats, itching, fibromyalgia, vaginitis/vaginal yeast, eczema, depression................  So you see - many of these issues are treated as they are...not always realizing there can be an underlying cause!!  Which is why many things keep coming back. 

I like to mix things up a bit when it comes to tackling this problem.  You might see one or more of these my counter:  a good over the counter probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus), my Olive Leaf, my Liver Detox Tea, eating more fresh garlic or various products I have with garlic in them, and pure coconut oil are all very helpful to get things back in balance.

Stick with this as you would a multi vitamin...and just realize it does help to change things up every now and then so your body doesn't get used to one thing.  


For more information, you can comment here, or get in touch below.   :o)  

rt2health@yahoo.com or 716-400-0532

Being A Little Squirelly...

I find this time of year it pays to be a 'little squirrelly'.  And by that I mean doing a bit of gathering to be ready for the upcoming months.  It's kind of like having the basic staples in your pantry for when you want to make something - stuff you always try to have on hand as it can be such a nuisance when you are in the middle of a recipe to find you are out of one or two ingredients.  Bummer!!

There is nothing worse than needing something right at that moment and having to put on the brakes and grumble to yourself that you should have checked first, *@#! it all!!   Yes...'bummer' is probably not the word that comes out of my mouth in that instance - lol.  But you get my drift.

The winter months are no different.  I'd rather have what I need and never use it, instead of kicking myself for being without.  Peace of mind counts for alot...I mean why add more stress to this time of year, knowing you 'should' have had this or should have done that...in order to be ready.  

There is no reason you and your family can't breeze through the fall/winter months and the typical cold and flu season, feeling great!  I'm taking orders for my infamous "Immune Boost' as well as my powerful 'Anti-Plague' formula...Both come in capsules and liquid tincture. I keep something at work or in my purse at all times...as I hate when I'm exposed to folks coughing and sneezing around me and I have nothing to take till I get home.  I find I can avoid 90% of germs by taking something as soon as possible  And I'm not a fanatic but I'm good at washing my hands at work, or as soon as I get home from being out in public - and especially before you eat.


My basic checklist to have on hand for winters in Western NY:

Immune Boost 
Anti-Plague
Herbal Throat Spray
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Throat Coat Tea
Ginger Tea (fun flavors out there..but helps with fevers)
Honey
Gatorade
Candles and Batteries for flashlights
More canned products on hand in case of electricity issues. 
Splurge on the soft tissues!


Hopefully you will join me in being a little 'squirrely' this season.  This is one area you can control more than you think.  And don't hesitate to take advantage of my online consultation special running - 50% discount - Online Consult Special

New Beginnings

Wow...Middle of September already....!!  August flew by for me...I moved and am still getting settled - I have to admit it took a lot out of me - change...which in this case is good, but it still doesn't mean there isn't a 'getting used to it' period.  I'm finding that out!  But as the dust settles I'm finding lots to appreciate about where we used to be and where I am now.  All in attitude!!

Now the weather is also changing.  Big surprise - lol  But I absolutely LOVE Fall.  I love the colors, the smells, wood burning fireplaces, gorgeous trees, long walks, cool nights-the change over to different clothes again...more blankets on the bed, you get the idea.  Change can be good!  Again it's all attitude.  Granted summer is winding down...but what a beautiful summer we had here, in Western NY.  NO complaints at all...we really enjoyed some amazing weather.  So it's time to move forward.

So with a new season approaching...it's a perfect time to make some changes in our own worlds.  What have you been thinking about or curious about lately that you haven't acted on?  A possible job or career change?  A new exercise or eating program?  A cool vacation trip you've always been curious about?  A class you've been itching to take?  Why not do it?  Or at least make some calls to see what may be possible for you to at least make some plans.  Involve the family or your kids with any of these...make them a part of the process.  Moving forward is what it's all about, and if you are like me, having something to look forward to, gives that process a whole new meaning.

What does this all have to do with our health?  Getting healthy or staying healthy?  Well - as the winter months approach, finding ways to enjoy the days ahead, instead of focusing on the cold and snow, blah days, or possibility of cold and flu season - now you can focus on all the good that you have in front of you.  You see, as I've been saying for years...how you think and how you approach ANYTHING has a direct effect on outcome.  So if you are focused on what's good, positive, etc, you attract more of the same into your daily experience.  It stands to reason that feeling good physically will also be a part of that outcome.

So start making a list of what you enjoy, or would like to enjoy over the next few months.... and you will see all kinds of opportunities present themselves to you - you will see how much Divine Energy wants to be like a fairy-godmother to each of us..and will scramble to help you to 'have it all' and have fun in the process.

PS...Happy Birthday to my sister Joan! :o)