No More Caffeine

I have been drinking green tea to help boost my metabolism. But I've realized that I am not reacting well to it. My heart rate seems like it is up. I feel strange and I know it is because of the caffeine in it.

I at first thought I was feeling "off" because I have a lot of deadlines next week, but that's not it. The only thing I can think of is that it is the caffeine.

From now on, I am going to drink nourishing nerve protecting herbal teas such as lemon balm, oatstraw, and chamomile.

Hoodia for Weight Loss Reviews

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If you want to take Hoodia for weight loss, it is important to gathere as much information as possible about it. Read about the herb from multiple sources, including review sites and other places.

Sore Foot Soak

My feet are sore. I think it was all the Christmas shopping I did! Here is a sore foot soak recipe that I plan on doing:

1/2 c. epsom salt
5 drops peppermint essential oil
1 c. chamomile tea

Pour warm water into a foot basin. Add salt, essential oil, and tea. Soak for about ten minutes.

New Car?

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My Running Success

I have been running almost every day for the past week and I've noticed that my appetite has come back. I think this is a very positive sign because it means that my metabolism is working again. That is a good thing, especially since I want to lose a few pounds.

I run every day in tbe trails now, with Sundays off. The weather has been so gorgeous I almost can't resist.

I Like Astronomy

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Ever since I was a child, I have been interested in the stars. I once watched an entire lunar eclipse from start to finish... It took almost all night! Now, I continue the tradition of staring at the stars, especially when I visit the White Mountains.

For my star gazing, it would be nice if I had a telescope or other equipment. That is why astronomy classified is such a good thing. They specialize in used equipment. It is still high quality, just not as expensive.

This Week's Health & Fitness Goals

Here are this week's health and fitness goals.

Health:

Make stinging nettle infusion each night

Drink plenty of water

Refrain from eating simple carbohydrates

Exercise:

Monday- Trail run, full body strength, stretch

Tuesday- Trail run

Wednesday- Same as Monday

Thursday- Same as Tuesday

Friday- Dame as Monday

Saturday- Same as Tuesday

Sunday- Rest

Suffer From Heartburn and Acid Reflux?

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Like the New Look?

I've changed the way this blog looks. The template is different, and I moved the adsense ads so they are a little less obvious.

I felt like the old outline was a little too cluttered. Plus, there were all kinds of scripts within the old template that I put in that I don't need any more. So now, I am starting with a clean slate.

Hoodia For Weight Loss

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Hoodia is an herbal supplement that is used for weight loss. It is an herb that helps supress the appetite so you don't have the urge to constantly eat. A lot of people are using Hoodia Diet Pills to help them lose weight. That is because they trust that Hoodia Gordonii will help them when it comes to weight loss.

But remember, even if you do decide to take Hoodia for weight loss, that doesn't give you an excuse to eat what you want. Eat right and exercise and between those things and the supplements, you will lose weight.

Do You Need To Move?

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Chowder - Should I Make It Low Fat?

I am making a seafood chowder tomorrow and I am wondering... should I bother making it low fat? Part of the fun of chowder is the delicate taste and its creaminess. By cutting corners on fat, I think I'd be missing out. I've learned that managing my weight is about more than deprivation. Learning to balance my diet and my life is even more important. So, I would eat a tiny bowl, and accompany it with a large salad.

Panera Bread - Healthy Fast Food

I found myself at Panera Bread today and I was pretty hungry. I had to sit there and do my work. I was pleased to notice that they have a lot of healthy food options on their menu. I opted to get the low fat black bean soup with a whole wheat baguette. They also have hot tea and feature unlimited refills. The soup was very good. Instead of getting the heat and spiciness from chile peppers it was spiced with cumin, which was nice for a change.

Should I Get My Masters?

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Sometimes I wonder if I should get my online master degree? That is a question that I often consider. You see, I enjoy being in school. I like to learn, and I enjoy the structured setting. Sure, I can read and write papers without people telling me what to do. But I find that being in school offers me a great opportunity to learn about new things. For example, I probably never would have read Maus, a graphic novel, if it weren't for a class I took. Capella has the process down to a science and they have a great, accredited program. I would consider looking into them.

My Skin is Clearer

I don't know if it is the "trying" to eat no simple carbs, the fact that my hormones are balancing out, or because of the water I've been drinking... but my skin is a lot clearer. I have rosacea and it can look terrible sometimes. My rosacea triggers have a lot to do with temperature and hormones. Perhaps the wateris helping to regulate my temperature and keep my skin healthy?

Building Healthy Habits

Eating no carbohydrates is a little bit harder of a healthy habit to accomplish. There are simple sugars in a lot of things. Juices. Crackers. Breads. I think I may need more than a week to work through this one.

Here are some strategies:

-- drink only water and tea

-- don't give in to chocolate cravings when I have my period

-- use whole wheat flour to coat things before I pan sear scallops. I used white flour the other day and felt bad about that.

-- bring healthy whole grain breads with me when I go somewhere, such as the gym.

-- stay away from sports drinks and fitness bars (even though I run). These things are filled with sugar. If I do need a simple carb because of running, I will only consume honey either with water or in the form of a honey stick.

Do You Have IBS?

Then you aren't alone. It is a problematic condition. If you have IBS, try Digestisolve. Digestisolve is a natural remedy that dissolves and works quickly to help you with your IBS and bring you relief. People with IBS have terrible stomach problems and it can even be embarassing. It is a good thing to treat it using natural methods. Each person has their own reasons why they have it. But, digestisolve is a great remedy.

Winter Skin Care

The winter presents us with special skin care needs. Here are some ideas:

-- Drink plenty of water to combat dry skin. Hydration often happens from the inside out.

-- Apply lotion after coming in from the outside.

-- Apply oil to cuticles.

-- Purchase skin care products that have extra moisture.

If you do these things, you will have healthy skin for the winter.

Your next trip

Do you want to take a trip? If so, then you need to make Hotel Reservations. HotelReservations.com is a great place to book your next trip. They find you all the best deals and they really take care of you. In the winter, most of us dream of escaping to someplace warm. But why not take a ski vacation too? The point is, when you visit this site, you have a lot of variety.

I have chronic inflammation. My heal always hurts. I don't like taking ibuprofen all the time, so I don't do it. I decided to research herbs that can relieve pain:

• willow bark
• meadowsweet
• ginger
• ginseng
• licorice
• cat's claw
• guggul
• chinese skullcap

I wish I had some ginger. That is my favorite from this list. But, I do have some willowbark so maybe I can give that a try.

Christmas gift Ideas

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It is that season again. In fact, if you haven't already gotten your Christmas presents, you may feel as if you are in for a very stressful ride from now until the holiday itself. Well, that doesn't need to be the case. Yes, malls are crowded. But you don't need to shop at malls. There is still some time to shop online. Why not get some Christmas gift baskets for those on your list? Christmas gift giving continues the tradition that St. Nicholas started of giving people gifts. The company featured here is willing to work with you to create customized baskets for anyone. This is a perfect gift for your boss, your sister, your mom, the mailman... gift baskets can be tailored and personalized and that is why they are successful.

How to Relax

Here are some ideas on how to relax and keep your stress levels down:

• go for a walk
• get a pet
• drink some relaxing tea, such as chamomile or lemon balm
• listen to classical music
• read
• take a bubble bath
• do some stretches
• take a nap
• exercise
• do something creative
• bake something healthy

Trail Running Today

I would like to go trail running today but I feel very tired. I am listening to classical music and my cat came on the couch where I am sitting and he curled up and fell asleep. So, I may just join him after I work a little while longer. In addition, I need to clean the house because we are having company.

Keeping track of your medicines

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These days, some of us have so many medications to worry about that it can be hard to keep track. Many of us have multiple doctors too. Picture this. Your psychiatrist prescribes Zyrtec. Your cardiologist prescribes medicine for your heart condition. Your general doctor prescribes medication for your migraines. Each of these doctors give you something different. The scary thing is, not all of them may realize it if some of you medications interact badly with each other. That is why Epocrates online is so great. It can really help you keep track of dosages and side effects. So that something bad doesn't happen.

Old Fashioned Popcorn

I just made some popcorn on the stove top. I love it like that! I don't feel as "nourished" when I stick to the chemical laden popping bags that go in the microwave. Here is the method for popping old fashioned popcorn:

spread a single layer of kernels at the bottom of a pan. Put enough oil down to moisten each kernel. Set heat to medium and shake the pan every now and then to make sure the kernels don't stick. When it starts popping, after about a minute, turn off the heat as it continues to pop. Remove from pan when it is done popping.

Today I seasoned it with salt, seaweed, parmesan cheese, and onion powder. YUM.

Importance of Carbs for Runners

Running long distances requires some serious fueling. That is why it is a little bit of a pet peeve of mine when I see posts in forums made by people who are doing a low carb diet yet expect to have enough energy to run a marathon. You need all the simple sugars you can get when you are doing your long runs. Your personal glycogen stores get depleted well before the marathon is over. A lot of people like to drink sports drinks to get the carbs, others like to eat energy gels, and some do both. I am personally a fan of honey sticks.

Trail Running Shoes

I went to this great store today that specializes in running shoes. I am a regular customer. They watch you walk and run and know how to fit a show that is best for your particular stride. I love that kind of service. When I run I have been getting this pain in my heal. So I decided to try on some shoes. Wow, I can't wait to purchase a new pair. I ran out of time so I couldn't try on any other styles, but I think I want the ones I did try on because it is the same shoe as my street running shoe only designed for the trail.

Smart Investing

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Healthier Cookie Recipes

I want to do some Christmas baking but I am not fond of the high sugar content of most of the cookies. I know, I can use some sugar substitutes, but that's not really the same.

Eating Well has some healthier recipes. The recipes are reader submitted contest winners. If you have a healthy recipe, why not enter the contest for next year?

Portable Healthy Snack Options

Sometimes, I find that I am away from home for so long that I get hungry. This means that I need to take with me some healthy snack options. This helps me save money and calories.

One thing that I like to do is make a big trail mix. These are great because you can just keep adding ingredients. They are a good on the road snack and also great for hiking.

Things to put in the mix include:

cereal such as checks or cheerios
mixed nuts
dried fruits
chocolate pieces (just a small amount)

No Simple Carbohydrates

I don't believe in a low carb diet. But I do believe in limiting our simple carbohydrates. These come in sodas, candies, and even bread and other packaged foods. Why not cut them out of our lives? Here are things to eat instead:

-- whole grain breads and cereals
-- fruit and dried fruit
-- healthy sugar substitutes when sweetener is necessary

Paying For College Stress

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Roasted Chicory Root

I love the earthiness of roasted chicory root. It makes a great coffee substitute and has a lot of health benefits. Here are some of them:

• helpful for water retention
• gout
• loss of appetite
• digestive problems
• gallstones
• helps the body absorb more calcium

There are a few great blends out there with roasted chicory root in it. Look for coffee substitutes as well as roasted tea blends. Celestial Seasonings has a blend that I like that they carry in Whole Foods.

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Trail Running

I went trail running today. It is gorgeous out and by the end of the run, I was just down to my short sleeved wicking layer. I started off with one short sleeved layer, one long sleeved, and a wind breaker. It feels like Spring! And even though that is a little bit strange, it is nice to enjoy the sunlight. My goal is to get in two more runs by the close of the week.

Pet Stress

Does your pet get stressed out? If your pet has pet depression, stress and anxiety then Anivive is a good thing to try. It can help your pet relieve anxiety and help them to feel good as new. Things such as moving, having a baby, or getting another animal can really stress your pet out.

Exercise Program

It is important to have a good exercise program in place. Here is mine:

-- do something for cardio each day

-- strength train 3x a week

I may change things around. This is a program that worked for me in Germany:

-- walk every day

-- strength twice a week

-- abs an additional 2 x a week.

-- run three times a week

High cholesterol

Do you have high cholesterol levels? Well, if you do, you could use a natural remedy like Cholestasys. It is something that will help you a lot. Of course, having a good diet and getting enough physical exercise are good things. But taking a natural remedy is also a good thing.

Rain is beautiful

It is raining now, and it is so relaxing. Some days, it is hard to sit at my desk. Sometimes, I want to sit on the couch, listen to classical music, and watch the rain outside the window while I type. As long as I get all my work done, I don't see how it matters where I sit.

I have been thinking a lot about health lately, and I've realized that I am glad that I started drinking a lot of water. It is making me feel great!

Protect your family

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Female Herbs

Here are some of my favorite herbs. These are all great tonics for the female body. But, bear in mind that they are also used for other things that have nothing to do with the female body.

• red raspberry leaf- tones the system
• licorice root - balances hormones
• stinging nettle leaves - builds health, has iron
• lemon balm - for the nerves
• cramp bark- cramps
• ginger - also for cramps
• basil - this is actually my favorite remedy for cramps
• red clover - for breast tenderness

Licorice- Hormone Balancing

I have been addicted to this licorice tea blend called Detox AM by Celestial Seasonings. I don't know why I bought it. But I really love the taste. Licorice is a good herb to help you balance your hormones. I get menstrual cramps which indicates a hormone imbalance so I thought this blend would help out a lot.

Holiday Deals

Christmas shopping can be a pain. It can be expensive, too. That is why I like to shop for the latest deals from coupon sites and other places. dealking.com has some really great deals. The best one they have right now is a prepaid phone from T-mobile. But there are a lot of other offers. Check them out!

Healthy Eating Tips

Here are some tips I like to keep in mind during the holidays to help me eat a balanced diet, even while celebrating:

• I make it a rule to fill up half of my plate with fruits and vegetables. In the other half, I eat whatever I want. This goes for both desserts and main courses.
• I try to keep my plate small to begin with.
• Have a healthy snack before leaving the house.
• Drink plenty of water.

Lasik

Lasik has been around for a while. The technology is always changing. Are you considering getting the surgery done? USAeyes.org as a non profit organization that is designed to help you make an educated decision about Lasik. Check them out to find answers to all your questions. They can help you realize if it is for you. Visit your doctor for a checkup to make sure you are eligible and get information from the site. Then you will be prepared.

My Favorite Ab Exercises

I love working my abs. Unfortunately, the exercises get easy quickly. However, some things do remain challenging no matter how often I do them. Here is my short list:

• Pilates
• the Plank (I just hold the position longer as I get stronger)
• Exercises on the fitness ball
• Ab toning dancing

Weight Loss Supplements

Are you sick of getting spam about supplements, particularly about Hoodia? Well there is a company out there who is also sick of it- Hoodia Gordonii Research. They offer their experiences as a company who has researched Hoodia and sells a quality product. Hoodia is an herb that is used for weight loss. It helps suppress the appetite.

Drinking Water

Lately, I've realized that I don't drink enough water. So for the past few days, I've been conscious about trying to drink more. Here are things I've noticed.

• more energy
• smoother skin
• less congesion

Whether or not any of these things have to do with the water, I can't say. But I do know that water is very important and a lot of us ignore it without realizing it.

Monetizing Your Blog

If you have a blog then chances are you'll want to make money with it. And why not? There are "make money" opportunities for just about any subject out there. I use payperpost.com a lot because you can go through and choose the offers you want to accept. So, if you have a weblog about business, you can choose only business offers. They have a blog. It is a great place to go see what's out there. The Pay Per Post blog has information and news related to that site. So if you decide to sign up that is a great place to go. Living Naturally is about health and fitness so if I can find offers that fit that, that is a good thing. If not, I try to make the post relate. The posts are quick and easy, and their blog is informative.

Healthy Christmas Recipes

This is the season for cooking and baking. This is also the season for eating. But if every day were spent stuffing our faces, our waists would definitely expand. To prevent this, I go out of my way to find healthy recipes. Here are two of my favorite sites:

-- www.cookinglight.com

-- www.eatingwell.com

You can search for healthy baking recipes and healthier options for a holiday meal on that site.

Counting Calories

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Exercising Outside

I am about to go outside for some exercise. Yes, this is probably the coldest day of the year so far. But, I think it is so important for your energy level and for your health to get some exercise outdoors each day. Each day, regardless of the weather, I like to go outside. Today, I will rake. I know, it is December. But the yard isn't completely raked out yet and I am starting to get concerned that the snow will fall on the leaves. I have no idea if that is good for the lawn or not.

Lollipop for weightloss?

Does it sound too good to be true? Power Pop Hoodia Power Pop Fun Unlimited Power Pop is a new product that is designed to help you lose weight. This new pop helps you lose weight. It contains special ingredients, including hoodia, that help suppress the appetite and help you lose weight. One thing that people seem to crave when they are on diets is candy. Now this is a great way to get your candy fix. But in this case, it is actually helpful, not harmful. Plus, sucking on a lollipop is just plain fun! Why not give it a try?

Nutrient Dense Eating

One thing I like to remember to eat healthfully is to keep my food nutrient dense. That means that even if I am cooking soup out of a can, I try to add my own ingredients- extra spices, a pinch of seaweed, etc. The more nutrient dense your overall diet, the easier it will be to manage your weight and keep yourself healthy. Here are some tips:

• add more spices and herbs when you use packaged foods
• put lemon or lime in your water
• use chopped, fresh herbs as a garnish
• top salads, soups, sandwiches, and stir-fries with sprouts
• add vegetables wherever possible
• have fruit for snacks

Finding Deals

It is that time of year again. Time to find people gifts, that is. Instead of letting it bankrupt you, why not find some deals? Check out DealsVista.com for what they have to offer. It is a place where people looking for bargains go to see what they can find. You can do all of your holiday shopping this way. They are having excellent giveaways so you may want to check them out.

Great Herbs for Winter

I decided to make a list of the best herbs for winter:

• Ginger- I love it for its warming action. It can also lower fevers.
• Elderberry- A great herb for cold and flu.
• Peppermint- My favorite herb for sinus congestion. I love to drink peppermint tea when I have a sinus headache.
• Garlic- My favorite to combat germs and strengthen the immune system.

Wedding Planning

Are you planning a wedding? You could probably use some cheap wedding favors. Weddings are also expensive. Why not use this website to find your gifts and favors? Here are some ideas for wedding favors:

-- Inexpensive picture frames with a picture of the bride and groom.

-- Chocolates shaped in traditional wedding shapes.

-- A little scrap book filled with memories of the bride and groom.

-- Useful kitchen tools.

Make sure that even if it is inexpensive that it is also high quality. You want people to have something that reminds them of your wedding and your happiness, not something that will fall apart.

Natural Decorating

Wondering how to take the outdoors inside for some Christmas decorating? Here are some ideas:

-- Prune your evergreen hedges and use the clippings as part of a centerpiece. Lay them across your table and finish off with long taper candles

-- Find a large branch with a lot of branches shooting from it and put it in a vase. Hnag bulb ornaments from it.

-- Build a manger scene using things found from outside such as moss and sticks

Holiday Gift Ideas

It's that time of year again. We have a list filled with people who need Christmas gifts. But what do you get them? How about Gift Baskets? They are a great choice because there is something for everyone. Flying Noodle considers themselves "the original internet gift provider". They have been in business for over ten years and are dedicated to a standard of excellence. Their gourmet gift baskets come in all different styles. They are perfect for anyone from a close family member, a good friend, or even your boss. Why not give them a try? Review your holiday list, visit the link, and start shopping. People will be pleased no matter what you get them form Flying Noodle.

Holiday Traditions

So often, our holiday memories are centered around food. This is dangerous because it can lead to a lifetime of overeating. Why not replace food memories with those that either don't involve food or are actually active?

Here are some ideas:

• cut down your own tree after hiking somewhere to find it
• go ice skating
• learn how to make healthier meals and holiday treats and cook with your kids
• make your own ornaments and decorations with your kids
• make a wreath out of items you find outside such as branches, grapevines, and evergreen boughs

Plan Your Healthy Travel Vacation

We are in winter now, and that means it is off peak travel time. But that doesn't mean that you can't go anywhere. This is a great time to travel, especially over the holidays or to a warmer climate. It is beneficial to plan your trip online. Check out 50 Travel Sites - courtesy of Luggage Online. It is a listing of all the best travel sites that can help you plan a memorable vacation. There is something for everyone. Whether you want a relaxing spa vacation or an adventure vacation somewhere warm, these listings will help you out.

As you set out to plan your trip, make a list of all the potential places you want to visit. After you figure out it out, you will need to book your airfare and your hotel. Then make a decision about how detailed you want to plan everything.

New Healthy Lifestyle E-Zine Issue

Last night I sent out this week's edition of the Living Naturally healthy lifestyle ezine. Each issue has a feature article, a writeup on that week's herb of choice, and a healthy recipe.

Starting with the next issue, I am adding a section on finding deals and discounts on products around the net. I will also start writing reviews on my favorite health books and healthy lifestyle gadgets, including exercise equipment.

To subscribe, send a blank email to this address: Natural_life_zine-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Depression Help

Do you need depression help? Depression is a tough thing to deal with, and it can be hard to understand. The right depression treatment for your situation can make all the difference in how you manage it. Is it something that you can manage? Most people seem to respond to a combination of medication and diet and lifestyle helps. If you need a drug for depress you will need to consult with someone who is qualifed to write the prescriptions.

Licorice

I am drinking a tea blend right now that has licorice in it. Licorice has a sweet taste. But when most of us think of licorice, we think of those licorice candies. Actually, in the food industry, "licorice" candies get their taste from anise.

This licorice is in an AM blend. It has a little bit of a laxitive and cleansing property to it. I am mainly interested in it as a hormone balancer, though.

A Healthy Place to Live

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I love living near Boston. But sometimes, I don't feel as if it is healthy. The Scottsdale Real Estate market is great because there are a lot of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. And, housing values are dwindling near Boston. In Scottsdale, it is still a great market.

Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

I make this different all the time, but here is my newest recipe:

3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 slices pancetta, chopped
93% lean free range beef
salt, pepper
a little wine
Basil, rosemary, oregano
1 can crushed tomatoes

Heat on medium a sautee pan with some olive oil. Add chooped garlic and onion. Sautee about thirty seconds. Add pancetta. Render for about three minutes. Add beef. Break into small pieces and render for about five minutes. Add salt and pepper and a little wine, about 1/2 cup. Let the wine evaporate for about three minutes. Add the herbs and 1 can crushed tomatoes. At this point, I transferred everything to a crock pot.

Fitness Christmas Gifts

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Strange Warm Weather

It has been warm. Yesterday, we broke a record for this time of year- 69 degrees. It's December! Last year, it snowed at Thanksgiving. This year, I feel as if I should ready my garden for planting.

It is odd. But I guess the earth is changing. I wonder how much of this is normal, and how much of it was man-made.

Holiday Coupons

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During the holiday season, it is a good idea to save money by using coupons. We have so many people to buy gifts for, it can leave our wallets hurting and paying our bills can be tight. Our intensions are good. But instead of stretching ourselves thin, we can find great deals online, such as dell coupons. So remember, we want to enjoy the season without causing ourselves to go bankrupt!

GInger

I love ginger, especially when it starts getting colder. Here are some things that ginger is good for:

• warming- great in the winter for getting rid of the chills
• it can also lower fever. seems like ginger can do what your body needs it to do
• it is also an anti-inflammatory and good for helping withh injury
• great for menstrual cramps

Taking Martial Arts

I have been thinking about taking martial arts. Self defense is an important issue, and it is also a good workout. Before I get into it, though, I need to understand which martial arts equipment I will need. In the beginning, I will probably only need to find a studio and purchase the right uniform. But, as I learn new skills I may need things like training swords. I know, it doesn't seem like a practical thing to learn how to work with swords but it sure does look fun. Martial arts should be hard work, but it will be worth it. Learning self defense is a good thing.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Though I still haven't gone to bed, today is technically Thanksgiving. So, Happy Turkey Day! I stayed up late because I bought two birds this year, thinking that I could just cook two at the same time. Well I discovered that both don't fit in the oven. So I popped it in the oven around 6:30 and just got done carving it now. Yikes. I realized that my thermometer is faulty so I am glad that I had this "practice run".

Hair Loss

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My exercise routine

My exercise routine has changed slightly but it's working. I've discovered that I love exercising in the mornings. It keeps my energy up all day. The plan is simple:

Exercise Monday - Saturday with Sunday as a rest day.

Each day, do at least thirty minutes of cardio. Then, strength train all six days, alternating upper body and lower body. Monday I worked my upper body, today I worked my lower, tomorrow I will work upper, etc.

Finish all that off with ab training each of the days.

Healthy Drinking Water

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Healthy Thanksgiving

My rule for this Thanksgiving is a simple one, and it will prevent me from overeating.

For each course- appetizer, main course, and dessert, I vow to fill each of my plates up with half fruits and vegetables and the other half whatever I want. Even those yummy, fatty desserts. And no, apple pie does not count as a fruit... I need to include the real deal!

Your Herbal Business

Do you have a small herbal business? Then you might want to look into Pick Pack Logistics. This is a company that specializes in shipping your goods for you. When you have a small business, you may not have the resources to take care of the shipping aspect yourself, especially if you don't have a lot of storage space. This company can help any business out. Good news if you live in San Francisco, too. The company just opened another branch in that town. If you decide you want to open a business focusing on herbal medicine, there are a lot of tools at your disposal. This is just one of them. There is a need on the market for herbal advice and supplements.

In Season Clementines

On Sunday I went to the store to purchase a few things and saw that Clementines are in season! I tend to associate the tiny, sweet little citrus fruit as being associated with the holiday season. I like to put them in a bowl and use themn as a centerpiece.

But besides that, I love peeling them, especially when they are fresh. They release a burst of "sunshine" and it perks me up, even on the greyest of days. And they are high in Vitamin C, which is important for the immune system and the connective tissue.

Finally See the Sun

It has been raining nonstop for about a week and the sun is finally coming out. We have had a lot of rain. I heard on the radio that New Hampshire was close to getting 50 inches of rain fall for the year. That's a lot!

I usually don't mind the rain. But it affected my forest walk today. Everything was flooded and I wasn't wearing waterproof shoes so I had to walk on the road instead. It was fine, but not as fun.

Buying Perfume for Christmas

Perfume makes a great Christmas gift, but only if you know exactly what type of perfume to buy, such as ralph lauren perfume. It is important to keep in mind that perfume smells differently on certain people. If you get the wrong kind, it can be bad. There are some perfumes, however, that smell good on a range of people such as jennifer lopez perfume which is designed to smell good with all kinds of different body chemistries. So if you want to buy perfume such as ralph lauren perfume it would make a great gift for this holiday season.

My Add and Take Away Get Healthy Plan

I need to clean up my diet. I've been under some stress and have realized that my adrenal glands need nourishing.

My solution is to keep things simple. So, I have decided on an "add and take away" plan where I focus on one thing to add and one thing to take away at a time. Once one group becomes habit I will move on to another group.

Group 1

Add- Ginseng extract supplement

Take Away- Caffeine

Group 2

Add- Simple exercise plan of exercising six days a week, cardio each day, upper body and lower body alternating days

Take away- simple carbohydrates

I've mastered group one. Now I need to focus on group two.

My Friend's Baby Shower

I went to a friend's baby shower last week. I don't have any children, so finding gifts was a little tough. If you are also in a situation where you need to buy baby gifts for someone who is about to have a baby, or who maybe already had a baby, BabyNest.com has a lot of choices for different gifts. And babies aren't the only ones that can benefit from the selection. Moms can too. When I was trying to think of a gift for my friend, I could have really used a site like this. But unfortunately, the baby shower has already come and gone. People are tired of giving and recieving the same old gifts. My gift was diapers and a bunch of other practical things. BabyNest is a great thing because they have some the old standards but they also have gifts that are different and more creative.

Keeping Thanksgiving Healthy

I would like to try to keep Thanksgiving as healthy as possible. Here are some things I am going to do:

• put out a big fruit plate with dessert
• bake some sweet potatoes to have instead of mashed potatoes (but I will still have mashed)
• whole wheat rolls instead of white bread rolls (and I will still make cinnamon rolls)
• Salad and veggie crudites in addition to whatever else I have, so at least I have the choice to eat healthfully

Rainy and Warm in November

The weather has been a bit odd lately. Warm weather in the 50's and 60's, warm rain. It is rather confusing. Last year at Thanksgiving, we had a snow storm. I don't know what the warm weather will mean for next week though. In New England, things could change.

I think the weather has been like this because of Global Warming. It is a problem that won't go away if we ignore it. It will get even worse! There are things we can do, even little things, such as recycle.

The Gift Every Woman Loves

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Health and Fitness Trade Shows

If you have a health and fitness related business, chances are, you may want to attend some trade shows to promote your products and/or services. If this is the case, then an important aspect of these trade shows are the trade show exhibits that you need to set up. You want something that is eyecatching and will help you win new customers. If you don't have the time to do this yourself, ExhibitDeal.com can help you out. They specialize in creating displays that will have the result that you want.

E-Zine, New Format

I am pleased to announce that there have been some changes to the format of the e-zine and I am offering even more to my subscribers. Here is what every issue will contain. The publication schedule is set for every friday.

-- A Feature Article

-- Recipe

-- Deals and freebies for supplements and other healthy things that I find on the internet

-- Reviews for books and products

If you have a website, or a product you would like me to review, don't hesitate to contact me at k_huether77@yahoo.com.

Making Your Business Grow

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How many of you out there have a business? Even if you think you are alone in the fact that you are a business owner, there is plenty of us out there. I own a writing business, so I understand what it means to be in business for myself. I also know how it feels to want to turn a bigger profit. That is where corporate performance management software can help me and all the other business owners out there. Acorn Systems combines consulting and software to help their customers figure out what they can do to get higher profits. This can range from a variety of activities but the important thing to note is that the approach will differ depending on the customer. Do you think you need some help figuring out how to make your business more profitable? Why not check them out?

Not a big appetite today

I don't know why, but I don't have a big appetite today. I haven't eaten much, and the only time I felt hungry was when I went outside and did some yard work. One thing I've learned is that to experience weight control or weight loss that we need to pay attention to our hunger signals. I think it is our bodies trying to tell us what it wants. Right now, I want to eat grapes and strawberries. I believe that fresh fruit fits my needs right now. And I am usually a vegetable person. So I am just going to pay attention.

Roasted Chicory Root

I love roasted chicory root. I have this tea designed to get rid of water retention during PMS, but I find I want it all the time because of the roasted flavor of the blend. That's why I love coffee- because of the roast taste. I can completely understand why roasted chicory is often considered a coffee substitute. I've found a delightful roasted blend by Celestial Seasonings. The only place I've ever seen it is in Whole Foods.

My Blog's Popularity

I have been learning a lot about how to increase a blog's popularity, including this one. Each post I create is considered a link. I am learning that to understand what factors determine link popularity I need to understand how Google actually works. The functioning behind how Google searches on the page to determine the popularity of it has a lot to do with what is known as its algorithm. Once you understand the way this mathematical model works and how it is used, you can increase the popularity. One example is that if you need to put a link in a post, it is ranked a lot higher if the link is actually surrounded by text, and not on the sides or on the bottom of the page.

Beautiful Fall Day

You expect November to be blustry and cool. Well it is a gorgeous day and I can't wait to get outside and do some yard work. I love yard work. I have some bulbs to plant for the spring, grass to mow, leaves to rake. Priority are the leaves. But planting the bulbs would be nice, too.

My to-do:

-- rake

-- mow the lawn

-- clean up the weeds on the sides of the house, throw away flower pots

-- plant bulbs

I can't do it all today but I'd say that the leaves are in priority. There were a lot more leaves last week, I think they blew away. HA! Wait long enough and you actually have less work to do.

Sage and Lemon Balm Tea Blend

I haven't posted a tea blend in a while. I made this one last night. I have a lot of sage and a lot of lemon balm. This is a tasty, nutritive brew, especially with some honey:

1 part lemon balm
1 part stinging nettle leaves
1/2 part rubbed sage

Store in an airtight container and keep away from heat and light. Use 1 tsp. of the blend for every cup of hot water. Let it steep for at least ten minutes.

Studying at Home

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I have done study-at-home programs before when I became a Master Herbalist through the Australasian College of Health Sciences. I loved it. I loved how I could study and learn at home and adapt things to my schedule. I firmly believe in getting your college degree online because it means that you can sort of adapt it to your life. For example, if you have a full time job, you do not need to skip work to attend class, something that a lot of people need to do. Capella University has over seventy graduate and undergraduate programs to choose from and has a great system. It is also accredited, which is important. This is a great opportunity especially if you have good time management skills.

Life After Deadlines

I do not see how there could be life after my deadlines. I have been working hard and neglecting my herbal studies.

Somehow, I need to find a way to make the two things- writing and herbal medicine- merge. Here is one way I have merged them:

Use Medicinal Herbs

It is just in time for cold and flu season. There is a nice section on that and I teach you how to use common herbs to make simple home remedies.

Work and Health

Lately I have been busy with my freelance writing work. That means that more than ever, I need to pay attention to how I take care of myself. Kelly James-Enger in her Six Figure Freelancing book says that when you think you do not have time to exercise, that is when you should exercise! Things that work for me:

• drinking lots of tea, herbal and green teas (green tea has caffeine and also burns fat)
• Going for walks when I need to rest my brain
• making sure I strength train a few times each week

Spa Treatments

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When you go to a spa, it is a fun experience. Temecula Spa is devoted to helping you enhance that experience by giving you the best service imaginable. The professional staff is willing to serve you. Just sit back and relax and enjoy.

Money for the holidays

We could all stand to use some more money for the holidays. There are plenty of places online that can help you make money. For example, USWeb has a mission of helping you earn extra cash online. They have a system where they give you blog links and if you post them on your blog using the web release they provide, they'll pay you. And they are a great company to work for because the payments are always prompt and they are always reliable. There are other ways you can earn money through them, including some up and coming methods that can help. The one catch is that you need a qualifying blog. They describe all their criterion on their website.

Exercise Binder

Over the past year or so I have purchased a lot of fitness magazines. I like to do that because of all the exercise routines the have in them. (I like to try new exercises). Anyway, all the magazines have been cluttering up our house. So, I decided to tear out all the articles I like, punch holes in them, and put them in a softcover binder. The binder is very portable and I can take it to the gym with me and flip through and find exercises I want to do.

Revised Exercise Routine

Well as it turns out, I did not do two cardio routines this week. I thought I was going to have time, but I've run out of time. Here is my revised exercise schedule:

Cardio- 1
Strength- 1

Goals for tomorrow:

45 minutes of cardio.

In fact, here are my goals for the rest of the week:

Thurs: 45 min cardio
Fri: 30 min strength, 45 min cardio
Sa- 45 minute cardio
Su- 30 min. strength, 45 min. cardio

I'll keep you posted. I still need to work my abs today.

Medical Information

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In this blog I speak of matters of health a lot. One thing I would like to talk about right now is the importance of understanding all the uses and side affects for drugs such as amoxicillin. For example, I had an ear infection once and the doctor gave me something for it. I broke out in hives. It would have been nice if I knew that certain antibiotics could react with flu viruses in that way. A system like Epocrates Online, which is free, is very useful for disclosing relevant information like that. In a world where everyone seems to be taking medication for something, it is helpful to know info such as which drugs it interacts with, side affects, etc.

Laundry Dancing

It is hard to put balance in my life. I have been swamped with work lately and my housekeeping has suffered. I am about to merge cardio and folding the laundry, just so I can feel like I am getting two things done at once. I already did strength today.

I plan on moving and jumping as much as possible while I hang things up and fold. Hey, it sounds odd, but it works for me.

Exercise Routine, Week 1

For six weeks I am doing this new exercise program. I love exercise but sometimes I love to follow a plan. Here is what I am supposed to do:

Cardio- 45 minutes, 5-6 times a week
Strength- 30 minutes, 3 times a week

Since it is raining today, I will have to do my cardio indoors.

Here is my tally for the week so far:

Cardio- 2
Strength-1

So, I have some work to do that's for sure! I am about to go and do that now.

From the Earth

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Fragrance for Winter

All my fragrances do not smell right on me now. I just put on a gardenia lotion, and it doesn't seem to smell as good as it did in the summer. Interesting. I could go for some vanilla right now.

I guess that certain fragrances are seasonal, just like produce. The growing season is ending I am thinking of baking so perhaps that is why I want to wear spicier fragrances.

Here are some things I will wear now but couldn't in the summer:

-- french vanilla fragrance
-- Coco Chanel
-- Tresor

Those are my favorite all time winter fragrances.

Rainy Day Exercise

It is raining and I need to exercise. This happens a lot in New England, especially in November. Sometimes I just gear up and go outside anyway. But now it is dark and I need to do my cardio. So I won't be going in the woods now! Here are some options:

1. Dance
2. Run up and down the stairs
3. Do a jumping/plyometrics routine
4. Do an exercise DVD or find something at On Demand

I think I will dance. I can incorporate that with some ab work. Sounds good to me!

Fosamax problems

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Feed Burner

A Hot Bath

I don't take nearly enough baths. I just spend the day in the woods, at an archery shoot with my dad and mom. Instead of taking a nap after them as I usually do, I've decided to take a bath instead.

Being in the woods is soothing. It is a nice way to help your mind relax. As a writer, I always need some time to rest my brain so I can get my work done. Now, I can add taking a bath to the things that relax me.

Other than walking around in the woods at a leisurely pace and shooting my bow, I didn't do anything else physical.

Exercise Routine, First Steps

We just got back from vacation a few weeks ago and I am now just starting to get my exercise routine back.

I believe that once your exercise routine is in place, good eating habits will follow.

My routine:

Each day: 20-30 minute walk in the wood, ab exercises, isolateion exercises

Monday- total body strength, cardio such as running
Tuesday- jump/plyometrics routine, stretching
Wed- same as monday
Thurs- same as tuesday
Friday- Same as monday
Saturday- Some kind of cardio but for a longer duration

I will keep you posted on my progress.

Eating Healthy While Stressed

I have been under a lot of stress lately, and that means that I have been craving sugars and comfort foods. Here's how I try to get my sugar fix without eating unhealthfully.

• Whole wheat crepes with cranberry compote
• fresh mozzerella cheese and garden tomato salad
• dried fruit such as dates
• fruits such as bananas, pears, and apples
• the promise of cooking a healthy meal
• whole wheat bread
• comfortaing whole grain starch meals such as oatmeal for breakfast

Exercise also helps because it helps release cortisol and mitigates my need for carbohydrates.

Should You Take Coral Calcium?

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Medical Clothes

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need a gift?

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Eating Warming Foods

Fall is here, and I feel myself desiring foods that are warm and comforting as opposed to my summer cravings of fresh fruit and vegetables. Here are some of the things I've been eating, or thinking about eating.

Healthier Mac and Cheese. I love this dish. I don't have a recipe for a healthier version yet. If I figure one out, I'll post it. I love the made from scratch way, but in a pinch the boxed kind will do. I think the boxed mac and cheese has a lower fat version on it. (But I could be imagining that). I try not to eat the boxed kind because they usually use orange cheese which I find disturbing and unnatural.

Stir fries. I like to keep my vegetables slightly crunchy. This seems to be a good transition food into winter. It is both warming and filled with vitality due to the firmness of the vegetables. Seems to be a good "in between" summer and winter dish.

Soups. Actually, I could eat warm soups all the time, even in summer. My favorites are minestrone, bean soups such as lentil, and creamy soups such as pumpkin and tomato. Soup for me is all about the technique and I don't have recipes, just vague ideas. I see what's in the house, and I through ingredients in a pot. I should start writing my soup recipes down.

Potatoes. As soon as the weather turns colder I start to think about roasted potatoes. I roasted a chicken with some potatoes the other day. There's no more chicken left, but the leftover potatoes with gravy makes an incredible supper. Yes. Occasionally I only eat potatoes for supper!

Taking Vitamins

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Recipes for a Low Carb Diet

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Having Money

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Money is a good thing. If you have enough, that can certainly make your life easier. But to be a billionare? Oh my gosh, I can't even imagine having that much money. Whaqt would we do with it? There is a billionaire list. George Lindemann on List of Billionaires is one. And of course there are the people like Bill Gates who are billionaires. If you had all that money what would you do? Well, I would certainly quit my job that's for sure!

Politics

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When it comes to politics, there is a lot going on. There are polics on the national level, the state level, and even on a town and county level. George Lindemann, George Bush, all the senators and representatives. It can be hard to keep track. But what happens when things go wrong with politicians? Maybe they said something wrong. Or maybe they simply made a mistake. Yes, people make errors in judgement. But that doesn't excuse the situation or the fact that the mistakes potentially affect a lot of lives.

Online auction sites

Using online auctions is a great way to save money when making purchases and make money when trying to sell your old things. Free eBay auction software can do a lot to help you with your online auction adventures. When it comes to online auctions, being organized is your best bet. This is especially good if you have a lot of auctions to keep track of. If you want to make money online, online auctions are not only a good place to sell your old things, but you can build an entire business selling new merchandise on them.

Losing Your Hair

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The nose knows

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Considering Life Insurance

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A Walk in the Woods

I've recently discovered that walking in the woods daily is great for your health. I believe that a lot of our modern sicknesses have a lot to do with the fact that we are away from nature. I started walking a few weeks ago, and now I get to feel the change of seasons first hand. The air smells different, the earth sounds different, and the leaves are starting to show some color. I love the morning for its brisk hair and dewy quality, but the afternoon is also a good time for me to go because I experience an energy dip after lunch and it perks me right up. I'm very happy I've started to take advantage of the trails by my house.

Other Infusion Herbs

In an earlier post I talked about how to make infusions. Well, stinging nettle isn't the only herb that is great as an infusion. Here are some more:

• Red raspberry leaves- When preparing the infusion, mix one cup dried red raspberry with 1 tsp. dried mint. Red raspberry is high in tannic acid which can taste bitter. Red raspberry is a great herb for the female reproductive system.
• Oatstraw- This is another great infusion herb. It is particularly good for the nervous system. Prepare the same way as the stinging nettle infusion. No mint is required because it has a mild taste.
• Mullein- Mullein is also high in tannic acid so you will want to prepare this infusion the same way with mint, as described above. This is the herb to use if you have lung complaints such as asthma and chronic coughs.

Clearer Skin

An unexpected but very welcome benefit of my new herbal regimen is that my skin is clearer. I have Rosacea, and it has been acting up. This is one of the reasons why I thought my glandular system and hormones were a bit out of balance.

Burdock is known for being great for the liver and the skin.

Nettle is a blood cleaner and also great for the skin.

I am not sure what role dandelion would play in helping the skin.

Apple Season

Yum! Apples are in season. That means apple pies, apple sauce, and eating fresh, crisp apples. But that got me thinking. Is there anything else I can do that is different? Here's what I came up with.

• dip apple wedges in chocolate
• make a pancake syrup out of the apples
• dip rings in batter and fry them
• make apple slaw and season with lemon juice, cumin seeds, and nutmeg
• cut in pieces then bake with goat cheese and serve on top of arugula

Stinging Nettle Infusion

Stinging Nettle infusion brings out the best in the nettle plant. Since it steeps for a while, more minerals come out of the plant and are available for absorption into your body. You can drink the finished infusion over ice, warm, or use it as a soup stock.

Here's how to make stinging nettle infusion:

1. Put one cup of dried stinging nettle herb in a one quart jar
2. Pour boiling water over the herbs.
3. Cover and let steep on the counter 4-8 hours.
4. After at least 4 hours, you can refrigerate, drink it, cook with it, etc.

I find that nettle is great for the adrenal glands, the connective tissue, and helps keep me energized.

Adrenal Exhaustion

I've been thinking a lot about Adrenal Exhaustion lately because I think it is something that is affecting me. The reason why I thought I may have it is because stimulants like caffeine knock me out and make me feel tired. But interestingly enough, I drink chamomile tea for energy.

So, I have been taking tinctures of burdock and dandelion, and drinking gallons of stinging nettle infusion. I'll put information about how to make stinging nettle infusion in another post. It's yummy!

Beautiful Hawaii

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Perpetual Learning

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Search Engines

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Need to Get Away?

This is another sponsored post.

I am going on vacation soon. It's fun to visit other places, experience other cultures, and do something completely fun. When you are considering places for your next trip, perhaps Orlando is on your list. Home to Disney World and plenty of other attractions, it makes a great place to go for all ages. When you buy or rent an Orlando vacation rental you have the best of both worlds- a vacation destination and a homey atmosphere. Vacation rentals give you all the comforts of home without the hassle and stress that your home life can often bring. Not to mention the fact that tourism in Orlando is hot and prospering so when you make a property investment, it could prove to be very profitable. And you have your choice of homes- there are so many choices from condos to historical homes.

Online Health

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Investing for the Future

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Making Money with Your Herbal Business

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Herbal Medicine To-Do List

Boy, I am so inspired. Here is my herbal to-do list for the week.

• Wildcraft fresh herbs at my parent's house. Pick what I can, especially spearmint and plantain.
• Using these fresh herbs, make some herbal honeys. Namely, a honey from spearmint and other aromatic herbs like oregano and rosemary and sage.
• Get enough plantain from the house to experiment with in cooking.

Herb of the Week - Plantain - Links

The first herb in my Herb of the Week self study program is Plantain. I always start my studies off by finding links to relevant information. Here are the links, with a short description of each.

Plantain, A Modern Herbal - Plantain plant profile from A Modern Herbal

Wild Man Steve Brill- Link takes you to his main page but if you click on plants, Common Plantain is listed. Very good photographs.

Plantain Plant Profile

Profile and Salve Recipe

The amount of information out there is nearly overwhelming. So, I am limiting my links to this. If you have a link you would like to share, feel free to leave it in the comments.

Herb of the Week Program

Back when I first got into herbal medicine, one of the things that I did to help accelerate my learning was to implement the Herb of the Week program. Well, I've decided to resurrect it. But instead of doing it only on my computer, by myself, I decided to share my journey with all of you.

Each Herb of the Week lesson will include links, herbal information, recipes, and personal experience. So, that is four posts per week on the different herbs. Posting on my blog is a great way for me to keep my files organized, too.

Favorite Herbal Medicine Links

These are my favorite herbal medicine links. My bookmarks are pretty clogged and I couldn't think of a place to put them on my computer. This is a logical choice because now you all can enjoy them too!

Susun Weed - Herbalist
Rosemary Gladstar - Herbalist site and retreat center
A Modern Herbal - Online version
Steve Brill - All about wildcrafting

Herbal Medicine Revival

I just recently renewed my passion for herbal medicine. I've been researching and reviewing my old lesson materials from Australasian. I have a Diploma in Herbal Studies from them and had a positive experience with their program. Anyway, I am excited to be back into it. I don't know where it will take me, but for a while, I've felt far away from the plants and as a result I don't feel as healthy.

It took me a little over two years to complete the program. It is their most advanced program, and I am now a Master Herbalist. I've learned much from the course and much on my own. For example, one of my favorite plants, stinging nettle, was touched on only briefly in the course.

That's okay, I don't fault them for that. I learned about forty herbs in detail through the program. It just so happens that I have a few herbs that I've gotten attached to and am inspired to learn in depth.

I just wish I didn't have a deadline tomorrow, and one on wednesday. I would much rather be working on my fun projects than writing articles on guitar companies and time management.

Are you balding?

There are many suppossed natural remedies for balding. But, whether or not they will work depends on the individual. But, what do you do if you are already bald? You can definitely get hair transplates. Hair transplate in New Jersey, NH is a good idea if you live in New Jersy. Hair transplates can help boost your self esteem. But, just like with any other surgery, make sure you agree to it for the right reasons. Cosmetic enhancing surgeries of any kind will not solve all your problems. They may make you feel more confident, but they aren't a sure thing.

What kind of surgery?

What kind of plastic surgery would you like? Would you like rhinoplasty Los Angeles? Los Angeles is one of the best places for this kind of surgery. Like I've said, if you get the surgery for the right reasons, it doesn't have to go against a "natural" and healthy lifestyle. Just make sure that before you make any final decisions, you do the right kind of research. What kind of surgery do you feel you need? Rhinoplasty? Liposuction? My advice is to not get all your surgeries at once.

Making Surgery Decisions

So did you decide that you wanted to get plastic surgery? If so, keep in mind that there are some great surgeons out there. For example, you can find a Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon that is at the cutting edge of his/her profession. If you decide to get the surgery there is no point going to a minor surgeon. You may as well see the best. After all, surgery is surgery and they all have their risks.

More thoughts on cosmetic surgery

So what are your views on cosmetic surgery? People have mixed feelings. You know, I have a distinctly Grecian nose. It isn't conventional and I like it. However, there are plenty of people who may feel the urge to get surgery. Rhinoplasty in Los Angeles, for example, is amongst the highest quality. The industry in LA is one where plastic surgery is popular. My only concern is to get it done for the right reasons whether medical, or to repair a severe shattered self esteem.

Cosmetic Surgery

People who live a healthy lifestyle often have mixed feelings about plastic surgery. On the one hand, you should be content with what you have. On the other, if you aren't, changing yourself slightly also has its benefits. And, you could medically need the surgery for scars, deviated septums, etc. Surgery isn't all bad. Liposuction in Los Angeles, for example, has its benefits, especially if you have excess fat cells that are causing you some problems. So, should you get surgery? I don't know. Really think about and make sure you made the decision for the right reasons.

I see red leaves

Fall is almost here. I went for a walk yesterday and there were a lot of leaves that are changing. I smell it in the air too. There is a hurricane or something down by Cuba and it is affecting the weather here. We just have rain and a lot of clouds. But unlike in the summer, there is a crisp undertone to the air and not that sultry heaviness. What do I want to do? Well lately, I've just been eating apples. Crisp, almost in season red delicious apples. I don't think they're ready here... they must be ready a bit further south.

Natural Laundry Powder Recipe

Here is a recipe for my favorite laundry powder. It is written using the simplers method. Just choose a quantity- a cup, a teaspoon, a half a cup. When it says "one part" use one of that quantity.

1 part Borax
1 part baking soda
1 part grated castile soap
10 drops essential oil of choice

Combine ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a paper bag or glass jar. Store away from heat and light. Use 1/2 c. for every medium sized load. Add or subtract amounts depending on how much you are washing.

My poor, messy house

Something needs to change when it comes to my cleaning habits. There are things everywhere and I can't seem to keep the laundry organized. I know, just give me thirty minutes and I can tidy up. But I haven't allowed myself that luxury lately.

My project this week? To give my home some TLC. And maybe have my housecleaner come.

The Joys of Walking

I walked 6 miles today. It was great! Lately, I have been missing Europe and all the walking I did while living there. We're visiting again in October and I need to get my walking legs back to prepare.

So, I needed to go food shopping. Instead of waiting to take the car, I decided to walk. I think I may walk 5-6 miles each day- that's how much fun I had!

About Weddings

Nowadays, weddings can be as traditional or nontraditional as you want. I've heard of people climbing a difficult mountain to be married at the top. People get married in other countries, outdoors, in bowling allies, etc. There's really no limit. One thing that they all have in common are the gifts. Bridesmaid gifts, gifts for the couple, gifts for the guests, etc. Some ideas for gifts include chocolate, wine, trinkets from abroad (if the vacation is at the location), etc.

Unconventional Exercise

When you exercise, do you do the standard things? Running, walking, lifting weights... those activities are pretty common. But, it is possible to get a good workout doing things like paintball. Paintball guns were originally made for farmers. Now, it is a fun hobby with some friendly competition. All you need is some cheap paintball gear and a few friends who are willing to be shot at. This is definately a fun way to get healthy.

Flowers beautify

I can think of nothing better than flowers to help beautify your living space. They also make great gifts. There are so many different flowers in this world, why not try something a little different the next time you buy flowers? The corpse flower, for example, is at one extreme due to its smell. But, the standards also have their place. Use your judgement when decorating and shopping for gifts.

Do you have a truck?

A truck is a great thing to own, especially if you do a lot of things outdoors. A great four wheel drive vehicle is sometimes necessary for some of the activities you do, and it is an added benefit to be able to tow a trailer. A good truck can be used for both business and pleasure. You may want to consider purchasing a truck toolbox to help expand the usability of your SUV, truck, etc. The company has plenty of options for toolboxes and other accesories that are geared toward the type of contracting work you do.

Change of Air?

Despite the fact that Florida has had a rocky past (Indian wars, gun fights, etc), it is now a thriving state and one people relocate too all the time. (Thank the Citrus Industry, and later, tourism). Well, if you would like to move to Florida, more specifically, the Orlando area, Windermere Real Estate can help. They are full time buyer's agents, which means they have expert knowledge on every aspect of buying a home in the area. Orlando is a great place to raise a family and also a great place to own some investment property.

Moving to a New Home

How many of you would like to move to a new home? What are your criteria? My guess is you would like to move somewhere that has plenty of jobs and a great place to raise a family. Have you ever considered Barrington? Barrington real estate is thriving. New Castle Real Estate is a good place to go to get information on buying property in Barrington. They have listings for condos, homes, and other home owning options. It should be relatively easy to relocate here- their unemployed rate is only 2% with plenty of jobs in the area and it seems like a great place to raise a family.

Garden Vegetable Scramble with Olives

The nice thing about this recipe is that you can serve it for any meal of the day. Use any vegetable you like. My last version included garlic, scallions, olives, tomatoes, and peppers. Here's the recipe.

6 Large Eggs
2 T water
2 T olive oil
Salt, pepper
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 small pepper, chopped
8 olives, pitted and chopped
1/2 tomato, chopped
2 Scallions, chopped
1 t dried dill

In a medium bowl, crack eggs. Add 2 T water. Scramble. Heat nonstick skillet on medium high heat. When pan is hot, add olive oil. Warm the olive oil then add peppers and garlic. Sautee about 2 minutes. Add olives and tomatoes and sautee for another minute. Add eggs, pinch of salt, and some pepper. Lower heat to medium and cook as you would scrambled eggs. Add scallions when scramble is nearly done. When eggs are cooked through, turn off the heat. Sprinkle dill just before serving.

Beginner Exercise Routine

I realize that some of you may be complete beginners at exercise. Don't worry about catching up! If you want to run, don't jump in right away. I did that and now have knee problems. Start slowly and build your endurance. Then you can add more activity at your own pace. Here is a simple routine that will help get you started.

Walking. Walk 30 minutes 3-4 times a week at a pace that's comfortable. Don't be afraid to push yourself a little, though. But make sure you are going at a pace that will allow you to finish 30 minutes. Increase your pace and the time you spend walking as you are able.

Abs. Situps are great. Do as many as you can, but aim for 3 sets of 15. Make that your goal!

Pushups are a great upper body toner. Do them against a wall, on your knees, or on your toes depending on your ability. Aim for 3 sets of 15 as a goal.

Add things to your routine as comfortable. But this will provide you a good base once you want to up the intensity.

Trail Running

I ran a marathon last year. I trained for it without have a proper base. I only ran about 9 miles a week, if that -- and my routine was rather inconsistent.

As a result, I had problems with pain and blisters and my joints through the entire training. In order to train for and run a marathon successfully, you really need to have a base of at least 15 miles a week during a consistent running program for at least 6 months.

My knees STILL hurt, and the marathon was last October. Still, I love running. I just can't get the same workout from biking or aerobics classes or anything like that.

When I went to the REI flagship store in Seattle, I happened to see an announcement for a class on trail running. The description boasted that trail running was pretty joint friendly. I was intrigued but only passing through so I didn't attend the class. Still it stayed with me.

When we got back from our vacation, I bought a pair of trail running shoes. And I've been doing it ever since. I went for a run today. :-)

I'm too crazy!

A friend just made me realized that I have been entirely too concerned with the fact that I've gained some weight since moving from Germany and that's it. I've had enough!

Fact 1- I am at a healthy weight even though I gained some so that's good. If I give my body the proper amount of exercise and the right kind of fuel, I am sure it will all work out.

Fact 2- I am going to focus on my workout routine and eating healthy foods and drinking lots of tea. Period.

My Goal then is to enhance my state of health. Period. And that's what the rest of this blog will be about. Enhancing health. Enhancing yours, enhancing mine, enhancing everyone!

Now, we're going to have some fun. How about some more recipes? :)

E-Zine Issue out at last!

My Latest issue of the Living Naturally E-Zine is out at last. This issue includes summer weight loss tips and a recipe for a mozzarella and tomato salad.

Check it out! You'll start recieving next week's issue but you can also view the archives.

Natural_life_zine-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Fitness Gear

Do you have a weakness for buying fitness equipment? I know, most of us do. I have a few things lying around the house myself that I bought on impulse. Well, online auctions are a great way to get rid of them and make extra money. We use auctions all the time to sell different household goods and they are a great way to get rid of clutter and give us some extra spending money. The key to a successful auction is putting together a great ad, and a good auction template can be really helpful, especially if you aren't technically savvy. I know. My parents have some fitness equipment they'd love to sell. I think I'll teach them how to do that sometime in the next few weeks.

Motivation to Exercise

We could all use a little motivation when it comes to exercise. We have goals. We want to look good in the bathing suite, lose weight, lower our cholesterol, etc. But why is it so hard to find the time and the desire despite the burning desire? Perhaps the answer is that we need to find someone to help give us the motivation. I know for me, it is easy to make excuses. I love running... usually. But when it's raining, or snowing, or anything I have a hard time going. If I had someone to run with me, or just simply say something motivating, it can help. There's a personal trainer near you whose personality is perfect. San Diego personal training, Chicago personal trainers, Deluth, MN personal trainers... I bet you can find one anywhere. So, what is the real reason why you aren't exercising? Perhaps you should consider hiring your own trainer!

Favorite Gyms

Since my husband is in the millitary, I always just use the gym the base has to offer. Hey, it's free. But my current gym is a temporary gym- the old officer's club. There's a chandelier in the weight room with an elaborate ceiling pattern and ornate curtains. In a gym? Well, it works, but it isn't my favorite. What is your favorite gym? Whether it is La Jolla gyms, Gold's Gym, or anything else, it's GOTTA be better than mine. (No offense, for those of you out there who know what I'm talking about!) You want a gym that has a great atmosphere, great classes, and is certainly not a temporary gym where the weight room is in a former ballroom.

Benefits of Personal Trainers

Personal trainers are knowledgeable and experienced professionals who work with clients to help them achieve their fitness goals. They encourage you and force you to push yourself and they are great motivators. Where do you live? There is San Diego personal training, Boston personal trainers, etc. Basically no matter where you live you can find a personal trainer. During your first session, tell them what your fitness goals are. Do you need to lose weight or just get in shape? Let them know. They can create a plan just for you that will help you meet your goals.

Healthy Italian Food

Italians have one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Go to Italy and it is a rare thing to see someone who is extremely overweight. The lifestyle, the wine, the olive oil, the fresh produce... these things all combine to deliver the benefits of lasting health. Do you have a restaurant near you that prepares fresh, healthy Italian food? There is an Italian restaurant in California, for example, that many consider to be amongst the best san diego restaurants. There are also great Italian restaurants in other cities such as Boston, New York, Chicago, etc. And sometimes the best places are the ones you discover by accident. You know the ones I'm talking about. Tucked away in a corner with just a few tables. Good food, great atmosphere, and lasting health, after all are a benefit of living a Mediterranean lifestyle.