50 Foods That Will Help You Feel and Look More Beautiful

Hey everyone, thought you might enjoy this article. As always, just because the person that wrote this article thinks these foods are great does not mean they are great for YOUR body. Pay attention to your body's clues and cues to figure out if what you are eating is right for you.

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GreenPhillyBlog

Hey Everyone,
I am writing to introduce you to an amazing blog maintained by two very inspiring young women, Julie and Beth. Please support them and take a look at their blog. They provide tips on going green and the latest news in the green movement. Excellent work Ladies!

http://greenphillyblog.com/

Essential Oil of Spruce

I just added Spruce oil to my collection. I am soooo excited about this one! This time of year, Spruce adds a nice seasonal scent to my home when I wear it or diffuse it in my ultra-sonic diffuser. More than just a lovely aroma however, Spruce has some powerful healing properties. Spruce is antispasmodic, antiseptic, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and stimulating for your immune system. You can use it to ease symptoms of arthritis/rheumatism, combat fungal infections especially candida & sinus/respiratory, and ease the pain of sciatica! Wow- what a great find! On the emotional level Spruce is helpful in releasing any blocks and bringing about a feeling of balance. Order your spruce today!

*Information from the Essential Oils Desk Reference compiled by Essential Science Publishing

Women for Entrepreneurship, the Environment, and Social Equity

Philadelphia, PA) October 30, 2008 - "Anyone can create a green initiative, anytime, don't wait", is the message Arianne Delafosse has for people who want to get involved in greening up their homes, creating a community-based community green campaign, and not have to reinvent the wheel.

Women for Entrepreneurship, the Environment, and Social Equity is the theme of this most timely and relevant information-sharing and networking session that will be held on Sunday, November 16 from 3pm until 6pm at the offices of Greenable located at 126 Market Street. Donation to attend is only $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12 years of age. Advanced registration is required. Seating is limited. Call 206-202-2883, email greenablewomen@weareboost.org, or visit www.weareboost.org for more information.

Women Leaders is being co-sponsored by We Are Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (We Are BOOST) and Greenable, a Philadelphia-based green materials and services provider. Refreshments are being provided by Cosmic Catering, whose mission is to strive to make a small footprint on the earth but in turn a large footprint in their customer's souls and stomachs.

We Are BOOST Founder Tim Razzaq is absolutely thrilled to have his organization be able to invite the community at large out on an Sunday afternoon, provide a positive outlet for folks who may not be all that happy about what they have to face in the coming weeks with jobs and businesses at risk, and filter out so much of the 'green noise'.

Delafosse is Founder and Executive Director for Community Green, an all volunteer non-profit organization based in Basking Ridge New Jersey and her message echoes that of Susie Beiler of Spectrum Health Consulting who "would like attendees to come away with inspiration to create community, an understanding of the importance of having vision, and a sense of their level of commitment to implementing their visions."

Donation is $15 per adult and $5 for children under 12 years of age. A refreshments buffet of locally grown and harvested food will be prepared by Cosmic Catering and available to all who attend. Advanced registration is required, please call (206) 202-2883 or visit the calendar of events at http://www.weareboost.org.

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About Your Women Leaders Panelists:

Patricia Gaylor, Green Interior Design and recently featured on Good Morning America
Topic: "Simple, Affordable, and Doable Ways you can: Make Your Home Healthier and More Energy Efficient, Set you Business Up Gain the Competitive Advantages of Going Green, and Find Green Materials Locally that are Readily Available and Financially Feasible"

Ariane Delafosse, Founder of Community Green (New Jersey)
Topic: "Easy Steps to Take Growing Your Community Green Nonprofit from the Grassroots to the Grass-tops."

Susie Beiler, Spectrum Health Consulting
Topic: "My Vision for Shamalada Healing Sanctuary and How You Can Become Engaged in Holistic Health for Personal and Community Wellness"

Trisha Mandes, Founder of Philly Eco Kids (PEK)
Topic: "How to Easily Educate Your Children and Students about Climate Change, Global Warming, and What They Can Do About It"

Marilyn Moran of Marilyn New Media Marketing and author of We Are BOOST Philly Green Blog
Topic: "Grow Your Business, Web Site or Blog: Sound Economical, Social, and Green Marketing Opportunities"

Barbara Stange, Simply Natural Living;
Topic: "Natural Steps to balance You, Your family,Your personal world through Body, Mind and Spirit"

Julie Hancher & Beth Funari, co-authors of GreenPhillyBlog, a Philadelphia-based website providing environmental information for the local region
Topic: "Planting the Seed: Growing Your Green Business from the Ground Up"

Mission Statement: We Are BOOST

We Are Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (We Are BOOST) is a creative community solutions organization that develops and utilizes innovative and customized strategies to build structures relationships between individuals, organizations, businesses, institutions, and agencies that lead to beneficial social, economic, and educational opportunities and outcomes in under-served communities and emerging markets and neighborhoods.

Voice: (206) 202-2883,

Velocity: info@weareboost.org, and

Vision: http://www.weareboost.org

Tickets: Only $15 per person if purchased by Wednesday, Oct. 22. Print page and mail check or money order to - We Are BOOST * c/o23 West Street. P.O. Box 104 * Bordentown, New Jersey 08505. For more information or to pay by credit card, call (206) 202-2883. Also visit www.weareboost.org or http://phillygreen.wordpress.com/. Email info@weareboost.org.

Please come out and support me as a panelist!

CHANGE your Food- Fuel your LIFE

Watch the trailer for my holistic nutrition DVD!

Essential Oils for your Cat's Cold

Recently a friend inquired about which oils might help to relieve her cat's cold. I looked it up in my Essential Oils Desk Reference and on the testimonial website. http://www.oil-testimonials.com/7468 I found out that a special blend called R.C., which stands for Respiratory Congestion, has been helpful in alleviating cold symptoms in cats! Put a drop on a bandana and tie it around your cat's neck or dilute a drop in vegetable oil and rub it on her paws. Cats are super sensitive to the oils, so a little goes a loooong way. Easy does it! R.C. contains essentials oils of eucalyptus, myrtle, pine, marjoram, lavender, picea mariana, and peppermint. Of course, please use it on yourself as well. It is very effective to diffuse this oil if you have any type of respiratory issue such as a cold or allergies.

Essential Oil of Rosemary

Recently I have fallen in love in Rosemary. It has a lot of uses. The Essential Oils Desk Reference provides the following information:
*Rosemary protects your liver. It is anti-tumoral, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic. Rosemary enhances mental clarity and concentration.
*You can use Rosemary to combat infectious disease and throat/lung infections. You can use it to restore hair growth and memory! Rosemary is great for weight loss and those with diabetes as it helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
*Its aromatherapy qualities help to overcome mental fatigue and improve clarity and focus. Inhale Rosemary to boost alertness, eases anxiety, and amplifies analytic and mental ability.

Suggested Application:
1) Dilute 1:1 with a carrier oil such as vegetable oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc. Apply directly to the skin on the "offending" area or on your chakras, or vitaflex points if you know them.
2) Inhale directly.
3) Diffuse in the air.
4) Take internally. Drop directly in your mouth or put a drop in an empty capsule.

Personally I like to put a drop in my water when I need a pick-me-up.

Purchase Rosemary here: http://susie.younglivingworld.com

Essential Oils Introduction

Do you know about essential oils? They are the essence and lifeblood of a plant. They oxygenate our cells and help our bodies remove waste. They are highly cleansing and healing for our body. Get a free report from my website. http://susie.younglivingworld.com
You can diffuse them in the air, rub them on your feet, or take some of them internally. You can use them to make healthy cleaning products- Dilute with water and spray on the surface to be cleaned.
This is just scratching the surface. In future blogs I will highlight various essential oils and their uses. Enjoy!

Fear?

What are you scared of? I'm not talking about snakes or spiders. I'm asking, deep deep down, what truly frightens you?
Most people are scared of not having enough, driving them to compromise who they are do things they don't want to do like work in jobs they don't like to make money they are scared to spend. Some people are scared of success. They feel like they don't deserve to be successful or to enjoy their life.
Whatever it is that you fear, just allow yourself to get to know it. Sit with it. Breathe into it. In other words Face it! Rather than try to hide it or run from it, really just be ok with having your fear. You might just find you are still alive! You may even find yourself more motivated and determined to go after the things that you want and make your life happen!
Fear can paralyze or it be used as a tool to spur us on to fulfill our destinies. How are you letting fear affect your life? Go ahead, take a deeper look.

I have been thinking about LIFE.

Where does your life come from? Where do you find your energy and your vibrance? For me, I find energy in consuming fresh, whole, local, organic foods. When I go to my farm, I can FEEL life growing and thriving. It is an inspiring and beautiful place to be! I surround myself with life. My living space is occupied with lots of plants. I choose friends who are moving in a positive direction in their lives. I work with clients who are learning how to make choices that build their health. I make every attempt in my own life to choose growth rather than stagnation. The more I choose Life, the better I feel and the easier it becomes to do the next time.
Where would you like to choose life? What part of your life is stagnate and what is ONE thing you can do right now to move it in a positive direction? Your mind may say it is impossible or you may come up with excuses and reasons about why your victim hood is better than actually feeling good, but I challenge you to take responsibility and move forward. It IS possible and you CAN do it!

Get it Now

You are amazing. Do you get it? No, I mean really. Do you get how amazing you truly are? If you did, you would make smart choices in your life. You would take care of yourself exceptionally well. You would not take crap from anyone. You would stand up for yourself, even when it's really hard... especially when it's really hard. You would feed your temple with fresh, organic food whenever possible. You would do the things you love as often as possible.
What will it take for you to get it?
Please, don't wait until tragedy strikes or health issues overwhelm. Get it now. Open your heart to yourself and believe that you are worthy and deserving to have abundant health, regardless of your age or current state of health. Your deserve to have a life you are excited to live!
Start claiming your health by making one small change at a time. Start right now.

CREATE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE FOR YOUR FAMILY

My Top Tips-

1. Recognize that making changes is a process- go at your own pace.
2. Get clear about your priorities. Discuss with your spouse and children what they want and need. Maybe you want to eat healthier, but your kids want to play outside more. Make sure everyone’s voice is heard, and then create a plan together that includes a balance of physical activity, nutrition, family time, self-care, and career.
3. Lead by example. Take responsibility for your own health. Your actions send a very loud message to the rest of your family.
4. Get support. Tell your girlfriends what you are up to. If your significant other is not interested, find someone who is and share your successes with them. Hire a health counselor or someone else who can help you.
5. Make one manageable change at a time. Once you have a plan in place, you may be tempted to move forward full-throttle. The best way to achieve sustained changes, however, is to integrate them into your lifestyle one step at a time until they become consistent.

Radiant Summer Health

The following are my Top Tips for staying healthy in the summer.

1. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Drinking water flushes out toxic material from your cells and keeps your organs in good working order.
2. Play in nature. Enhance your spiritual connection by noticing the flowers and the honeybees. The small miracles that we sometimes miss are a critical piece of the circle of life.
3. Absorb some sun. The best form of Vitamin D comes from being in the sun. Avoid mid-day sun for extended periods of time. Avoid sunscreen- the toxic ingredients are really what cause cancer, not the rays from the sun. (Cancer has increased tremendously since sunscreen was introduced on the market.)
4. Eat locally grown food. Do your part to cut down on the pollution created by transporting food long distances. Support your local farmer and create connection in your local community.

For more resources to carry out these suggestions, check out the RESOURCES page on my website www.spectrumhealthconsulting.com.

Celebrate Your Cravings!

Yep, you read it right.
Cravings are messages from your body. Your body has an innate intelligence that knows how to maintain a balanced state. When we are not in balance, our bodies send us cues and clues to let us know something is not quite right. A craving is one such example. The next time you have a craving, celebrate! Your body is communicating something very important to you!
What are you really craving? Is it food or something more? Sometimes cravings indicate a mineral deficiency. Often cravings are due to a hormonal imbalance. Usually they are a sign of dehydration. Sometimes cravings signify that you have a longing for something much deeper. Perhaps you are lonely and long for love. Maybe you are wishing for something comforting. You might be wishing for excitement or adventure. Once you can make the connection between your craving and what you REALLY want, you can begin to find ways to satisfy your craving with people and experiences rather than food. The following is a guide to encourage you to dig deeper and make the connection between your cravings and what may really be going on for you.

• Do you crave something sweet? You may really need some physical affection, a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend, or good cry.
• Do you crave spicy food? You may be looking for adventure or an exhilerating experience!
• Do you crave salt? Maybe you are seeking a deeper, richer flavor in your life or you are looking for a way to alleviate boredom.
• Do you crave sour flavors? You are probably ready for something new in your life. Try something you have always wanted to do, but never had the courage to do.
  
• Do you crave leafy green vegetables? Great! Your body is in a state of knowing what it needs to regain balance!

Addressing Cravings

1. The first step in alleviating cravings is to drink water. Hydrate yourself so that you have the energy to dig deeper within yourself to find out what you really want.
2. Eat balancing foods such as whole grains, beans, and vegetables. Sugar and meat create imbalances in some people.
   
3. Get support as you navigate your journey inward.
4. Be gentle with yourself. Procede slowly and deliberately and be gentle.
   

ARE YOU READY? THE MIRACLES ARE COMING!

Are you ready for the miraculous? What is a miracle? What do you think miracles look like? Sometimes it seems like a miracle just to be alive and breathing. Sometimes miracles seem a lot bigger, like finally getting something you really want or having something that you have dreamt about for years arrive in your life.
Truly the miraculous occurs all around us if we just stop long enough to breathe and observe. Have you ever tracked the progress of a growing flower? The next time you walk through the woods, notice how the trees grow to reach the sunlight. I am amazed at how these miracles just happen. Flowers and trees do not work hard and strain to grow, they just do it. We should take a lesson from nature and allow ourselves to grow in beauty according to the laws of nature. Now THAT would be a miracle!

Healing Sanctuary and Retreat Center

Promotional video to raise money for the Shamalada Healing Sanctuary in Bucks County, PA.


Watch Healing Sanctuary and Retreat Center in Faith Videos  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

FIND YOUR JOY

It is a little bit ironic that I am writing about joy. In the past I have had a tendency to approach life with a bit of seriousness. But lately, I am realizing how good it feels just to be light and have some fun. Really and truly, fun is more of an attitude than anything. Some people think you have to do something or go somewhere to have fun. But what I am discovering is that fun is in your heart. It is how you choose to view your life and the predicaments in which you may find yourself.

Of course, joy is not only just about the attitude you choose, it is also about the environments in which you choose to place yourself. While you may be tempted to blame your poor attitude on your circumstances, you always have choices. Recently I have been inspired by a friend. She is going through a lot of changes in her life. Some of her experiences are not pleasant. In fact, most people I know who are going through what she is now going through make themselves pretty miserable by casting blame or feeling guilt. She, however, is choosing to look at the bright side of her situation and find the positive aspects of these life changes. So, if you feel like you are stuck in certain life circumstances, take some responsibility and choose your response wisely.

ENJOY EXTREME HEALTH

Sometimes forget the importance of self-care. We can enhance our well-being by taking ownership of our health by eating well and by taking care of our immune systems. The following tips are some of my favorite ways to enjoy extreme health:

1. Breathe: When you wake up in the morning, sit on the edge of your bed and take in nine deep breaths. Before you go to a holiday party, take a few moments to breathe.
2. Chew your food: You will be less likely to over-eat at a party or family get-together if you chew each bite with awareness of what is in your mouth. If decide to try more than one dessert on the buffet table, really chew it and experience all the flavors.
3. Stop eating when you are satisfied: The “finish everything on your plate” rule does not apply to holiday eating! Eating food with a higher nutrient content will fill you up quicker and provide sustained satiation. Nutrient dense foods include vegetables, whole grains, beans and some fruits. Eating food with empty calories will leave you wanting more and set you up for cravings and imbalanced blood sugar. Such foods include white pasta and breads, sugary foods, and sodas and juice. If you choose to eat empty calorie foods, eat them slowly and with awareness.
4. Eat more whole foods: Processed foods destroy your immune system and cause your digestive system to work extra hard. Whole foods, such as mentioned above enhance your immune system. If you start to feel sick, especially stay away from sugar and drink extra water. A common mistake is to drink orange juice for Vitamin C. Orange juice contains too much sugar and does not aid in boosting your immune system. If you want Vitamin C, eat the whole orange or some carrots or blueberries. Green tea is also a great source of Vitamin C.
5. Play outside: Your immune system loves the fresh air of being outside! Treadmills at the gym are great, but can never take the place of being in the sunshine and breathing in clean air. Your body needs the Vitamin D from the sun. Products enriched with Vitamin D do not contain the same version; your body can only assimilate the form of Vitamin D that comes from the sun, so get outside even if it is only for fifteen minutes!

This information provided is for education purposes only. It is not meant to treat or diagnose.

HEART HEALTHY FOODS

There is a host of mis-information available about what is truly healthy for your heart. General rules of thumb to navigate the quagmire are to think about what your ancestors ate and follow suit. Eat organic to avoid the extra burden on your immune system that pesticides provide.

Beans: Beans are good for your circulation and are high in potassium which neutralizes sodium. (Sodium raises blood pressure.) Beans are low in sodium.

Butter: Selenium, Vitamins A & E are anti-oxidants found in butter which clean the blood to combat too many free radicals from processed oils. *Consume only if organic from free-ranging animals.

Fruit and Berries: Their phytochemicals strengthen blood vessels and they contain heart-strengthening anti-oxidants.

Vegetables: The darker the color, the higher the anti-oxidant content.

Whole Grains: Whole grains provide EFA’s (Essential Fatty Acids).

Nuts & Seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of EFA’s.

Wild-caught Fish: Salmon and others provide EFA’s. Red Sock-eye salmon from Alaska is the least contaminated fish.

Eggs: Purchase eggs from free-ranging chickens to ensure EFA content.

*Avoid: Excessive animal protein and dairy especially if not from organic sources, trans fats and unstable polyunsaturated oils (oils extracted from vegetable sources).

HEART HEALTHY LIFESTYLE TIPS

Drink water: The typical recommendation is to drink half your body weight in ounces. Water flushes out harmful toxins and fat from your cells.

Move: Exercise outside.

Deal with your Emotions: The heart is a powerful center for your emotions- acknowledge them and get support to work through them.

Private Counseling- Is it For You?

ARE YOU EATING YOUR FOOD OR IS YOUR FOOD EATING YOU?

I am in the business of guiding people to achieve higher levels of health by eating better foods and dealing with areas of their lifestyle that are out of balance. After achieving healing from a personal battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I know that it is possible to become healthier regardless of any diagnosis you may have.

My refreshing approach is different from a standard nutritionist because I am interested in eating quality foods and addressing anything in your life that holds you back from less than optimal health. Rather than counting calories, grams, and pounds, I teach my clients the value of whole foods and finding the right foods that work best in their bodies. My clients learn to add foods into their diet rather than take things away. This eliminates cravings and feelings of deprivation.

I use the concept of Primary foods (relationships, physical activity, career, and spirituality) to make the statement that sometimes the “stuff” going on in our lives is just as important, if not more important than the actual food (secondary food) that we eat. A healthy person looks at both and makes manageable changes in both areas to achieve higher levels of health.

My clients come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Some just want to learn how to eat healthier, and some have serious health issues that they want resolved. The one thing they all have in common is a desire to change their way of eating and living. {See MY PROGRAM page of my website for testimonials.}

Working with me does not promise a quick fix; rather our work together unfolds a manageable way to achieve the changes you want to make in your life and with your food. I provide unconditional support free of judgment.

Are you uncomfortable in your own skin? Are you tired and stressed? Do you wish you knew how to take better care of yourself? Are you ready to make some changes towards better health and a more fulfilled life?

COOLING FOODS

Are you dealing with the heat? Are you looking for ways to stay cool? You have lots of options. Find a cold waterfall and stand under it. Go swimming. Move to a colder climate. Stand in front of a fan. Eat cooling foods.

Have you noticed that perhaps your body naturally desires more vegetables, fruit, and salads when the temperatures go up? That is because these foods have a cooling effect in your body. You have heard the expression, "cool as a cucumber" because cucumbers are a great cooling food.

How do you figure out which other foods have a cooling effect in your body? The following are a few rules of thumb:

• RAW fruits and vegetables are cooling.
• Hot spices in significant amounts are eventually cooling because they cause perspiration, which is cooling when it evaporates.
• Sugar and salt are both cooling and warming. If eaten with cooling foods, they will intensify the effect.

Food that is cold in temperature does not necessarily mean it has a cooling effect in your body, although this may sometimes be the case.
The following is an abbreviated list of cooling foods: Watermelon, Citrus fruits, Summer squashes, Mung beans, Leafy vegetables, Sea vegetables, Brown rice, Sprouts, Sashimi, Lobster, Curry, Dill, Tamari, Parsley, and Hot peppers.
Steaming, Stir-frying, and Pickling are cooking techniques to use if you want a cooling effect.

*This is general information. It is not meant to treat any specific conditions. Each person will have their own Bio-Individual response. Listen to what your body says as you experiment with food.

Some of this information came from "Food and Healing" by Annemarie Colbin

ARE YOU ADDICTED TO SUGAR?

Sugar is one of the most addictive substances known to man. Even people that do not have obvious addictions such as cigarettes or alcohol often struggle with sugar.
What is it about sugar that lures us in? What is it about something sweet melting in our mouths that gives us such tremendous, yet only temporary pleasure?
Sugar nourishes on a deeper level than we might want to admit. Sugar gives us something when we are depressed, happy, or angry. It buffers any emotion when we are too afraid to dig deeper within ourselves.

Are you ready to release your struggle with sugar once and for all? What will it take for you to find what you need out of your life instead of relying on a sweet substance for temporary satisfaction?

You and I both know that sugar can never give you the fulfillment you are truly seeking. Are you ready to discover what will deeply nourish your life?