The Universe is Smiling Down on Me...

This morning my seven year old son waited excitedly for his ride to school. While outside under the twin oak trees, he looks up past the branches and calls for me to come quickly.  I walk out into the sweet smelling morning air to see what is so urgent for me to see.  He points up and states:  "look mama, the moon is smiling down on me".  I look and there is a perfect crescent moon turned just so to look like a smile.  I think about how simple it is to look around me and see that no matter what is happening in my life, the Universe is smiling down on me and all will be well.  If anything, just watching my son waiting for a ride is enjoyable.  My mind is frequently full of chatter that does nothing to benefit me or my family, but if I slow down enough and pay attention to "what is", then I will surely find that I am being smiled upon and blessed in every moment.

Here's to the Universal Smile....
ClearSkies

Whole Foods for Everyone!

A wonderful friend of mine, Lesley Marino, has a daughter who was born with numerous medical issues.  Lesley is a loving and committed mother, who gives her daughter the most healthy food despite having to jump many hurdles to do so.  Her path has taken her various places, including going to battle with doctors, nutritionists and dietitians, who think formula is healthier than whole food.  In this world where the medical industry can have an overabundance of power, both perceived and real, a mother can be faced with some hard choices.  The choice of following medical advice or one's own instinct can be difficult, especially when it involves one's child.  Lesley has made those difficult choices and has chosen to blend her own whole foods for her daughter's feeding tube.  She began this journey many years ago and is still dedicated to giving her daughter the foods she needs to be healthy and strong.  Her website is called Blenderized Diet, and was established to assist other individuals, who are also fed via a tube.  The site tells her story and encourages parents, caregivers and tube-fed individuals to make a choice that is right for their own health and well-being. 

Keeping foods in the simplest form is healthy for everyone, and I think Lesley is doing a fine job as a mom!  This week her daughter is in the hospital again and both would like to go home.  Even though it may seem easier to just let the nurse give her daughter formula, Lesley still brings in her own home blend of fruits, vegetables, minerals and supplements in a special bag, so her daughter's body will have the nutrients she needs to heal quickly. Lesley also cares about helping and offers a yahoo support group and Facebook page for those who want to find out more or partake in the way of living naturally.

Here's to the Marino family!
ClearSkies

Berry Berry Delicious!

One of my favorite times of the year is berry picking time.  I love taking my children out to the organic fields and showing them where food originates.  They enjoy putting berries in a bucket and popping them in their mouth as they make their way down the row of choice berries.  Whether we are picking blueberries or strawberries, we always have a great time, and have fresh berries for days.  The blueberry farm we prefer is Big Bear Farms in Plant City, Florida.  They have certified organic elderberries, blueberries, strawberries and vegetables, such as strawberry onions, okra, black-eyed peas, green beans, cabbage, squash, peppers, tomatoes and tomatillos.  Some items are pre-picked and some, like the blueberries, are u-pick.  The items that are available change from week to week, so calling ahead is advised, especially when wanting to pick the berries yourself.

Another organic farm that we frequent this time of year is Jordan Farms in Dover, FL.  Jordan Farms offers u-pick strawberries and vegetables.  My children particularly like picking the fresh green beans.  The farm is complete with horses, who enjoy eating strawberries out of the children's hands.  The strawberry picking goes quicker than the blueberry picking because of the size of the berries, but either way the whole family can enjoy the fruits of the harvest.  This farm even has picnic tables, so you can bring a lunch or eat some of your pickings under the shade of magnificent oak trees.  I have not heard if Jordan Farms is ready for u-pick, but Big Bear Farms is ready this week.

I plan on taking the family soon!

Here's to your health and wealth!
ClearSkies

Mono and Diglycerides

Ever wonder what are mono and diglycerides?  Being a lover of words and all things natural, I often delve into ingredient lists with a passion.  Over the years, I have evolved to refuse any products that contain hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup and soy isolate protein.  Recently, since my bread maker took a dive off my kitchen counter, I started purchasing store bread again.  At times, I find the convenience of the local supermarket over the health food store too much to resist.  As long as the previous mentioned ingredients were not in the mix, I would purchase the bread.  As they say, ignorance is bliss and I did not investigate the mono and diglyceride ingredient until now.

What I found is that the mono and diglycerides are added to the ingredient list to make the dough, ice cream or candy easier to manipulate or regulate (as in shelf life).  Basically, these ingredients are added for the benefit of the manufacturer, not the consumer's taste.  For the most part, mono and diglycerides are produced from soya beans, many of which are genetically modified, according to GMO Compass.  Making matters worse, this product is basically the same as an hydrogenated oil.  Eric Armstrong has researched the product extensively and is working toward educating the public and making changes in the labeling of products in the UK.  Replacing mono and diglycerides with the well-known trans fats, such as hydrogenated oils, is a loop hole that must be closed promptly.  Manufacturers of convenient food products rely on the consumers being ignorant and uneducated.  Consumers need to understand and know ingredients in order to make educated and informed choices.

For those who are not aware, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised that these oils be banned.  Editor of Natural News states that ingestion of hydrogenated oils leads to cardiovascular disease, cancer and birth defects.  The obesity epidemic is also linked to these poisonous oils as well, and studies in mice indicate that trans fats lead to cholesterol issues and ultimately atherosclerosis.  Bottom line, avoid hydrogenated oils, mono and diglercerides, interesterified oils and partially hydrogenated oils.

Here's to your continued health and awareness!
ClearSkies

Feeling a little Green after your Celebrations??

For those who chose to imbibe in St. Patty's Day festivities last night and are feeling a bit green, but not in a beneficial manner, you may need something to help you along today.  For all that know me, you know I advocate the intake of dark chocolate on a daily basis for a proactive approach to any potential ailments.  My dark cocoa advice applies to those who indulge in too much of the drinking of spirits.  Drink a bit of chocolate milk before bed or first thing upon waking to assist your body with symptoms associated with a hangover.  My favorite concoction consists of simmered Vanilla Almond Milk with 70 or 85% Green and Black's Dark Chocolate and a tablespoon of raw cocoa powder.  This homemade beverage is delicious, nutritious and soothing.

If you are looking for some other quick fixes to that not so great day after feeling, try an old fashioned folk remedy of cutting a lemon in half and rubbing each half under each one of your armpits.  This process aids your body in ridding toxins.  I recommend recycling the lemons by putting them down the garbage disposal for a fresh lemony smell, instead of squeezing them in your water!  Another folk remedy is drinking filtered water with a couple of teaspoons of lime juice and a little sugar.  Overall, hangovers are caused by too many toxins, not enough sleep and dehydration.  So, drink water, detox and rest this weekend!

Here's to a healthy, happy weekend!
ClearSkies

Staying Fit is Green!

While everyone is out celebrating St. Patty's Day at their local pub or eating their favorite Irish treat of corned beef, I will be at Boot Camp with Aris.  Keeping fit and healthy is good for everyone and the environment. Getting in touch with the earthy green grass at Straub Park while running cones, doing push-ups, working abs and toning buns is an exhilarating experience.  Thanks to Aris, a group of us have fun every Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, getting tone and fit for the bikini season!  Aris is an awesome personal trainer and instructor, with a flair for motivating those who wish to improve their life.  She has picked a beautiful spot to train out in the open grass of Straub Park with the bay in view.  The fresh air, energy movement and the company of motivated individuals makes for a wonderful end to any day. 

Here's to a Happy St. Patty's Day!!
ClearSkies

Being Green on a Green Day!

As we all know, being green can be fun, especially when we are celebrating St. Patty's Day.  Ever wonder what is in that green beer that is served on this festive day full of shamrocks and leprechauns?  Personally, I think of the artificial colors and refuse even a sip.  An alternative exists for those who are green the other days of the year, and that alternative is wheat grass or spirulina.  Just a bit added to your favorite malt beverage and you will be kissing the Blarney Stone in style and surely receive your dose of witty banter for the whole night.  Of course, this could be altered by having a few too many of the naturally green infused beverages, so drink responsibly and receive a jolt of 'B' Vitamins.

If you choose to imbibe at home, this natural green beverage would be easy to create.  If out on town in your favorite Irish pub, ask for your favorite beer on tap and add your own bit of green.  Spirulina and Wheat Grass powders can be found at your local health food store.

Here's to Your Continued Health!
ClearSkies