Happy day to Canada! 142 years old..way to go!

I wish I were there to do some of this!

Be well,

I purchased a necklace from Billy Would Designs because I loved the look but then learning more about the company I realized I loved the whole sustainable aspect of it.

Each piece is unique. The pieces are handmade from rescued exotic hardwood (rescued meaning reclaimed from woodworkers who would otherwise throw their wood scraps out) and accented with sterling silver.

It was very difficult to chose a piece because they are all so beautiful with a twist of funk, simplicity and elegance. I have had many complements on my necklace! Visit her site and enjoy what she has to offer ( and maybe treat yourself to a present!)

Be healthy!

PS I purchased the  Solid Disc but I loved the rings. She mentioned to me that she would a custom order which would be fantastic…and something to look into for holiday gifts!

I am tasty with bittersweet leaves and native to Peru (that is in South America!). Oh I  forgot to mention, that I am  quite stunning with bright orange flowers nestled amongst green shiny leaves!

While living in Peru, the Incas would throw me (gently of course) into their salads for a splash of colour but I was also used for medicinal purpose – maybe because I am full of vitamin c?

Thomas Jefferson soon discovered us (he was an avid gardener and farmer!) and  planted our seeds in his vegetable garden at Monticello.

Since I have a peppery taste I tend to ward off many garden pests. I have only one request if you plant me in your garden, please do not over water me! I can not stand a soggy wet soil!

So put in me in your flower arrangements or in your dinner salad as I will add some colour and flavour to your table!

Be healthy!

That is my book trailer!

I am so excited to share this with you and not to mention that I am happy to have my book out there for everyone to see and hopefully buy!

Here it is! Enjoy! And please pass this on to all your friends!

You can learn more about HBD on my website and purchase the book on my site or Amazon.

Be well,

I believe I first heard about the concept of “meatless mondays” was from the Michael Pollan who wrote, The Omnivore’s Dilemma. I thought it was a clever idea so did a little more research and came across this video:

The video is inspiring and educational. It may seem a little heavy but I like how they give a simple and easy solution. By just having a “meatless monday” can make a profound, healthy impact on helping our planet.

So take some time and watch the video, go to their website to learn more and then teach your children what you have learned. It is really important.

Be well,

I was listening to an inspiring topic on NPR a week or so ago.  They were talking about the new recycling law that was recently passed in San Francisco. I already was familiar with some of the composting programs in SF- restaurants giving their leftover foods to compost companies who then give the compost to the farmers that supply their foods to the restaurants (nice little cycle!).

But now it will be mandatory for all - residents included! There will be three  garbage bins - one for trash, one for recyclables and one for compost ( this is so COOL!).

The city has a goal to reach zero waste to landfills by 2020 and it looks like the garbage collectors will be the ones making sure this happens. Residents will be reminded on how to properly separate their “wastes” from home. If anyone is found repeatedly not cooperating, they will be fined.

This is great article about the law in the  NY Times . We do some composting at home and we definitely recycle as much as we can. I wrote a recent blog about Vancouver’s recycling bins and all of this are great reminder for us all to try a little harder for our planet and really ourselves.

Be well,

Hmmm….sounds pretty gross but maggot therapy has been used for years and is actually still used to heal wounds faster.

Here is the Wikipedia definition:

Maggot therapy

(also known as maggot debridement therapy (MDT), larval therapy, larva therapy, larvae therapy, biodebridement or biosurgery) is a type of biotherapy involving the intentional introduction by a health care practitioner of live, disinfected maggots (fly larvae) raised in special facilities into the non-healing skin and soft tissue wound(s) of a human or other animal for the purposes of selectively cleaning out only the necrotic tissue within a wound (debridement), disinfection, and promotion of wound healing.

Now some crazy and inventive scientists have discovered that applying some maggot essence to bandages just may do the same!

(I have decided not to post an image of this – not too attractive!)

Well, I have to say I will purchase and use such a product. This makes sense to me – using nature to help nature. I love the symbiotic feel to that.

I will be on the outlook for this in the drugstore and keep you updated. However, if any of you come across it first, please let me know!

Be well,

In the summer time, while I grow on my vines, the most lovely moment, are when children come and pick me, open me and pop me in their mouth with a big happy smile. Pure summer glory!

Let me step back in time and give you a little history about me. The Chinese Father of Agriculture, 5000 years ago, was said to be wandering around in the Chinese countryside searching for plants to be used for food and medicine. That is when he discovered me!

Remains of peas were found at Egyptian Tombs of the 12th dynasty (when was that? a long time ago - that I know!). It seemed like I was not a preferred meal with the Egyptians but my fellow friend, the chickpea was. Good for him and I was happy for him. My glory would come…and it did!

I was dried (known as the the split-pea – great for soups!) for the long ship voyage to America.  Peas were actually one of the first crops to be planted in America!

It was not until the 17th Century when I became a delicacy and very fashionable…at least in the food world! I knew my time would come!

I am quite nutritious full of iron and vitamin c that help with you immune system (i.e. keep you from being sick).

Try this YUMMY recipe!
Serves between 4 to 6

1 box - penne pasta
1 carton or bag of fresh peas (or frozen)
2 - cooked chopped or diced chicken breast
3 TBSP of pesto (or more or less – to your liking)
Parmesan cheese ( to sprinkle om top)

1. Cook your penne as directed.
2. When it is done, drain, add the rest of the ingredients except for the parmesan cheese.
3. Heat slightly for about a minute, while stirring.
4. Serve in bowls and sprinkle cheese on top!

Enjoy!

I begin each morning with liquid chlorophyll – the mint flavour. I squirt some in some water and drink it. I love it! Actually when the kids were little, I would give it to them instead of juice (they called it their “green juice”).

This is why I love it:
1.    refreshing and energizing
2.    very cleansing to the body – some studies say that it detoxifies and cleans the liver
3.    amazing for the clarity of the skin (calling all those preteen out there! – this is super to help prevent breakouts)
4.    It is rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium
5.    chlorophyll is considered the green “blood” of plants and has the same effect as our body’s iron therefore may help build our blood

What is it? Basically, it is what makes plants green (their blood) and is accomplished through photosynthesis (ask you kids if you need a refresher on this process!).

You can purchase liquid chlorophyll from any health food store and also from my supplement section with Emerson – Chlorofresh Liquid Mint.

Be well,

While in Vancouver last month I came across this company…..

Art-inspired
Independently produced
Always handmade
on the west coast of Canada

I truly wished the owner, Tressa, had started 10 years earlier, as I would have been all over her products for my kids!

All of her products are 100% certified organic usa cotton, 100% eco-lamb’s wool stuffing and best of all, they are machine wash/dry!

The organic teething bonbons really caught my attention. You soak the knots and freeze them – brilliant! And when your baby chews on the frozen knots, the eco-lamb wool centre keeps the baby’s hand warm. This would have soothed my kid’s gums tremendously!

I was also in awe of the Organic Soft Block Set. They are so beautiful and soft – great toy.

Browse through her site (which is so playful, creative and easy on the eyes) and enjoy everything she has to offer. And if you have babies or know of any, all of her products are essentials and worth the purchase.

Be well,

I have officially entered into the summer with kids home ALL THE TIME! So far it is going well (it’s only been a week though) and I expect it to be a fun, relaxing and creative next few months.

Their first day out I had my kids write up a list of ten things they wanted to do this summer. I suggested they be realistic but also put some crazy things on the list, as you just don’t know – it may happen!

The summer really comes down to one very important thing – WATER!



Here are some essentials that include water and also some extra stuff:

1.    some type of sprinkler to attach to hose ( this could be a good hour of fun for kids)
2.    blow up pool ( even older kids will get into this)
3.    water balloons – more kid fun
4.    you have to be set up for some popsicle making – let the kids get creative
5.    and the most important necessity - SUNSCREEN!

PS scavenger hunts are always a success so keep that in your back pocket

On a health note, here are some things in my summer first aid kit:

Homeopathy:
1.    Apis and Bite care: for bug bites
2.    Cantharis: for any sunburns
3.    Arnica: bumps and bruises
4.    Nux Vomica: for those moments when eating and drinking take over at BBQs and picnics

Herbal and vitamins:
1.    Emergency C vitamin packs in pink lemonade – YUM!
2.    Wise Woman Herbal All Purpose salve – for bug bites, minor scraps and cuts

You can go to my Emerson - shop supplements - to purchase any of these items.

Be well,

Ok…I wear some makeup and yes, I enjoy it! I am always on the scout for the best lip gloss, mascara and blush as these are my everyday staples.

I came across the company, TARTE, a few years ago and have been using some of their products since. I really love the owners story and her philosophy on having healthy formulas.

These are most two favourite products:

Let me know if you use any of TARTE’s products.

Be well,

I am known to be a ‘Powerhouse of Nutrients’ among all green leafy veggies. Popeye the sailor man is the one person who truly promoted me as one of the most beneficial and healthy vegetables ( he was smart!).

I am filled with vitamins, proteins, anti-oxidants and essential nutrients that promote overall good health and well-being. Some even call me the anti-aging vegetable but I am so tasty that I am sure you do not need that incentive!

I first originated in the Middle East, but then my seeds were brought to Spain and I finally made it to the soils in California and Texas around 1906.  I am quite easy to grow if I am in a cool climate but I do need full sun and water.

I like to be eaten raw in a salad with strawberries, blueberries, a little goat cheese with a drizzle of Italian dressing - YUM! I also like to be in an omelet with some tomatoes!

Some people have linked me to prosperity so eat some spinach and maybe a cheque will arrive in the mail!

Back in January, the house on the next street burned, not down, but enough so they couldn’t move back in. No one was hurt, however, they lost a lot including their computer. They did have an external hard drive but unfortunately that was destroyed as well.

I back up everything continually with an external hard drive but it is attached to my computer, which wouldn’t help much in a fire. This encouraged me to take some action. Off I went to Office Max and purchased a $40 fireproof box and a portable external hard drive (small enough to put in the box). I have to admit they sat on my office floor for a few months, but at last I spent a whole day copying all my photos, movies and other important stuff on this hard drive. Then safely I placed it into the box.

I am glad I took the time to do it as I would really hate to lose pictures and movies of the kids.

Be well,