I used to make my dad’s instant coffee every morning, however, I did not have my first sip until I was about 24 ( due to a room mate who brewed a pot every morning). The smell intrigued me so I gave it a try with lots of milk and sugar. It wasn’t really my first choice in beverages until  I had kids! Once the kids arrived anything caffeinated to help me get through the long afternoons was much appreciated!

And really, coffee is not all bad for you and actually it has many health benefits. Moderation of course is the key and really a good cup a java is all you really need.

Well, now that I have been pretty consistent on my coffee sipping (every once in a while I will stop drinking and lucky for me I have no side effects), that I am beginning to get a little snobby with my coffee choices. And living in Hawaii, I am quite lucky to be living amongst some amazing coffee farmers.

I have recently discovered, Hawaii White Mountain Javaloha Coffee. It is smoothest, sweetest and loveliest cup of coffee, I have ever tasted. I am lucky because it is sold at our local farmers market but you can also purchase a bag from their site. I recommend you do for yourself or for someone you know who is a coffee lover.

Bring on the french press and be well,

I wrote about how I like to look at food list..how they inspire me to buy and cook with foods that I may have forgotten.  I thought it might be a good idea for me to create my own list - my favourite, everyday foods. Once I started typing away at my list I realized it was quite big! I thought about categorizing but well….nah.

My favourite super nutrient packed and yummy foods!

1. avocados
2. fuji apples
3. blueberries
4. broccoli
5. almonds
6. red onions
7. tomatos
8. good olives
9. salmon
10. spinach
11. basil
12. cilantro
13. thyme
14. egg
15. goat cheese
16. brown rice bread
17. butter
18. olive oil
19. dark chocolate
20. licorice mint tea
21. coffee
22. cream
23. sugar ( for my coffee!)

*** these foods I readily have in my pantry or fridge***

The foods I would like to eat more of:

1. kale
2. swiss chard
3. cabbage
4. beans
5. more fruit - kiwi and such ( I am not much of a fruit eater except in my daily smoothies)
6. leeks
7. root vegetables: squash, pumpkin ( not potatoes though - not my thing)
8. seeds

I am sure I could think of more but for now, that is about it.

I try to purchase all my foods/produce from the local farmers and organic. I really feel that when I buy local and/or organic I am not only helping to keep my family healthy but also the planet.

Be well,

PS If you have any simple recipes to encourage me to eat more of the foods I want to eat more of, please send them my way!

I was walking with a friend of mine the other day and I was telling her about a woman whose doctor, 10 years ago, did not write in her chart that she discovered some endometriosis while doing surgery on her ( the doctor told the present doctor this). She didn’t, of course, realize this at the time but since that surgery she has had growing abdominal pain and has finally found a doctor who decided not to give her pain meds but to find out what the cause of her on going pain.

Anyway, she is doing great now but it is a reminder of how important it is to get your medical records and labs from your doctor. I think it gives people more ownership of their health - which it turns may have people become more proactive in taking care of themselves.

To get your medical records you will need to sign a release form that all hospitals and most doctor offices will have. This should not be a problem and it is very important that you have a record of what your doctors have written about you to make sure nothing has been overlooked. Once you have these records, create a folder of all of the papers and put in a safe spot.

Be well,

I have consciously and officially started to train my hair to part in a different spot. I am not doing it for fun or to get a new look. I am doing out of pure necessity - to cover my ever growing gray hair strands.

How can I be feeling the best I have felt…really in my whole life ( and I have a few more than a couple decades) …. yet glance in the mirror and see someone completely different? It is complete craziness to look into the mirror, thinking I will see my 25 year old self, and actually see my gray hairs sticking up, slighly droopy eyes and many wrinkles. What has happend?

Life, I suppose…a pretty happy life in that. Yes, my life has been a complete roller coaster ride with as many ups as downs. And I get that, but how do you make that leap into fully accepting all the physical/outward changes? Actually it is all quite amusing to me….on most days that is. On the good days, I can look in the mirror and say, ” that freckle is from that amazing trip I took with my sisters’” and “those deep smile wrinkles ( or creases!) are from me laughing and giggling at my kids everyday craziness!” The bad days…well that brings me to my question for all of you

Should I start constantly colouring my hair to cover the grays?

Be well,

I am not a person who is drawn towards electronics and techno things. Anything that requires reading a manual or even a plug-in makes me somewhat nervous. I usually push forward on it but if there is another way to do it then I will find it.

There for, I am pro air filters - they are pretty simple to use. They are important aspects of keeping our homes’ air quality good and free from household toxins like plywood and particle board (woods found in furniture and in the building of most houses), and formaldehyde that floats around. I did own an air filter when I was living in Portland and I really liked having it until I needed a filter replacement, which was hard to track down.

I have now entered the world of using what nature has given us…houseplants. Not only do they  bring both beauty and peace in our home and they are able to break down these toxins by breathing in carbon dioxide and churning out oxygen thus making indoor air quality much cleaner. Yes, I have to remember to water them but my kids like to help, and we manage to keep them alive.

Here are some suggestions (and they are quite easy to find at a nursery).

• Most palms are great – I have a few bamboo palms in my house and I love the look of them. Others include: areca, lady, and dwarf date palm.

• Rubber plants

• English ivy

• Peace lily (my other favorite)
• spider plant

Be well,

PS this is a great healthy and green holiday gift!

Homeopathic nux vomica 30c could be your best friend during the holiday season. The most prominent indication to taking the remedy is overdoing it with food and alcohol. I am not giving permission for people to over eat and drink during the holiday season but if by chance you do, I suggest taking 3 pellets under the tongue before you go to bed and immediately when you get up.

Happy Holidays!

I have always loved chocolate but it wasn’t until my time working at a Swiss hotel in Boston in my late teens, that I truly found an appreciation for good quality dark chocolate.

Since my time working and spending summers in Switzerland, I only eat the good stuff, so yes I am a complete and true chocolate snob. And I have no problem being called that either. Over the years, I have been very happy to read about all the benefits of eating dark chocolate ( so now there were no excuses to my daily indulgences - it is good for me!) Dark chocolate ( with cocoa content of at least 65 or more %)  is full of flavonids which may help in reducing blood pressure, antioxidants to fight off those free radicals and plus many more healthy benefits.

I am not giving you all permission to eat a pound of chocolate, but what I am suggesting is that you might want to indulge in a small piece of rich dark chocolate during the holidays ( and maybe carry it through the new year!). At the moment, I am quite enjoying the brand called, Chocolove. I go for the simple - no nuts or berries. Perfectly yummy!

Be well,

The  Holiday Sale is now on!

It is a fantastic gift for all kids ( and adults too!)The t-shirts are 100% white organic and they are SOOOOO soft and cute.

1. HBD 1 book and “I heart HBD” t shirt $25.00
2. HBD 2 book and “I fought the bugs and I won” t- shirt $25.00
3. Both books for $30.00
4. T- shirt for $12.00
5. HBD 1 for $16.50
6. HBD 2 for $16.50

Happy Holidays!

When I was in school one of my teachers (also a doctor) spoke of a child patient who had cancer. They came to him for some alternative therapies and my teacher suggested some visualization.

He had the child close his eyes and start describing the cancer in every aspect - colour, hairy, ball-like etc. Once that was established, my teacher had him describe his own warriors or defenses in his body. The scene was set, the battle visualized with the  cancer was being destroyed.

This didn’t occur in one visit but over many. The weeks that followed were full of imaginative creative stories on how his body was destroying the cancer. Not only did the child feel better after the sessions, he was physically better.

This story made a big impact on me. It actually is one of the reasons that led me to write my series of educational adventure stories called, Human Body Detectives. And when my kids are sick, I have them visualize their white blood cells destroying the bad bug. They really get into it, describing the bugs in full detail and the battle scene.

We don’t know for sure if creative visualization really boasts our immune systems but as a parent and a doctor, I see how it allows us to be physically and emotionally stronger and proactive in our health.

Be well,

The halloween birthday craze began about 2 months ago when Pearl was determined to start organizing her birthday party. She had a vision of a “mystery party,” followed by bbq dinner with parents and then a night of trick or treating with her friends. It was a completely fulfilled request and most importantly, I survived it!

I highly recommend using Dramatic Fanatic mysteries for your child’s next party. Once I explained the idea behind the party, some of the kids just got it right away, and when I got into character as the host, the rest of the kids started to get into character and the mystery really began!

Dramatic Fanatic was developed for, as they say, “kids who love the spotlight.” There are several mysteries to chose from which were created by the award winning children’s television writer, Jennifer Hamburg. I loved how super easy it was to follow and how affordable it was.

Pearl is looking forward to the next party ( she was hoping for next month but not going to happen) and I think when we do the next party, we will roll out the red carpet and solve the “Movie Star Mystery.”

Have fun and be well,

My daughter, Pearl is obsessed with Halloween ( see my previous post on Arnica to learn more.)

This year she really wanted to have her birthday party on Halloween so all of her friends could trick or treat together. She also wanted to have a mystery party. This past summer, a friend of ours, hosted a murder mystery party and Pearl LOVED the concept. We decided against the murder part ( although we do love the game Clue) and I started doing some research - the thought of writing and putting together this party seemed a bit too much for me - scavenger hunts are about as far as I can go!.

I came across this website, dramatic fanatic, and realized quite quickly that it would be perfect match for the party. Pearl and I decided to chose the, “Witchy Mystery,” and the process for checking out was simple and easy. It downloads to your computer. I just read through the instructions and it seems easy and fun!

I will keep you updated on how the rest of it will go….

Be well,

On October 1st, my little Pearl begged me to take out all the Halloween stuff. This is her absolute favourite holiday. She was due on Halloween but didn’t come that day but she still stakes claims on it.

I grabbed the neighbours 6 foot ladder ( yes I am married to a general contractor but we have no ladder…?) and off to the attic I go. When I am poking my head into the dark space , I noticed a brown box and remember that is one of the Halloween decoration boxes. I go to grab it not noticing ( or really seeing ) the iron metal spider web wreath for our door, on top of it. The minute I grab the box the wreath comes full force towards me. It was a short distance and I had absolutely no time - it hit me just above my cheek bone. And it hurt and Pearl gasped.

Down the ladder I came as my husband walked in and saw my bloody face. He wondered about stitches but I was more worried about a black eye ( but happily relieved it didn’t hit my eye!).  I went straight to my medicine cabinet, grabbed homeopathic arnica ( 200c) and arnica cream. For the next 2 hrs, I took the arnica pellets and gently rubbed the cream into my very tender cheek. I was absolutely astonished ( as I always am when I truly put homeopathy to the test) that after 2 hours, I had no bruising or swelling. It is still sore but I am so relieved not to have a blue and black cheek and eye.

Everyone needs arnica in their medicine cabinet. I see arnica, over and over again, work these amazing miracles with kids ( and now me!).

Off to the store you must go or to Emerson Ecologics on my site!

Be well,

I live in the country which is a far cry from where I grew up. Despite the fact I have been living in my little Hawaiian upcountry town for almost 8 years, I am still amazed at all the chickens that run around. A friend of mine has a farm and at one time had over 50 baby chicks that grew into these beautiful chickens ( I didn’t realize how many amazing ornate chickens there are out there!) Every once in a while she would call me over to pick some eggs from her coop, some kale and tomatoes from her garden and we would make a delicious, extremely fresh omelet. Yummy yum yum!

Unfortunately,where I live, the CCNRs do not allow me to have a chicken coop. Although, I didn’t realize this before I did a little research and discovered this interesting website, urban chickens. I browsed through the site and learned a lot of fun things. They have this one page that tells you the bylaws and ordinances in different states and cities. I checked out Portland, Oregon and realized I could have had a few chickens in our backyard when we lived there! They also sell 3 different types of coops which are all very stylish!

If you have a moment and are a little intrigued at the idea of having your own chickens, check out their site.

Be well,

I am going to purchase this book although I may not need it but I have some friends who I think do!

I am all about teaching my kids to be proactive and independent in their daily life. I realized early on with my older daughter that they clearly give you signs when they are ready to be “left alone” to do things themselves. It first happened when Merrin refused to wash her hair so I just gave her the shampoo bottle and she preceded to wash her own hair and the second big memory is when she, at 20 months threw her diaper across the room and said, “NO!” That was a little scary for me as we were off to the park but I just went for it and she had very few accidents after that.

Now that the kids are older, the stakes are up. Should I let them walk home from school alone? Or with friends? It is a toughy but the more I talk to the girls and see where their comfort level is, I can see when the time is right. They really need and desire the independence and hard as it is for us to “let go” we need too.

If you entering this stage in life, this might be a great book for you to pick up, read and talk to your kids about.

Be well,

People ask me about allergy testing all the time. The tests are quite expensive and the really the best test is an elimination of the suspected food for at least 6 weeks. People do become a little overwhelmed with this answer as it takes some work and thought but if your body is allergic or sensitive, it will tell you.

I find that gluten products are a big problem for people. With all the over-manufacturing of wheat, and the over indulgence of consuming wheat, has really lead to a nation of people who are sensitive or even allergic to the gluten protein in certain grains ( actually most grains except for rice). I suggest to people to start with eliminating all grains ( except for rice) from their diet. People think I am crazy at first but within a week they notice a huge difference - more energy, less fatigue, less mucus formation and brain fog goes away. Some people may not notice anything but when they re-introduce it 6 weeks later for what I call a “party day” they usually do not feel so well.

I am writing all this because I came across an article about gluten allergy and celiac disease. This is the one food allergy test that I do suggest to people ( especially after they have tried the elimination first). It is a test that just in the past few years doctors have been prescribing more often. If you have any suspicion that you or a family member ( chronic stomach aches or a baby who is not growing well or constantly anemic) than ask your doctor about  testing for celiac.

There are so many websites, cookbooks and foods in the grocery store that are gluten-free, it makes it easy to follow a gluten-free  way of living. Here is a list of some of my favourite sites:

1. Celiac Disease Foundation

2. Gluten-free Living

3.Gluten Freedon Source

4. Blog

5. Another Blog

Be well,

PS Here is another blog I wrote on this

When I spent my months in Kenya, I loved my trips to the local grocery store. It was always a fast and easy shop ~ there were basically no choices and I truly appreciated that!

Back here  in the states there are many and many choices in the grocery stores and while I appreciate most choices, some I just do not get. When I stumbled upon this article in the Washington Post, I visioned the long aisle of toilet paper (tp) in my local store. I do not think there is even  a choice for environmental friendly tp.

After reading through the article, I am thinking I really need to buck up and seek the out the friendly stuff. For one reason, my kids need to realize that soft tp is not so healthy for the environment and comfort can slide with this and second, anything I can do to help with the forests and trees I am all for.

So my question to all of you readers is… If you use environmentally friendly tp which brand do you buy?

Be well,

I have been wanting to write a blog about this but to be honest I keep forgetting to jot it down on my “what to blog about” list. Well, my sister helped by sending some information on the new Phillips rechargeable sonic toothbrush for kids. Pearl has been begging for her own electric toothbrush and this will be a perfect gift for her.

Let me back up a bit. This past summer, Pearl went in for her annual dental check. She loves going to the doctor, dentist or chiropractor so she considered it a fun activity. Although this visit was not such a great one ~unfortunately she had a few cavities. I feel like it is a bit my fault. In the last year I have let her brush and floss her own teeth. Brushing is ok but the dentist said that kids do not have the dexterity to floss their own teeth until they are 8. I had never heard of this! Since the cavities were between her teeth, we needed to take some serious action in the flossing department. I bought her some triple clean floss picks and I make sure to watch her do it. This new toothbrush will be the perfect addition to her dental hygiene routine.

This is a really good habit for her to get into now, as dental health is really important. The mouth is the gateway to the inside of our bodies so helping the immune system by cleaning and flossing our teeth can really help keep our bodies strong and healthy.

Be well,

Ok this may help me be a little more cheerful while I am scrubbing away in my bathroom! And my two girls would be more than happy to put these on to help with their chores (hmmm maybe a great and inspiring Christmas gift!)

The Gloveables are simple, elegant and pretty with quite an enduring history of the creator, Lindy Kummings. I have to admit I have not seen them anywhere ~ has not made it to my little in the pacific ~ but they have been on Oprah, in Readers Digest and even on Desperate Housewives!

Personally I like the aprons best although not sure I would ever wear one. So for practicality and function get me in those lime green gloves and my house will be sparkling!

Be well,

For all those art enthusiasts or who have children who are crazy about doodling with colour, you really need to check out this Boulder based company ~ it is beautiful.

But not only is it beautiful, it is a brilliant natural art supply company that makes you feel good about your kids hands getting colourful with paint, clay well you name it. The art supplies are all-natural, certified organic and environmentally friendly ( and so is the packaging!)

They are now available in Whole Foods Market and will soon be available in selected Starbucks stores. Keep you eye out for these…they are great gifts to everyone!

Be well and happy colouring!

Funny name, eh? Yup I am a Canadian!

A friend emailed me a link to this company. I may get his title wrong but basically he goes into businesses and residential homes and suggested to his clients how they can make their businesses and homes more “green” and “sustainable.” He is full of knowledge that I completely respect and admire.

I like how this company, on the right side box, clearly states why this product is beneficial.

• Kills mold and bacteria
• Destroy circulating cold and flu viruses
• Reduces allergies, asthma
• Safe and ozone free

This I like. Mold is a humongous issue where I live in most houses and can really cause many respiratory ailments. I suggest to many families to keep their bedroom a sanctuary. Having a few green plants in the room and keeping your laundry baskets in their bathrooms. Another suggestion I have made, especially people with allergies, is to run an air purifier in your room during the day. The Sterile -Aire seems to be a perfect one to go with.

Let me know what you think with the site or even if you have the product. Maybe you prefer the Germ Guardian, if so, let me know as well.

Be well,

A good friend of mine just purchased this for her house. It is a UV-C light meaning the light can alter the genetic structure of bacteria and viruses thus killing them. It is not new technology and the first usage was in France (1909) to aid in disinfecting their water system. Its efficiency tests were quite impressive by the Harvard School of Public Health and an independent third-party laboratory.

But I wonder if this is a total necessity for the average household. Everyday our bodies fight off thousands of bacteria and viruses, and with that, our immune systems become stronger and smarter. If our immune systems do not get a chance to do this, well then, maybe our bodies do not gain strength and power?

Well, it is really a toss up…if you eat healthy, take care of yourself then maybe the GermGuardian can add a little more relaxing moments for your immune system. However if you are not willing to be proactive in your health and fuel your body optimally, then you are really doing a disservice to your body.

Be well,

This is a bit of a hot topic right now, and I think it should be!

At this moment there is really no regulation from the FDA on supplements until they are on the shelf. The Council of Responsible Nutrition says that by-law a supplement company must put what is in the bottle on the label. This is a great start, however, some mis labeling can occur. For example, with Echinacea, it is the root that is highly medicinal. To keep costs down a supplement company may want to only use 5% of the root and 95% of the rest of the flower. With no real regulation, this type of business may occur.

I highly suggest that people visit their doctors - naturopathic, medical or chiropractic - and purchase their supplements through them. There are great supplement companies at the local stores but I would do some research on the companies first or even ask your doctor for a company he recommends. It will save you some money and most importantly, keep you healthy on the best supplement.

Be well,

With school just around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to introduce my new discovery, Jonesy’s Allergy Cards.

An allergy card is a custom card created for your child with their name, birth date, allergies, EpiPen directions and your contact information.

To me, they seem quite essential if your child has any type of allergies from food to bees.

Jonesy offers 2 types of cards, one for a restaurant and one for play dates, that will escort your child wherever they are going.  Jonesy will help design a perfect card that fits your child’s own specific needs.

Please pass this information on to anyone you may know who has a child with allergies. It is really an inexpensive way to inform people about your child’s needs.

Be well,

PS Jonesy designs an array of beautiful cards (they do custom work as well), so take a minute and check out her site

I stumbled across this article from a fellow friend and naturopathic physician. Love the conclusion!

“Daily dietary probiotic supplementation for 6 months was a safe effective way to reduce fever, rhinorrhea, and cough incidence and duration and antibiotic prescription incidence, as well as the number of missed school days attributable to illness, for children 3 to 5 years of age.”

PMID: 19651563 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

I think probiotics are extremely helpful in preventing sickness and help during a sickness. We usually have a daily smoothie and  I love my kids getting some fruits from the smoothie, but I really love to throw in some extras goodies to help keep their immune systems strong. Probiotics are one of them along with Nordic Natural Cod Liver Oil and Vital Kids Berry Well.

You may be able to pick some these supplements at your local healthfood store or you can purchase through my site with Emerson Ecologics ( the access code is 96743).

Be well,

I have never really mentioned where you can purchase my book! Human Body Detectives: The Lucky Escape can be found on Amazon or on my Human Body Detectives site ( where there are also some free downloads!)

The book includes a 24 page workbook ( full of puzzles and games), 2 pages full color stickers and an audio cd.

And please watch the book trailer!

Be well,