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.
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!
avocados
fuji apples
blueberries
broccoli
almonds
red onions
tomatos
good olives
salmon
spinach
basil
cilantro
thyme
egg
goat cheese
brown rice bread
butter
olive oil
dark chocolate
licorice mint tea
coffee
cream
sugar ( for my coffee!)
*** these foods I readily have in my pantry or fridge***
The foods I would like to eat more of:
kale
swiss chard
cabbage
beans
more fruit - kiwi and such ( I am not much of a fruit eater except in my daily smoothies)
leeks
root vegetables: squash, pumpkin ( not potatoes though - not my thing)
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!
Homeopathicnux 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.
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!
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
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.”
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….
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!
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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