SUGAR, not as sweet as it sounds

My husband and I have been undergoing a very interesting experiment that I want to share with you. The results are amazing... He started at the beginning of the year, I started about one month ago. Just by omitting obvious and high percentages of sugar in our food intake (still eating the same and doing the same exercise routines,) he has lost 10 lbs, I have lost 4 lbs; also our BMI's are 12 (him) and 19 (me.) I am not writing this blog to make you change your lifestyle but to give you information about an ingredient that might be contributing (and not in a good way) to your weight, swing moods, asthma...


Though sugar has been around for about several thousands years, it is now more than ever, that we start understanding how bad this ingredient is for human health. Sugar is an unnatural chemical devastating to our health, made by industrial processes. It becomes unnatural after stripping away all the vitamins, proteins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients. Studies show that the average American ingests about 135 lbs of sugar per year. Is proven that sugar does more damage to the body than any poison or drug. Sugar contributes to tooth decay, diabetes, heart disease, depression, anxiety, can make it difficult to lose weight and even CANCER. Eating sugar won't cause cancer, it is the increase in insulin and growth hormones that will promote the growth of cancer cells. The main cause for premature aging is, excesses of sugar.


The guidelines say that a healthy intake of sugar is 32 grams (about 8 teaspoons) of our total calories for the day. I recommend you start looking at labels more often since there is sugar in everything, form Ketchup to cereal. Don't forget, we do want to get sugar from natural sources such as fruits and vegetables. A great, if not the best, substitute for sugar is AGAVE. Here is a link for this fantastic plant http://www.allaboutagave.com/


In conclusion, sugar of any kind and form is BAD for our health, the results long term are catastrophic. By experience, I can assure you that, eliminating sugar from your diet can work wonders on your body, try it, I dare you (smiley face)

The Power of a Flowering Plant

Lavender and its gorgeous color, smell and power to heal. Used by ancient Greeks and during Roman times, this wonderful plant can contribute to a range of uses on our daily life; from the kitchen to the medicine cabinet. Cultivated all over the world, is also considered the premier of all perfume. The properties of Lavender include antibacterial, analgesic, antitoxic, deodorant, diuretic, tonic, anti-inflammatory and even antidepressant!

- In the kitchen it can be used in salads, stews and even drinks. Chocolate is, its favorite friend. Because of its strong color and fragrance, it needs to be used conservatively.

- It has many medicinal uses, such as, soothe and heal insect bites, lavender oil works great with headaches (apply small amount to the temples.) In eye pillows, lavender seeds aid sleep and relaxation, check my website for purchasing your one-of-a-kind Lavender pillow. It also treats skin burns and cuts.

So why Lavender? well, it is considered one of the 5 most popular herbs in the world, so why not start using it and see what it can do for you.

Bye 2009, Hello 2010!

Hola, Hello, Ciao, Bonjour, Hallo, こんにちは, Здравствулте!, YES, we have been all waiting, for one reason or another, for 2009 to end, well it's here, 2009 is almost over. Let's focus on the "good stuff" that happened in 2009, and I do not believe everything was bad; let's be happy for what it was, be thankful and GRATEFUL for everything that you have and did not, be positive inside and out, relax your mind and soul, everything will be better in 2010 and that is, if you want it to be.

"In Clover" is the next step, read about this lifestyle in one of my previous blogs; I know you can do it, if you always have this statement present you will be HAPPY, you will be Lucky, you will be Blessed, you will be Fortunate... all that and more. Your mind is an incredible tool to make things the way you want them to be, ASK, BELIEVE and RECEIVE. Don't loose track of what really is important, we tend to do so.


I have been thinking that I never wrote a blog about why I started writing blogs and the reason behind this decision was that I have always like to write since I was young, in fact, I own about 5 diaries... I also have a collection of poems/songs... I started this blog because I wanted to stop ripping pages from magazines about interesting topics, the file was getting too fat and at the end of the day it was an inconvenience to pull it out and flip through countless pages. This is a place where I write about things that we know but we tend to forget. It is convenient to be able to get tips, read about experiences and even personal struggles... all in one place. I really hope that I can inspire you to live a positive life, be open to change, remember that if we don't try different things, you are missing out in life. 

Have a Great New Year! enjoy whatever is left from 2009 and be prepared for a year full of wonderful things! Love you all.

Please Recycle

It goes back to the age of Plato about 400 B.C, recycling has been part of human history through Wartime and Post-war, until now. Recycling "involves processing used materials into new products." Some materials that we can recycle are plastic, batteries, glass, paper, paint, print cartridges... There are many reasons why we should recycle, such examples are, conservation, energy saving, reduce pollution, landfill reduction.

Facts about WHY we should recycle:

1. Recycling creates 6 times as many jobs as landfilling
2. Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 trees, 2 barrels of oil
3. Recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to operate a TV for 3 hours
4. Americans go through 25 billion plastic bottles every year

It is super important to recycle and anyone can do it, the best part, is that, every little bit you do will help tremendously in the long run. Try it, start with paper or plastic or both and take them to a recycling bin that you should already have in your home.

There is so much that YOU can do with very little effort and you will probably save yourself a lot of money while you are at it!

Best On-line Websites

I assure you this post will make your on-line shopping or just browsing more enjoyable. The idea came about because I use the web often to research and/or shop and wanted to make my life easier by creating a list of best on-line shops. This way I can stop my magazine ripping-pages obsession. Here we go, have fun and YES click on each of these, you might be surprised as to the stuff you can find... and these are only some.

FASHION:

1. www.lulus.com, from whimsical dress to shoes, to gorgeous accessories
2. www.piperlime.com, shoes before now also offering clothes. Celeb-stylish Rachel Zoe (my favorite) picks and chooses must-haves.
3. www.zappos.com, same concept, the shipping is free and it gets to its destination in 1 day.
4. www.shopbop.com, tons of the latest styles, the jeans selection is unbelievable.
5. www.urbanoutfitters.com, introduced to me, a couple of years ago, by one of my best friends Tamara, cool, fashion forward site that will create a new wardrove in no time.

ACCESSORIES:

1. www.etsy.com, the ultimate in on-line shopping. Where artisans gather together to sell their handmade items, shipping cost is always low. Support small businesses, is a great cause.
2. www.shopdolcevita.com, cute flats, leather booties... fill up the shop, also check out the lower-priced DV line.
3. www.thecarrotbox.com, for anyone who loves glass rings, lucite rings, wood, agate, plastic, resin, acrylic, jade, etc.

BEAUTY:

1. www.sephora.com, one stop for all things beauty. Over 200 of the best brands, every time you order, they will offer you to get (3) samples for free.
2. www.luckyscent.com, offering more than 1,000 creative fragrances.
3. www.saffronrouge.com, only organic skin-care, cosmetic and aromatherapy products, detailed information about each product so you can learn before you purchase. LOVE this site.

HOME

1. www.westelm.com, one of the creations of pottery barn but with a much cooler edge and affordable.
2. www.landofnod.com, I found this site about 4 years ago and love it for my kids. Great quality and prices.
3. www.worldmarket.com, obsessed with everything in the store, furniture, accessories, food, you name it, is there.

GIFTS

1. www.tuffcooki.com, one-of-kind, handmade by me, handbags and accessories. Check out everyday for new designs. My new addition "eye pillows," you have to have one, trust me.
2. www.overstock.com, great for the holidays if you have to please everyone in your and your husbands family. Prices are great, the product selection is huge.
3. www.fredflare.com, affordable offerings could not be more stylish; take a peek, if you like to be different buying here, is a great way to show it.

I am sure there are times you just want to take a break from your reading routine or maybe stop your TV watching, get on-line, click on these sites and spend time looking at affordable, gorgeous products that could help you with the Holiday shopping "stress" and-or any other occasion.

No Vitamins Allowed

A lot of research has gone into this topic and finally Dr. Lisa Drayer has come up with 10 beauty foods that will make your hair soft and shiny, your skin smooth and your teeth whiter than snow by nourishing your body from within. Forget the daily Vitamin doses and incorporate these yummy foods into your menu routine.

1. Wild Salmon is rich in Omega 3's, when wild, is the best option for a young looking you. It fights inflammation, optimizes circulation and helps our brains to function optimally. It helps reduce wrinkles too.
2. Yogurt is packed with Vitamin D source, extremely good for your bones. It also contains Zinc which is also beneficial for your skin. One cup of plain, supplies close to half of your daily calcium needs.
3. Oysters are the best whole food source of Zinc an important mineral that helps to create collagen and plays a major role in skin renewal and repair. Also related with eye diseases, since Zinc is highly concentrated in the retina.
4. Blueberries are gorgeous in color and extremely tasty in smoothies. This berry contains powerful antioxidants, that help with premature aging. Grab a fist-full and "Bon-Appetit"
5. Kiwis are packed with Vitamin C and other powerful anti-aging antioxidants, this juicy and sweet fruit, offers a variety of benefits, from stimulating collagen to maintaining healthy bones. they help neutralize free radicals, that could lead to inflammation, cancer , and heart disease.
6. Sweet Potatoes contain beta-carotene a pigment found in plant and vegetables, it converts into Vitamin A, which helps your skin to be wrinkle free. It helps protect your skin from sun damaged.
7. Spinach is a low calorie leafy green packed with many vitamins, such as, B, C, iron, calcium, dietary fiber and even omega 3 fatty acids. The lutein content helps your eyes to be healthy.
8. Tomatoes contain great amounts of lycopene an anti-aging antioxidant. Lycopene is easily absorbed by the body when processed. Stock up your pantry with canned tomato paste, is your best bet for getting full benefits.
9. Walnuts are the only type of nut that contains both Vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids. This nut will give you strong bones, shinny hair and smooth skin and will protect cells from free-radical damage.
10. Dark Chocolate related to pimples and headaches, this heavenly food is, in fact, a treat for your skin. Studies and research show that dark chocolate contains as many polyphenols as red wine. It contains many important natural chemicals that possesses antioxidant properties.

"Little changes, make huge improvements. It is never too late, start today!"

Sea Scallops "A LA MODE"

I cook this recipe once every two weeks or so. It's mouth watering news, when I tell my family that we are having it for dinner. I am not afraid to to say that the taste of this meal could very well equal to, that of any exclusive Restaurant. If you don't believe me, I invite you to come for dinner and try it for yourself.

Sea Scallops "A LA MODE" is a combination of natural sea scallops and a salad. I am going to share with you this recipe because not only I know you will impress anyone that takes a bite but it is also a quick and easy recipe...

Salad ingredients:

1. Bag of Organic baby romaine salad
2. Organic natural dry cranberries (small ones)
3. 1 avocado
4. 1 bag of chopped walnuts
5. Container of gorgonzola cheese
6. Olive oil
7. Honey
8. Modena balsamic vinegar

How to make the Salad:

- On a frying pan you put about 2 cups of chopped walnuts (or as much or as little.) Toss a bunch of sugar while heat is medium-high to melt the sugar with the walnuts. Stir constantly so that this mixture does not burn nor stick. When sugar is melted put on bowl and leave to cool off.

- Toss salad leaves into a big salad bowl, then put the caramelized walnuts, cut an avocado into thin slices, next, put gorgonzola cheese (use half of container) ALL TOGETHER.

- To make the dressing, use a jar or glass container. Same amount of olive oil, honey and modena balsamic vinegar, shake and put in the refrigerator until serving time.

Scallops ingredients:

1. 3-4 natural sea scallops (per person)
2. 3 tablespoons of Flour
3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. 1/2 teaspoon Dried marjoram
5. Olive oil
6. 1 1/2 tablespoons Dry white wine
7. 1 tablespoon Modena balsamic vinegar

How to make the scallops:

Combine ingredients (2,3,4) in a large zip-lock plastic bag; add the scallops, seal bag and shake to coat.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops (one by one) cook for 5 minutes, each side, or until golden. Remove from skillet, keep warm on another pan.

Add wine and vinegar to skillet (where scallops where cooking) and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring with a whisk. Put scallops back in skillet with mixture, let them soak for 2-3 minutes, remove from heat.

Serve on a plate with salad and a glass of your favorite wine. ENJOY IT!

PS: I want to thank Rebecca, one of my best friends, for sharing her yummy salad recipe with me.

Good Night, Sleep Tight

The Z's are extremely beneficial to overall health and well-being, why not take full advantage of this easy and cheap antidote, to feel better and look better.? We all love it, and knowing that scientific studies show the importance of sleeping, is a good excuse to get the, at least, minimum requirement. People that sleep less than 7 hours increase the risks of developing future diseases. Sleeping helps us to have clearer thoughts, have better attitudes, and it reduces stress. Sleep deprivation can cause, fatigue, weight gain and clumsiness.

Here are 10 health benefits:

1. Keeps your heart healthy
2. Prevents cancer
3. Reduces stress
4. Makes you more alert
5. Bolsters your memory
6. Lose weight
7. Makes you more alert
8. Makes you smarter
9. Reduces risk of depression
10. Helps body make repairs

Age plays a major role on hours needed for the benefits to work. For example, newborns need at least 12 hours, children ages of 2-6 need about 11, kids ages 10 and above should sleep about 10 and adults should get no less than 8. If naps are in your schedule, that's great too.

Tips to get a good night sleep are, eating dinner early, a mattress that works for you, a dark room, same sleeping routine every night. Alcohol, caffeine and fatty foods before going to bed, can interfere with your sleeping habits, also going to sleep when you are not tired and even watching the clock, may cause stress.

Simple solution, schedule your sleeping time and be conscious about how important the Z's are. Being a happy and healthy individual makes you live longer.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT!

It Really Works

I'm sure you have heard about Meditation and the benefits that offers the mind and body. Meditation has been around for thousands of years but it really became popular in the Western world around the 20th Century.

"Meditation is a practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the breath, movement, in order to increase awareness of the present moment, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance personal and spiritual growth." Meditation helps people achieve balance both mentally and physically, as well as, emotionally. It treats depression, stress and anxiety and also lowers blood pressure and cures insomnia. Studies show that people who practice meditation have shown high improvements in their mental and physical health. There are many forms of meditation such as, Judaism, Islam Meditation, Taoism, Buddhism... it should be clear that these religions (or any others) do not hold the monopoly on meditation, nor do you need to convert to a particular religion to practice meditation or to become self-aware.

There are a few different postures to meditate, standing, supine and sitting; it is up to you which one you choose. There are three very important elements that you need to include when meditating:

1. Quiet place
2. Comfortable posture
3. Open mind

So if you are willing to give meditation a try, click here, do this everyday, preferably at the same time. Caleb found an incredible iTunes Audiobook download called "A Chakra Meditation" by Glenn Harrold. We both have listened to it and it totally works, recommended to use headphones when listening.

"The real sign of serenity is not seen so much in the face, as found in the depth and stillness of the eyes"

And The Winner Is...

Which tea is better, White, Green, Black or Oolong? Tea has been around since 2737 B.C. Legend says that the Emperor of China was sipping from a hot water cup when tea leaves blew into his cup, making the color change. When "camellia sinensis" leaves are dried and processed, it makes what we know as tea. There are four different types of teas:

1. White, young leaves contain the highest antioxidant properties, making it the least flavorless, tasting more like fresh grass. White tea is not processed, so the leaves don't loose its properties, these leaves are air dried for a period of time. The caffeine in white teas are higher than any other teas because the leaves haven't been oxidized.
2. Green, leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. It contains high concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is believed to be helpful: cancer, immune function, cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis and weight loss.
3. Black, the most oxidized of the four, containing the most caffeine. Stronger in flavor, black tea retains its flavor for years.
4. Oolong, most popular in China, the taste resembles that of green tea. It is much richer and tastier. The leaves are either rolled or pressed into a ball when going thru the process of oxidation. It contains only moderate levels of caffeine. The color of this tea tends to be like a golden-brown. The health benefits of this tea are healthy teeth and younger looking skin.

Also when drinking tea, try to buy loose leaves instead than tea bags, experts say they are better because the leaves have more surface for the water to extract the flavor.

So after much reading and deliberation, studies shows that Green tea is the best, because is the least processed, with also the most antioxidant polyphenols. Green tea delivers the highest concentration of beneficial phytonutrients and the least caffeine of all the teas.

Caleb and I just started drinking tea about 2-3 months ago (every night.) I have never liked the idea of it, because of its boring taste but now, just the thought of what the health benefits are and how calming drinking this fluid makes me, I'm hooked. Remember that for the benefits of Green tea to work, we need to drink at least 2-3 cups a day. Here is the most researched on-line store to buy tea, Adagio.