Housewifing Around

Housewifing Around 2.0

2011-07-03T15:47:00.000-04:00

Hallo und willkommen zu meiner Website! that means in English 'Hello and welcome to my website!'

I love you for being here.

If you came here from here, you've already been briefed on the exciting changes going on. If you haven't, you're lucky you didn't have to read all that droll.

All 50-something archived classics will be here for your reviewing pleasure, to the right, now with intrusive Ads. Please feel free to work around them, or tell you're kids they're saving a dying puppy and leave them to click and re-click them for about an hour. Ethically, I signed a contract that I won't be clicking them myself, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this. If any of these links end up catching your eye though, I would truly appreciate if you plunge into them. Segway into ...:

At least they allow me personal input in some of the content. This one, I side with them.

This one...not so much.

There are still a few bugs in case the pictures look funny or captions are haywire. I have to manually check each one of them and re-code a few things. My advanced apologies. This will take a while.

New features will slowly start to show up and the color schemes will gradually be less repulsive. The ads will always remind you there is something you didn't know existed that you needed all your life.

You will watch this ugly duckling transform into a beautiful swan as I learn how to manipulate it and add some flare and pizzazz. (I just wanted to use the word pizzazz.) Please be patient with me. I'm a cripple after all. (Pull handicap card: Check, Check).

Feel free to leave comments on the new website. What you like. What is hideous. What is derogatory, distasteful, and offensive to PC. What is in Spanish. What is not compatible with your computer screen and all the left-behind errors from the transfer of one blog to another.

If the websites are taking TOO LONG to load, please, please, please, notify me and I will look into bandwidth, storage space, and other jargon that sounds like 2-year old fake-arabic.

You better believe it... Google is taking over. We all know it. It's time to embrace it. Upgrade yourself. Oh... and subscribe to me if you dare!

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Thanks for humoring me,

Elena the Wolf
(Maybe I can start a "thing" as The Wolf)

“Mawwage is what bwings us togwether today....”

2011-06-27T09:24:00.002-04:00

In memory of my (not dead) husband:

Mawwage is awesome. Some of the time. Most of the time. Am I right?

It's been a year and a half. I still consider us a pair of newlyweds. I'm still madly in love and surprised at how in love you could be with someone you want to kill a few times a week.

I reckon since this blog is about being recently married and how to deal with so many changes all at once, it was due time to talk about man versus women.

If you've kept up with my mini-saga or read the bio, I've mentioned how immediately after marriage I - we- began to deal with serious health problems. This causes a lot of conflict and confusion for a couple who is supposed to be locked in the bedroom, high on endorphins and in honeymoon stage. Even during the honeymoon, we had to make modifications due to my escalating symptoms. Coming home to a surreal reality of problems is not for the weak. While a women feels, "Thank God I have a good strong man to help me through this rough time", a man is most likely feeling, "This is not fair! We're supposed to be having the time of our lives." Though a wife still acknowledges the unfairness of it all, a man's need to fix something he cannot can really test him, especially early in a marriage before either one has settled themselves into a role of new responsibilities.

This is not limited to couples with illness though. Even before I got married, I was fascinated by the psychological relationship between husband and wife. Being a naive and arrogant little girl, when I read books like Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus (for fun, yes, I'm a nerd), I thought, "Why don't people just say what they're feeling? Then they would both understand each other!!! It's so simple." Haha. Hahahahaha. Hahahahaaa.

There are delicate balances in a loving relationship, or a non-loving one. There are so many fine lines that it feels more like a tight rope when having to express needs, wants, and emotions. God forbid you overuse that word: f-e-e-l-i-n-g-s.

However, I'm proud to say that through hard work and application I've found the strength to be patient and found a man who in his limited-emotional male vocabulary, and has been patient with me as well. Better said, we have been patient with the life we've been handed and managed to breakthrough to all the little surprises that life shoots at the fan and that all the poo that will continually be flying down on us just to keep us on our game. Disease, unemployment, cars breaking down, Verizon rape bills...... I gotta give a round of applause for a man who deserves more than a break; and I appreciate him not breaking down on me like that damn Ford Focus he spent six months to pimp out for my anniversary gift.

He has proven to be made of that good tough material. He still hasn't learned to make me a gluten-free vegan meal to save his life, but he tucks me in when my body is swollen and takes out the cat poop for me. More so, he trusts that there's still a little firecracker in me, even when I'm stuck on the couch. My hero!

For all the other new brides out there, and by new I mean at least up to two years (so says one of my favorite books listed below), the "struggle" is normal no matter what difficulties arise. Men are a different species and us wifeys have a hard time not swatting our men over their heads when times get tough or when inappropriate fart jokes are made. But we must be patient for them. We're the ones who have to figure it out before they do because they're not designed to read up or ask their girl friends for relationship advice. Weepy and naggy women, no matter what how much we deserve to whine, can distance a man or make him recoil into passive aggressiveness, closing the door to certain intimacies. We have to put our big girl thongs on and learn how to control the situation while making them think they're the ones in control. It takes developing a strong measure of common sense and sass, if we haven't learned it already by the time we're ball and chain'd. We're more scientifically gifted and versed in communication, so it's our burden and privilege to set the tone, the mood, to let them feel relaxed enough to take the reins.

Men can reach their husband potential relatively quickly if we support their individual needs; all throughout keeping ourselves together during our times of needs when they're too stressed to cater to us. They were not created to wait on our hand and foot to our every want, and even need. As a matter of fact, we are their complement. Some men will be very helpful while learning to love after the lust period, but it will not always come natural to them and we have to buck up during this process. I will admit that some husbands can just turn out a dud altogether sometimes, but that's a whole other story. But personally, I think, the ones who are honestly committed, deserve a wife who can make them feel just as safe and secure during rough times, as they can to us.

So, here's what has helped me through times when we're both stumped, tired, annoyed, stressed, you name it....

Prayers. I mean, heartfelt, all out, near-accusation-kneeling-supplications, to the Big Guy upstairs.
Good and Selective Advice. Limited to family, and one or two blood-tight friends (don't want to air business out to everyone), and wise/older/successful couples. To them, I am forever grateful for their honesty.
It's a Guy Thing - It's next to my bed. Looove this book. A look into the feminine and masculine balance and why men have to scratch and burp while we wonder where our flowers are.
What No One Tells the Bride - This book, with collective realizations from different types of new brides, allows women to ease into the violent shock of living in a committed relationship with a penis carrier, especially the independent women. It takes two years for the average woman to feel like a settled wife. And we all fear becoming our mothers. This alone will settle a girl.
Why Mars and Venus Collide - I read this one before getting married. The knowledge carried through to the big plummeting vows was priceless. Out of all the Mars and Venus books, this one seemed most relevant in its insight into times of high stress. An reasonable look into why men and women can't help the way they are and communicate, why it clashes even though its biologically designed to complement each other, and why modern stresses affect the natural balance.
Feeling Good - This book is not about marraige. It's actually about depression. I never wanted to read it because at the time I did, I was not depressed. But for anyone who is highly emotional and reactive, (which marriage can highlight this part of our psyche) this doctor can lead you into enlightenment about why we have certain emotional thoughts and behaviors and how to find the root of controlling ourselves. Knowing thyself. The downside is that you can catch when everyone else is behaving irrationally too and you have to resist the urge of calling them out. If we can command ourselves, we can deal with others better.
Holy Scriptures - Oh yes, I'm serious. And I don't mean the Ephesians where we're all told who we are to submit to and that's that. Proverbs 31:10-31. It talks about the capable wife. Every time I feel lazy, whimpish, resentful, or needy...I read this over and over and imagine a Middle-Eastern prowess of ancient times, taking care of business, and being honored by her hard working husband. This woman is energetic, spiritual, a real go-getter, a community socialite, runs her house like a tight ship, earns the trust and respect of her husband by being proactive, and earns the praise of her God. Highly inspirational and more motivating than any of the other books I have in my library.

Have I got it all figured out? I don't think so. There are many more obstacles and adventures to come before we croak and we're released from our sacred vows. However, when you start with hardship, but constantly come out winning from each test, I swear it only gets better.

If children are involved, please disregard everything I've said and please find another source on advice. I know nothing about dynamics with little ones and I'm no where near ready to know or comment on. I would dare to say keep the scriptures attached to your foreheads like the Jews used to do.

Little Victories : Discovering Awesome Household products

2011-06-17T16:27:00.003-04:00

Today I bought medical gloves to wear for house chores. Specifically for any use of beach products or cat duties/doodies. I slapped on the green nitrile gloves, got inside our bathtub and sprinkled Comet all over and started scrubbing away. I got really into it. Within about two minutes of finishing, the bottoms of my feet had slightly swelled, my legs had feathery currents running up and down up from toes to knees, I was sick to my stomach, nauseous, my head was pounding. The chemicals had seeped up my bare feet, paying no mind to the hand protection I wore, and penetrated its way up.

Our bodies absorb everything and our feet are no exception. To most people, these chemicals and toxins build up over time and your immune system will start figuring out what it is and find out by what process to get rid of them. If too much builds up you will get sick, down the road. With an autoimmune disease progressing in my body, it immediately acknowledged unlawful entry and planned an attack toward my own body. I've known for a while I must go natural on home cleaning products, but I doubted they're effectiveness.

But it's a good day. I really didn't have much faith that homemade cleaning products could be any good, but I figured it was still something I had to look into being at how transparent my pores could be to anything around me and honestly, the tub was in dire need of a serious scrubbin'. Remembering back on my favorite book on domestication, No Hassle Housecleaning, I had learned about cleaning with tea tree oil, a natural powerful antiseptic big corporations are slapping the sticker their flammable liquids. Additionally, I now have cat babies and they're the ones closer to the floors we clean with toxic materials; a reason many pets are also getting diseases in this modern world. Oh yes, your dog may have lupus too. Inconceivable!

I bought a few ingredients for very low prices, some I already had, once my Target floor cleaner had been used up. I looked up a recipe online and found this wonderful blog article and recipe:

BEST FLOOR CLEANER EVER

white distilled vinegar
distilled water
tea tree essential oil
baking soda
spray bottle
Optional - essential oil for fragrance - peppermint, grapefruit, eucalyptus, lavender, etc.

Obviously, sharing the recipe isn't my method of persuasion. But I promise it was better than the expensive natural cleaners my mop was chugging through. So, what are the hang-ups you might have?

EFFECTIVENESS
Amazing! Stains that had been on our apartment floor since before we moved in were cleared out. A bit of baking soda smooths grit and leaves a polished gleam. It takes some tweaking -more oils for me, waaay less baking soda -but it leaves the floor (and counters) sparkling! I couldn't stop finding surfaces to clean. I was so excited I almost sprayed Chev Chelios...the cat.

SCENT
Your house will not smell like salad dressing. This was an important one to me because I DO NOT Like that acidic smell and am easily nauseous. The good news is that the scent of vinegar fades and leaves behind the aromatic smells of the tea tree and/or the optional additional flavor you add on. You must use the tea tree to clean and disinfect, the rest are just for additional aroma. I had peppermint on the shelf so my house ended smelling fresh. I did notice you have to shake up the bottle before each use or it'll smell of the smell of vinegar takes longer to fade. I wanted it to smell stronger of peppermint, stored in my pantry for fresh breath, digestion, and muscle pain, so I added double the drops it called for. An added plus is that peppermint repels bugs,roaches, and other creepers. Even without an additional oil though, there will be a clean overall feel about the place.

PRICE
The above ingredients are all you need. If you have a home water filtration system you're set in that department. If not, buy...

Distilled Water - Free or by the gallon. $0.65 cents. $0.25 for refills.
Distilled White Vinegar, buy by the gallon about $2 or 3 dollars. Will last a few months.
Baking Soda - $0.78 per box.
Spray Bottle - $0.98
Tea tree oil - Starting from $8.99 and up at Vitamin Shoppe if you can't find a health food store. Will last forever.
Optional essential oil - $4.89 for Peppermint (good for repelling bugs and creepers

CONVENIENCE

You have a start-up fee of about $15 or less and don't have to replace the oils for a long time.
The larger the sizes of vinegar and oils, the more you save.
It serves wonderfully as a floor, stove, surface, multipurpose cleaner.
It's safe enough to eat off the floor.
The pets may feel free to lick the linoleum, if they're into that.
Tie a red ribbon around it and it makes a cute homemade gift for all your "green" friends, ill family members, new moms, etc.
The oils for other purposes as well, like ailments, aromatic burners, base massage oils, and bath and foot soaks.
You can clean barefoot and not have to worry about dry yucky feet.

As you've read, I've been fighting my health issues since December, but it's taken me this long to pull a simple recipe together. However slow at it may be, start allowing the idea to simmer that chemical free is better, and nature has always been superior, without the side effects (and the side effects do come to stake their claim one way or another). Maybe in a few months or a year you'll be ready to try it too and love it as well. I'm started to round up more ingredients already, like alcohol and borax, and see where that leads me.

Personally, I'm taking this experience as proof I can confidently venture into more homemade cleaning products, like bathtub, oven and glass cleaners that don't require a Hazmat suit to have a sparkly smell-good home. I just had to share.

Additional Links:

Best Floor Cleaner Recipe

The Happy Slob Blog - Author of No Hassle Housecleaning

No Hassle Housecleaning Book - With recipes and quick home maintenance methods (Her cats follow her around while she cleans too!)

The Long Winded Ugly Truth

2011-06-16T18:04:00.004-04:00

It's not that I forgot about my beloved blog, but I took a tiny hiatus to consolidate, arrange, and manage the numerous events I had going on. Eat, Pray, Love would have us think that the best place to balance yourself is in Bali. For the other 90% of us that can't afford a trip and stay to the other side of the world, we can definitely meditate and reinvent ourselves at home. Being unemployed gave me plenty of room to relearn and prepare for this lifestyle shift that I had no say in executing before the next working phase started.

For all those out there with autoimmune and chronic fatigue, I'm beginning to feel you a bit more. Trying to enjoy all my free time with so many limitations has become a real challenge. My body is still always tired, even though unstressed from the duress of a full time job. So without a structured day, I was able to veg out for hours with the excuse that I didn't feel well. Well, that doesn't lead to anything productive, or fun. Sedentary reading and Supernintendo Zelda never led to recuperation. As a matter of fact, I learnt that my fingers stiffen up even faster, up to my forearms, and down to my toes, if I played for too long. Reading in the same position too long made my back swell.

With more time and less bosses around, I was able to clean and organize my house to completion. But the hurdles were the same. The floor is still cleaned a portion at a time. A bathroom scrub here, a vacuuming there. Sitting sessions in between everything. At the end of the day, it felt I had cleaned all day and barely rested. Muscles still get sore swiftly and blood literally feels intoxicated. However, I didn't have severe exhaustion as when I had the 9-5. After about 3 weeks of being a full time housewife, I was able to think straight and started coming to terms with my limitations and new ways to handle things and healthy perspectives.

Some symptoms have worsened. During this time I didn't write. I wasn't avoiding the things I enjoy, but I was being forced to drastically give up a few more gifts we naturally have, into a Nazi type regimen. Rest and medicine, rinse, repeat. That's what it felt like anyway. I had heard that people with Lupus should not receive sunlight. As usual, I thought I was the exception. Although the heat had already started giving me hives, the sunlight didn't seem to be the culprit. However, the past few months had been spent indoors at work. Now I was noticing that a short trip to the grocery store was inducing palpitations, a weird head stretchy feeling, mental fogginess, shallow breath, weakened and tingling muscles, and sobbing spells. Basically, extreme fatigue. So yes, I now cannot healthily tolerate the sun's rays, which instigate my immune system to attack itself. Instead of getting sad about it, I resisted at first, as I do with anything you tell me I cannot do. I told myself it's all in my head, I'm being dramatic, I'm being a wimp. Then I found myself a blessing of a Colombian neighbor who also has Lupus and validated my new symptoms for me. But all this free time, and I cannot sit at the pool, go to the beach, take a walk, or drive to the library in the day. I'm still molding to this particular restriction but have worked out a more nocturnal lifestyle. I still do plenty of these things and pay for them later, much like it happened with my diet.

On top of being laid off, I was so stressed about the toil and trouble of preparing gluten-free, vegan meals w/o nightshade vegetables, preservatives, additives, etc., that I would still "cheat" (what is otherwise healthy eating to others: a tomato, a lean steak, a whole wheat slice, oatmeal) about once a week. I was hungry and too sore to make my scratch meals. My habits didn't change much at first either because I was in a celebratory mood and didn't want to spend all my day cooking. But after enough bladder spells from pizza sauce, inflamed colons from one cookie, and hair on the floor, I couldn't take it anymore. I'm avoiding all detrimental foods like no tomorrow. I spend all day now cooking, sitting, cleaning, sitting, folding clothes, stretching. By sitting, I don't mean I sit and stare at the wall. I pay bills, have friends visit, write letters, or just lightly walk around. I actively rest, like hardcore strength trainers do. I may not be able to work out, but I push myself like one would.

With a very unhealthy momma-in-law in the way, we both came to the epiphany that sometimes to be healthy, we need to focus on ourselves, and almost, but selfishly tend to our needs. Therein lies the reason I usually resist my next incremental phase in this disease, because I don't want to focus on just health all day (says the girl who was previous a health nut anyway). But the truth is, just like I would rather my ma-in-law to be selfish than sick, I surrender in saying the same goes for me. I know that it's better to fight for my health than try to keep living a life that wears down my body. My husband would rather watching me suffer turning down stuffed waffles, than suffer washing my hair. (Yes, it's starting to get difficult to even include showers.)

To me, and all who have been through a similar path, it's a victory. I take pride it keeping my health and home. I have not let my limited energies keep me from living a satisfactory lives, limit my amount to love others and do what I can for them. I still continue on a path to health and in search of ways to halt this progression, because it can be controlled and maintained. The proof is my neighbor who once tinted all her home windows, crawled to bathrooms, and her joints deformed. Now she goes to the gym on a sunny day consecutively after cooking a meal from scratch. I have high hopes, if not very ambitious goals.

In a few days, I begin bare minimum diet that helps heal the stomach through vegetables, grains, and juicing. I added more natural things to control my pain and inflammation: Collagen, alpha lipoic acid, noni juice, aloe vera juice, liquid multivitamin, colon cleanse, chlorophyll...every day. Three times a day. I will be adding flax oil as well. These keep my body maintained and my skin almost looking like it did before I was ill. I just received a juicer as a gift so that I'll be able to add more nutrients into my bloodstream without slowing down my digestion which doesn't work very well these days. Oh yes, big plans in the works and I'll be sharing some of the things I've learned or will learn along the way.

And lastly, I got a job. Unfortunately, full time, but it will not be exhaustive. If for any reason it does, I will selfishly start looking elsewhere again. I'm on a mission to take care of myself (and be humble enough to ask help when I can't do it myself); it might be expensive, tiring, frustrating, and outright stupid at times, but it ain't nothing I can't handle.

Anyway, that is the update. The future still looks ultravioletly bright and I have a few things I can add to this here blog. Thanks for reading!

Qwerty-itis

2011-05-17T16:49:00.003-04:00

Being solely a housewife, housewifing around, is as bittersweet as I ever thought it would be. It's okay, I like bittersweet. It's the only chocolate consumption that I have control over. But not having a mandatory, preset hour to rise, scheduled lunch hour, and clock-out time has me all over the map. Now, I could definitely see myself enjoying this unemployment if our income remained the same:

Coffee rendezvous
Charity work
Gourmet meals everyday
Expensive hobbies
"Lunching"
~~Raising babies~~

Nope, I'm confined to a 5-mile radius to save on gas and eating more rice and beans than my country people back in El Salvador. Being forced to take it easy is nice on my energy levels, but the bone-works still creak and spasm. I still clean-up in the same manner I did during the good ol full-time days, in tiny spurts. I've gotten more workouts in, more reading, more rest, and family time. But I'm spending plenty of time plugging away at the keyboard as if I still had a job to get out of the house as soon as possible.

My one rule when I got canned was to wake up and get dressed, including makeup, even if I don't plan on going out or felt like poop. Some days I dress casual, some I get in gym clothes, as if I could still make the treadmill cry. It makes me move at a steady paced as opposed to PJ mode. And sure enough, I've signed up at staffing agencies, scattered my resume across the Tampa-metro, and gave monster.com a good spike in web traffic. In between brakes, I cleaned kitty litter. They're so much happier now that I have time to refresh their potty box more often.

Progress update:

I'm still avidly searching with hints at a slightly better future. Not too much. Let's not get carried away here. I'm looking for part-time so that my body may live 5 more years than if I had the full-time job, but those gems don't abound. Administrative skills call for "9-5" days which are really8-5. What a deceiving term. Focusing on the Downtown Area so that I'll land in the heart of the city and feel more spunky than I did in an office with three guys burping and farting. Making sure that this time there is a balanced gender environment, for sure. I got a go-ahead from the county to take a Civil Service Exam and see if I can squeeze into a position for Library Assistant. Dream. Job.

I immediately drove around my alloted perimeter and checked out books on the information I will be tested on and have been practicing my typing skills. It is required to have 75 words per minute with 90% error rate allowed. Haha, yeeaaaaa.

The next two days I will be practicing my little fingertips off and refreshing my multiplication skills (since I've had Excel do all my math work in the last 10 years). I find the task challenging and exciting and it keeps my day mentally busier than killing the 30Rock Seasons on Netflix. Even if I fail this time around, I love any reason to go to Downtown government buildings; and there is always next year. I want that job. I'm already practicing bossing people around, telling them to "Shhhhh!", and visualizing myself rolling around in a pile of books when the lights are out.

via blog.calgarypubliclibrary.com

So, what's your typing rate?
http://www.sucss.state.il.us/etest/itest.asp

Shotgun on All Natural vs Organic, for the curious on health

2011-05-09T13:43:00.003-04:00

Let me learn you on something new.

For years, America has been adopting little lessons on health and slowly converting meat eaters into herbivorous creatures, as nature intended. People have slowly started accepting that Coke cleans rust off car engines. Wary citizens refrain from cocaine and stick to weed. (Hey, it's better than the chemical alternative.) In my world, it seemed like I was on the vegetarian bandwagon alone, so much, that my insecure teenage paranoid personality wasn't ready to be that outcast. I ate anything in my path. Eventually, I said screw that and ventured on my own into veganism. I got laughs, scoffs, and many reactions similar to the Big Greek Wedding movie...."Ok, I maek laam!" During this time, people thought I only chewed on lettuce and grazed for berries. In reality, I spent much toil and money to enjoy an interesting variety of yummy foods. I raved about how healthy, alert, and energized I felt and people blankly nodded while munching on the BBQ ribs, not really caring to understand the concept of radically changing a dietetic lifestyle. That's fine. I wasn't trying to impose it on anyone.

Until recently, I only had one friend, who lives a few states away, understand healthy and natural eating. The ins and outs of vegetables and grains, the (not-so-secret but certainly not published) nature of mainstream foods, bad habits, and tofu marvels. In the last week I have learned that two+ friends are now vegan and one is going gluten free. This makes me rejoice. I....rabbit food eater....was able to eat a gluten-free chocolate cake among friends. The scene of the world is changing.

Friends are discovering books like Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet, Suzanne Somers' Sexy Forever featured in Sex in the City and other books on hormones and health, that NY housewife Bethenny Frankel's Naturally Thin, and other diets that encourage healthy and plant based diets, ditching or at least moderating, foods that are not naturally beneficial to the human system. No meats, no dairy, and if so, do it organic. While not bragging about it since I certainly wasn't the first hippie to grace the planet and since I'm not even following a solely veggie and grain diet currently, I've been reading books like Skinny Bitch (about not eating crap food) and watching documentaries like the Future of Food (free on Hulu.con, and shocking) and changing the way I eat since I learned how to fight for my natural reaction to the movie Babe the Pig when I was eight. I just knew something lay deeper than meat is hard to digest. The story of corporate food is what is harder to digest. Please heat this if nothing else, a hard life lesson... HAD I STUCK TO MY HEALTHY DIET, I MAY NOT HAVE HAD A DISEASE TODAY.

I'm so proud of my friends trying to be healthier and closer to nature. Not only discovering new lifestyles, but loving it. I've been trying to share that for a very long time without isolating myself every time I wanted to tell you that your chicken had beak pieces in it or that your cheese is affecting your puffiness. In relation to what I said in my last post about celebrities okaying certain topics of awareness, this is one that affects everyone, and can be enjoyed in so many personalized/customized ways. So if it takes Olivia Wilde to inspire vegan eating, this is one time I'm willing to swallow my words about celebrity endorsing. Go for it.

Here is one I'm beating you to the punch to though:

If you're trying to be healthy, unless you do your research, you're probably still being taken. If you think that taco meat at Taco Bell is real meat, you'll wanna read this. If you think eating an all natural carbonated beverage is any different than the average marketed death drink, peruse a little bit.

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "NATURAL" AND "ORGANIC". Label reading has not been made any easier as they're trying to vaguely promote through a smoke screen of advertisement claims, with FDA and USDA stamps....read on. And if this is the first you hear about it, I'm totally taking credit for it. If you're trying to eliminate chemicals or unnatural ingredients in your food, please consider this:

http://www.live-the-organic-life.com/natural-vs-organic.html

IMPOSTORS!

Cause now I know in a few years, everyone will believe me and not just think I'm an overbearing stickler that now falls under the medical and psychiatrist diagnosis of having an eating disorder: Orthorexia (people who abstain from chemicals and pesticides who eat a raw diet). Goes to show every one in the labeling business are idiots!

And for those who are not curious enough about changing such an embedded lifestyle in regards to food-for-fuel vs food-just-to-eat, that's understandable. It usually takes an emotional push to get there. But I do encourage you to toy with the idea. Curiosity killed the cat, but that feline had a dang good recovery rate to come back 9 times. Leaf through these books and watch these documentaries on what you are eating. Imagine what foods you can eat and enjoy, rather than what would be taken away. The best book for people who aren't ready for a full on commitment is the Kind Diet mentioned above, which teaches you how to flirt with food.

This is not fanaticism my friends, it's a way of life worth sharing for those who want to be vibrant and radiant after they eat a hearty and exciting plate of legumes, rice, and veggies; not take a half-day nap with nightmares after eating a Triple Appetizer from Chili's. Click on stuff below. Click it.

More articles on Natural versus Organic:

h ttp://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=natural_vs_organic_whats_truth_and_whats_hype

http://almostfit.com/2008/08/13/demystifying-chicken-labels-from-organic-to-all-natural/

http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-food/organic-food-basics/difference-between-organic-and-natural-food.html

Link that recently inspired a meat-lover friend to eat a plant based diet...The China Study, for you Dr. Oz fans.

For those with Autoimmune Diseases, pay attention about CRP (C-reactive protein or inflammation) levels. Please enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTdVT9UFMFY

Back me up ya'll!

Relating to Reality TV

2011-05-04T07:09:00.003-04:00

Catherine Zeta Jones admits to the public she's battling bipolar disorder, so it's okay for the public to be a little more honest about their own mental health issues. Now Toni Braxton is coming out with a reality TV show (because who isn't coming out with a reality TV show?) on the WE channel to display to the world "THIS IS WHAT LUPUS LOOKS LIKE". Maybe now people will understand what it's like? Whatever!

As if being a D-list celebrity with no worries about having a real job or wracking your head over where to afford the tests you need to understand health, rights, and benefits, is a realistic portrayal of what having lupus is all about? I'm already fed-up, and hope the rest of you are, with Reality TV, but exploiting whatever minimal survival stories paired along side with dying fame is shameful. Having a TV crew, makeup artist, and whatever else entourage may follow you and your ridiculous fame-seeking leaching family members and telling people it's hard to be you because you're tired doesn't extract empathy from people in the real world. Should it really take the voice of a celebrity to raise Lupus Awareness? Not everyone with the Wolf Disease jumps on the diseased marathon band wagon or cares to attend conferences about "hope" and "butterfly survivors" and "spoonies." Certainly not me. Some glamorize the disease as if it's a culture in the making. Same with the Breast Cancer Awareness, which has become more of a marketing opportunity, than actual knowledge and understanding of cancer. Seriously, what truths have you learned about Pink Ribbons other than "it happens a lot" and "it's a real problem"?

Although my feathers were ruffled upon hearing of this show, this scolding one is not truly toward the Braxton family. My own frustration with my health is the reason over the upset of this edited view of chronic illness. It's a whole lot more than being exhausted. It's so difficult to try to be understood when you barely understand yourself. It's a lot uglier than what the public will perceive while these ladies parade their drama in couture apparel. Many will think they relate to it, but they won't. Misinformation about any illness shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who isn't directly experiencing yourself of someone you love. Exploiting one case to the public will not accomplish much except limited awareness of the existence of this growing epidemic.

I don't want to be a hater. If people want to expose their life on day time TV, they have the right to do it, but please don't bother with the catch phrase: "This is what lupus looks like." Reality TV...is not real.

http://www.wetv.com/shows/braxton-family-values

Maybe I should just keep my opinions to myself and be grateful that someone is willing to talk about it, even if in a comedic warped Hollywood script? Life should still be fabulous even if you feel like poop all the time, right? Right? (I ask, cause I honestly don't know.)

Luckily, I don't have the WE channel and I don't have to bother with it. I'm learning to deal with my health nearly on my own. As you see, it causes a lot of emotional upset. It requires a lot of humbling toward myself, toward our finicky nature and it's complexities, toward the unsuspecting. It feels more like a magical illusion than a balancing act, but it'll be a wonderful success when I finally accept this new evolving lifestyle without getting so pissed about how other people deal with it.

Hearing about this new show amidst a barrage of addiction to celebrity lives caught me on a bad day and incited a rant. I hope the next time I come to this blog is on a good day, one where I'm at a point of acceptance. For now, I'm glad I had a reason to bitch about something else rather than my own problem. Ha.

Here's a handful of positives vibe to make up for the venting comin at ya: Relax, relate, release!

For anyone else suffering a chronic "something", how do you find your balance? Or how are you finding it? Do you ever figure it out? Would love to hear someone else's take on this.

Unemployment: Just What the Doctor Ordered

2011-04-19T10:11:00.003-04:00

New posts have been scant, I know. Stress levels had spilled over the brim and inflammation levels had reached my brain. Until yesterday.

I said I wouldn't write about work on this blog... but I've been canned, so that dark little hole is unplugged and I can tell you all the horror stories and gripe until my face turns blue and my fingertips bleed. But I won't.

Bosslady came down from New Orleans to let me go. I did not see this coming. Budget cuts, not enough work, blah, blah, blah. Until I have evidence to the contrary, I will assume they were implying, "bye bye sick lady" (that's my cynical side talking). However, for a change, Bosslady seemed genuinely distraught about having to let me, and a few others go. She rolled in without barely looking at my face until the moment she called me in to "talk" to me. Even then I didn't see it coming, but I sent a quick prayer for peace to control myself from spewing out obscenities about the hell I'm in. I walked in in peace, and came out of there with even more peace.

I have bitched and moaned enough about that place. At this point, venting about it is just piss in the wind. Enough emotional energy has been wasted there. Enough neck veins have gorged themselves stiff. More than all the collective sighs and under-breath mutterings have been emitted. Now, I'm free and absolved of being a quitter. Because I'm not a quitter. I should have been, the moment I realized that place started to take an emotional, therefore, a physical toll on my displaced chi. But I waited it out like the good girl I've forced myself to become.

I drove home, Husband waiting for me with a shot of tequila, he with a Damiana drink *(that we still have leftover from out honeymoon. Yes, we went through customs with about eight bottles from Cabo with us). I tell you... it was like I took a bottle of Xanax. I was laughing, cracking jokes, and carelessly having a conversation, at our living room, with my favorite person. Something that hasn't happened as much as it should in the last few weeks.

You know how when you go to the doctor with a million complaints and they just tell you you need to reduce your stress, right before your adrenalines spikes from resisting the urge to punch him in the nads for such a daft answer? Well, he was right. Let go of that frickin job that makes you miserable. Obviously, we're not all in the position to lose our salary and benefits. Hell, I wasn't. But isn't like Americans to wait until you have a heart attack to stop eating hamburgers? How long would I have stayed in that personal Hades until I spontaneously burst into flames?

What happens now? I'm not sure. All I know is that this morning I actually got to partake in faith-based works on a Tuesday morning and I'm more a human than I've been in a while. I just finished filing for unemployment. My house will be spotless now that I have time to tend to it. By the end of the week, a job hunt will ensue, after vegetating for a few days. That in itself is reason for another aphrodisiac drink (see Damiana link above). Being without health insurance, as near-futile as it is, is essential for Husband and I. But this is a brand new slate, and now I might have the ability to be more picky about where my next job will be. Maybe not. Maybe I'll just fall into another slaving demise in order to survive our increasingly stupider economy. I'm not sure how we'll afford my elaborate holistic health treatment and the thousand of supplements I need just to function, but strangely, I'm not worried about it. These things always work themselves out if you don't get lazy about it.

Meanwhile, I'm so grateful that I was kicked out. I'm looking forward to the upside of not being in the negative and drowning environment that killed my spirits everyday. I finally have the opportunity to think, I mean, really think, about my next move in regards to a job that doesn't dual with my physical and mental health.

My only regret is turning in the office key so quickly. I would've come in the dark, before business hours the next day, and peed on the Swede's fabric chair as my final building exeunt, with a note behind that read: "We can hear everything you do the bathroom."

Enough about personal problems! If your stress levels are coming out of your ears, here is what was helping me decompress before the big news: Ginseng Complex! and Super Energy Up! from The Vitamin Shoppe.

If you have Lupus, or any of the inflammation based diseases, stress is an enemy of extreme. The amount of backlash from tension and tiredness will start to decompose you before you expire. Two weeks ago I started taking this and I was suddenly able to think without short-circuiting, crying, taking nap after nap, other bodily functions if you know what I'm saying, relax, etc. Hair loss that comes with many autoimmune diseases is at a halt, which is more important than walking to me, but I'm even able to walk longer periods of time right now. I recommend it to anyone who feels they're about to go postal.

So, if you can't bring yourself to tell your boss what you really think about him and get yourself fired, read up on B-12 and chinese herbs. Little tid-bit: Americans market Ginseng as an energy booster. Chinese apply Ginseng to achieve calmness. Center your chi people!

Britney Spears Prophesizes the End of the Times

2011-04-08T03:22:00.003-04:00

Housewives, either with lucrative careers or unsatisfying desk jobs, still, at the end of the day, have the inherent need to socialize, be involved, and do their part in the world.

*Like I mention in my Tid-Bits, I won't be involving the spiritual aspects that fulfill women, or any person; although it does largely pertain to some of the following. Fill in your own blanks there.

Aside from yapping with girlfriends and contemporary mommies, secular interests and exchangin ideology plays a part in women's connectedness. News, politics, trends, and world events are a part of that background life, even if it's not personally high in our esteem.

In the case of politics, personally, I don't carry these things in the forefront or feel too strongly about them. I'm neutral about politics, and try not to opine on something that is only a smoke-screen, while the top-dawgs play chess with us pawns. I only try not to watch in horror.

My attention attempts to focus on my home, my family, faith, friends and some R&R. But when I am housewifing away and needing to distract myself from tedious laundry folding or that husband is still two days from returning home, I turn on that frickin TV; like a robot. And since I only have a meager nano iPod -because I lovingly surrendered my 120GB treasure with a 300,000 song capacity to Husband for his job- the residual comparison that of 8 gb's is not enough to bother changing out the same old albums. And, I'm easily bored by not-new music.

Slightly digressing, I did get the new Britney Spears CD, Femme Fatale, but it's only okay, and the auto-tune isn't going to carry my interest through for more than a week.   So, again, the TV. And since basic television (no cable or satellite by our mutual choice, or we'd never get anything done) is so bad it makes you want to cut yourself in inconspicuous body parts, you're left with the painstaking George Lopez or the predictable 10:00 o'clock news. There is only occasional relief from the show Fringe, which is bad a$$.

So the options:

---boredom by radio music without real instruments

---death by un-funny, mediocre, or overly scripted news and television, out-shined by a bombardment of commercials of the plastic surgery you need and getting your Feast On at Checkers

-- or silence. And teaching the cats to say dirty words in Spanish.

And I shamefully admit to having a slightly unbalanced rotation of these. Except for the cat thing. You know I don't speak Spanish, Baxter! I usually pick silence, and then my housework has no rhythm and preparing a simple meal takes lifetime to complete.

Until I can figure out how to hook up www.slacker.com radio to my stereo or afford another mega-iPod, my goal is to keep that TV off, even if I need a lending hand in the background while I wash the dishes (my dishwasher sucks). I will not allow Inside Edition to create ambiance in my house. I won't have it anymore. I will succumb to going back and forth, with soapy hands, between my sucky iPod and moving the shuffle button along through the albums I'm sick of. I will look into audiobooks, since I don't have time to read anymore anyway.

But the point to all this is mostly that: I will no longer bother watching the crap on television unless I'm purposely going to watch a specific show or carefully selected movie (one with actual dialogue) that I like. No. More. Mainstream. Media. No more re-runs of that dysfunctional-hailed lunatic Charlie Sheen's Two Men and a Baby or whatever. Not funny. Not charming. Downright degrading and misogynistic. A quick mourn for all the brain cells that I've neglectfully exposed to the tube and moving on.

However, I don't think its wise to be completely disconnected from world events either.   Especially the way things are going now. But ABC and Faux (Fox) News is definitely not the place to know what's going on. If I hear about one more dog who adopted a litter of pigs or find out what a Snookie is despite all my efforts to be dis-informed about it/her/him, I swear I will go Postal on the Good Morning America team. (I have a dream of punching them in the face, all in a row). The mainstream agenda pushes mental illness on kids. Hell, they push ADHD on any person with a hint of stress. They're feeding us bull about wars and wasting air time with highly scrutinized rehearsed, cut, rolled, and smoked presidential press speeches, which only inform of us our impending doom. And they show emotionally unnecessary playbacks of the most painful scenes in Japan. And we watch, because what other news do we know? And because our brains are genetically (more recently technically and addictively) wired to watch train wrecks. And so our stress levels follow suit.

Now, I don't know if there is an elephant in the country about who owns the news stations and the way they choose, chop and screw the information they'll force-feed us, or whether people genuinely know that there is so much more going on then a soldier saying hi to his family on webcam.   A buttload of is not being said about what truly affects our day-to-day and though in the end, we cannot do much about it, if I am to be informed, I'd rather hear some unfiltered and propaganda-exempt free-press. Or read somethings else with IQ (or EQ) value.

In case you're curious, here are some links of the more informed, publicly censored , journalists who don't require an excessively staffed entourage and botox to be on a screen, without the mind-numbing, intelligence-mocking, drug-pushing mumbo-jumbo on TV:

http://www.projectcensored.org/

http://inteldaily.com/

It's also free from other alternative, schizophrenic, fear-mongering news you can get from Alex Jones or Infowars. These guys scream 'conspiracy' and although it is mostly likely true, if you holler like banshee, people will automatically question your veracity. Thank you for that, Reptilian George Bush believers.

I like the more fact based, neutrally dispensed, honed key points, and occasionally healthy whistle-blowers, that actually tell us where the real problems are coming from and leave it up to us how we will protect ourselves and our families. Issues like:

The pentagon spending more money on war that the government spends on the Citizens of America.:

http://inteldaily.com/news/173/ARTICLE/13219/2009-12-25.html

Or how Monsanto (the boss of mostly everything you buy on the shelves and produce section) is still secretly circumventing ways around the FDA and USDA to genetically modify our foods, unnaturally altered foods that are getting people sick. *ferociously points at self!!!*

http://inteldaily.com/2011/04/lawsuit-seeks-to-invalidate-monsanto%E2%80%99s-gmo-patents/

And while on the topic of unproven conspiracies, Brit-Brit's hit song is the same exact song as Enrique Iglesias, "Tonight I'm Loving you." Yes, it is. If you're keen on picking up on pattern recognition, you already suspected this.

http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/04/britney-spears-til-the-world-ends-a-whole-lot-like-enrique-ig/

I know, I know...from the outside in, it seems I have a cynical way to view the music and tv that comes into our homes. But yes, there is so much garbage out there eager to reach our eyes and ears and I'm not letting it come into my home to leave me wondering why I feel so off, disconnected, conflicted, and misinformed. Even unmotivated at times. The numbers of issues and our general ignorance has played a huge part in why I'm not healthy and must spend my free time catching up on chores. So yes, I'm a little more careful of what buzzing media influences my view of life. And yes, I'm also just insatiably curious of why the Department of Defense is mysteriously, unquestionably, not required to list their books when they suck up all our monies.

As fun as it is to sing and "keep on dancing til the world ends", all that party vibe, live for the weekend, or reality TV has a small, monitored, place in my little world. With all I got going on, with all that the universe has going on, I had momentarily slipped into the hypnotic bad habits of the American mass, but occasionally I take note of where I'd like to be at and whether I'm there. The more important things have my attention now.

I will stick to reading, maintain a relatively awareness to the world around me, keeping up with the times but away from the hype, more in-tuned with building relationships, individual growth, and keeping my house a peaceful, cozy place.

Thanks for reading and hope you get your tax refunds back before the universes' consciousness shifts.

P.S. My husband thinks I'm a dork. Haha.

Disclaimer: I understand this is probably not the most popular standpoint when it comes to media, entertainment, and leisure, but it's taken about 28 years to embrace the gritty feeling of going against the grain. That being said, I relate to all and respect everyone's stance on how they choose to work, play, and their individual viewpoints, whether strong and laid-back. Variety is the spice of life and it helps raise the important questions.

Bonus:

Look at that! In español. What? You thought Telemundo wouldn't stoop to corporate buy-outs?

Pa tu mama!

http://www.proyectocensurado.org/

Second Edition: But You Don't Look Sick.

2011-04-05T09:24:00.003-04:00

I watched Love and Other Drugs before yesterday, which had more flesh than necessary to tell any story... ever. I had wanted a comedy about pharmaceuticals nonetheless, but about mid-way I stopped laughing so much. I did not know it was a chick flick. One close to home. The following contains spoilers (not in detail), but if you still plan to see it be careful.

So, the main character had Parkinson's. A degenerative disease the progresses with time. I had paused the movie at this point where I realized I was in for some head work and went downstairs to the garage, carefully because my ankles were weak and crackly, legs were tight, knees stiff, back had strange swelling, other organs flared, and decided to see what's up with Husband. And hug him. I told him how hilarious the movie was. It was awesome, blah blah blah. Looking straight at me, he immediately asked, "She's sick, isn't she?" Boy can read me like a book. (p.s. Props to him for being there for me, doing laundry, and making sure I don't feel sorry for myself.)

And, so I've never connected so much with the character a movie star portrays (Except Amelie, story for another day). The fears, the annoyances, the inconvenience, the insecurities, and the walls of conscious denial someone with limitations has to live with. People that are sick are usually misunderstood or treated different by many, if only slightly enough to make you feel unsure. It's usually the ones who have struggled with some temporary illness, an sick family member, or some kind of infirmity that sympathize and/or empathize with you. You either end up with the ones who view you with indifference and expect you to carry on as if your life wasn't severely affected, or the extreme opposite who ask you how you are doing like you are made of porcelain mentally and physically. Sometimes it could just be a personal perception, an isolation that occurs from being set apart from the healthy, where you imagine people are viewing you a particular way when really their heads are not thinking about it at all. (At this point, it's become a question of living with it without using the 'sick' undertone, and more like :lifestyle 'overtone'. )

I've gotten the "How are you doing today?" with the severe head tilt that's about to fall off as if I were incapable of handling being out in public. Of course, the worst one, "If I had to live on your diet, or if I couldn't eat gluten, I would shoot myself!". However, the reactions that make me most aware of my situation are the ones with non-reactive behavior. The blank stares. The ones who will search the floor and ceiling tiles searching desperately for something inspirational, as if we need it every time we see them. The ones who skip over what you just said, indifferently, because you're officially boring. The friends that stop calling because you can't hang out much anymore. During the day, I get all too many reminders of what I can't do. Apparently, I can't even rent feel-good movie without the risk of having to re-live the emotional torture of how illness in young people affect work, love, play, and peace.

However bleak the reaction or non-reactions received, it's the raw truth, not bitter deprecation. Some people honestly have the right intentions and are more aware of their reactions and some just have to say something, anything, to stop talking about illness because it's so depressing to them. But every once in a while, somebody gets it. Some are even interested to know what it might be like. Some even offer to help.

So for those who care to know, below is an very concise illustrative story that -although I find it very cheesy and verbose- one Lupus patient used to describe to her friend, who had asked to know what it's really like. I couldn't help but choke up a bit. This story grew to a theory and a band of Lupus followers who call themselves Spoonies. I won't join that wagon. I love to make spoons, but prefer to fork.

I've always been fascinated with disease and pathology, even before I had any inclination that I might ever get struck with one of these hip, trendy epidemics. I would read books about it for fun (NOT WebMD). However, I still didn't let myself relate to a person in pain, with trauma history, or mental illness, too much that it would inconvenience me unless they were already in my life. One good thing I've gained from being in an unfortunate position is that I now empathize with almost anyone, especially the ones becoming ill or that just need someone to listen. And if my health allows, I prefer to do more than just care and be there for them in whatever method it be. If.

I'm just as cheesy as the spoon story below, but experience will take the poop jokes out of your stories. Sometimes. If the occasion really calls for it.

Read below if you are interested what one day with Lupus is. Skip through the wordy parts. I've read this before, but one of my blog subscribers sent it to me. It made my day, that day. See the link if you're tired of being on the same website (like I get bored of being on one page too long. The fast track, people!)

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory-written-by-christine-miserandino/

Thanks, Tiffany and Christine

The Spoon Theory

by Christine Miserandino www.butyoudontlooksick.com

My best friend and I were in the diner, talking. As usual, it was very late and we were eating French fries with gravy. Like normal girls our age, we spent a lot of time in the diner while in college, and most of the time we spent talking about boys, music or trivial things, that seemed very important at the time. We never got serious about anything in particular and spent most of our time laughing.

As I went to take some of my medicine with a snack as I usually did, she watched me with an awkward kind of stare, instead of continuing the conversation. She then asked me out of the blue what it felt like to have Lupus and be sick. I was shocked not only because she asked the random question, but also because I assumed she knew all there was to know about Lupus. She came to doctors with me, she saw me walk with a cane, and throw up in the bathroom. She had seen me cry in pain, what else was there to know?

I started to ramble on about pills, and aches and pains, but she kept pursuing, and didn’t seem satisfied with my answers. I was a little surprised as being my roommate in college and friend for years; I thought she already knew the medical definition of Lupus. Then she looked at me with a face every sick person knows well, the face of pure curiosity about something no one healthy can truly understand. She asked what it felt like, not physically, but what it felt like to be me, to be sick.

As I tried to gain my composure, I glanced around the table for help or guidance, or at least stall for time to think. I was trying to find the right words. How do I answer a question I never was able to answer for myself? How do I explain every detail of every day being effected, and give the emotions a sick person goes through with clarity. I could have given up, cracked a joke like I usually do, and changed the subject, but I remember thinking if I don’t try to explain this, how could I ever expect her to understand. If I can’t explain this to my best friend, how could I explain my world to anyone else? I had to at least try.

At that moment, the spoon theory was born. I quickly grabbed every spoon on the table; hell I grabbed spoons off of the other tables. I looked at her in the eyes and said “Here you go, you have Lupus”. She looked at me slightly confused, as anyone would when they are being handed a bouquet of spoons. The cold metal spoons clanked in my hands, as I grouped them together and shoved them into her hands.

I explained that the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted.

Most people start the day with unlimited amount of possibilities, and energy to do whatever they desire, especially young people. For the most part, they do not need to worry about the effects of their actions. So for my explanation, I used spoons to convey this point. I wanted something for her to actually hold, for me to then take away, since most people who get sick feel a “loss” of a life they once knew. If I was in control of taking away the spoons, then she would know what it feels like to have someone or something else, in this case Lupus, being in control.

She grabbed the spoons with excitement. She didn’t understand what I was doing, but she is always up for a good time, so I guess she thought I was cracking a joke of some kind like I usually do when talking about touchy topics. Little did she know how serious I would become?

I asked her to count her spoons. She asked why, and I explained that when you are healthy you expect to have a never-ending supply of “spoons”. But when you have to now plan your day, you need to know exactly how many “spoons” you are starting with. It doesn’t guarantee that you might not lose some along the way, but at least it helps to know where you are starting. She counted out 12 spoons. She laughed and said she wanted more. I said no, and I knew right away that this little game would work, when she looked disappointed, and we hadn’t even started yet. I’ve wanted more “spoons” for years and haven’t found a way yet to get more, why should she? I also told her to always be conscious of how many she had, and not to drop them because she can never forget she has Lupus.

I asked her to list off the tasks of her day, including the most simple. As, she rattled off daily chores, or just fun things to do; I explained how each one would cost her a spoon. When she jumped right into getting ready for work as her first task of the morning, I cut her off and took away a spoon. I practically jumped down her throat. I said ” No! You don’t just get up. You have to crack open your eyes, and then realize you are late. You didn’t sleep well the night before. You have to crawl out of bed, and then you have to make your self something to eat before you can do anything else, because if you don’t, you can’t take your medicine, and if you don’t take your medicine you might as well give up all your spoons for today and tomorrow too.” I quickly took away a spoon and she realized she hasn’t even gotten dressed yet. Showering cost her spoon, just for washing her hair and shaving her legs. Reaching high and low that early in the morning could actually cost more than one spoon, but I figured I would give her a break; I didn’t want to scare her right away. Getting dressed was worth another spoon. I stopped her and broke down every task to show her how every little detail needs to be thought about. You cannot simply just throw clothes on when you are sick. I explained that I have to see what clothes I can physically put on, if my hands hurt that day buttons are out of the question. If I have bruises that day, I need to wear long sleeves, and if I have a fever I need a sweater to stay warm and so on. If my hair is falling out I need to spend more time to look presentable, and then you need to factor in another 5 minutes for feeling badly that it took you 2 hours to do all this.

I think she was starting to understand when she theoretically didn’t even get to work, and she was left with 6 spoons. I then explained to her that she needed to choose the rest of her day wisely, since when your “spoons” are gone, they are gone. Sometimes you can borrow against tomorrow’s “spoons”, but just think how hard tomorrow will be with less “spoons”. I also needed to explain that a person who is sick always lives with the looming thought that tomorrow may be the day that a cold comes, or an infection, or any number of things that could be very dangerous. So you do not want to run low on “spoons”, because you never know when you truly will need them. I didn’t want to depress her, but I needed to be realistic, and unfortunately being prepared for the worst is part of a real day for me.

We went through the rest of the day, and she slowly learned that skipping lunch would cost her a spoon, as well as standing on a train, or even typing at her computer too long. She was forced to make choices and think about things differently. Hypothetically, she had to choose not to run errands, so that she could eat dinner that night.

When we got to the end of her pretend day, she said she was hungry. I summarized that she had to eat dinner but she only had one spoon left. If she cooked, she wouldn’t have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then I also explained, that I didn’t even bother to add into this game, that she was so nauseous, that cooking was probably out of the question anyway. So she decided to make soup, it was easy. I then said it is only 7pm, you have the rest of the night but maybe end up with one spoon, so you can do something fun, or clean your apartment, or do chores, but you can’t do it all.

I rarely see her emotional, so when I saw her upset I knew maybe I was getting through to her. I didn’t want my friend to be upset, but at the same time I was happy to think finally maybe someone understood me a little bit. She had tears in her eyes and asked quietly “Christine, How do you do it? Do you really do this everyday?” I explained that some days were worse then others; some days I have more spoons then most. But I can never make it go away and I can’t forget about it, I always have to think about it. I handed her a spoon I had been holding in reserve. I said simply, “I have learned to live life with an extra spoon in my pocket, in reserve. You need to always be prepared.”

Its hard, the hardest thing I ever had to learn is to slow down, and not do everything. I fight this to this day. I hate feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things done that I want to. I wanted her to feel that frustration. I wanted her to understand, that everything everyone else does comes so easy, but for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. I need to think about the weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day’s plans before I can attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war. It is in that lifestyle, the difference between being sick and healthy. It is the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom. I miss never having to count “spoons”.

After we were emotional and talked about this for a little while longer, I sensed she was sad. Maybe she finally understood. Maybe she realized that she never could truly and honestly say she understands. But at least now she might not complain so much when I can’t go out for dinner some nights, or when I never seem to make it to her house and she always has to drive to mine. I gave her a hug when we walked out of the diner. I had the one spoon in my hand and I said “Don’t worry. I see this as a blessing. I have been forced to think about everything I do. Do you know how many spoons people waste everyday? I don’t have room for wasted time, or wasted “spoons” and I chose to spend this time with you.”

Ever since this night, I have used the spoon theory to explain my life to many people. In fact, my family and friends refer to spoons all the time. It has been a code word for what I can and cannot do. Once people understand the spoon theory they seem to understand me better, but I also think they live their life a little differently too. I think it isn’t just good for understanding Lupus, but anyone dealing with any disability or illness. Hopefully, they don’t take so much for granted or their life in general. I give a piece of myself, in every sense of the word when I do anything. It has become an inside joke. I have become famous for saying to people jokingly that they should feel special when I spend time with them, because they have one of my “spoons”.

Never Crave French Fries Again

2011-03-28T16:43:00.003-04:00

(EDIT: fixed the link below)

White potatoes are part of the nightshade vegetable family. I still can't tell if they personally affect my inflammation levels. I hear its different for everyone. I don't crave crave homemade potatoes ever, but when I smell regular McD type fries, the scratchin and twinchin starts. They don't even taste that awesome to me, so I reckon it's the heroin they add into their frying lard bins that tells my brain I must have them. Either way, I still stay away from french fries or anything fried. But I do crave starches, as we should, and it's tiring eating brown rice all the time. Hellooooo Sweet Potatoes! this tater is in the clear for dangerous toxin avoidance.

So I tried this lil easy and quick recipe. This is an addiction that doesn't terrorize the body and mind. Like the recently added word from the Oxford dictionary implies: OMG!

When I saw the recipe and imagined the flavors together, I couldn't have imagined how awesome it would turn out. So, click below and check it out. Filling, satisfying and it feels like indulgence. And its so pretty. However, even the oils are good for you (if the rest of your diet during the day/week is balanced). Yes, this meal was nice to me. No pain, no inflammation, no weirdness. The trick now is seeing if Husband will like it when he gets back to town.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Roasted Sweet Potato Salad w/ Cranberries & Roasted Pumpkin Seeds"][/caption]

http://vegvacious.blogspot.com/2011/02/roasted-sweet-potato-salad.html

Note:

I didn't have Dijon mustard so I improvised and probably will keep doing it my way. My dressing involved two parts. Since I didn't know if the tastes would blend well, I made them separately and mixed them on the plate instead:

1/3 olive oil
1/2 cup white vinegar
white onion (small half, sliced thin into slivers)

(the extra can be used as an everyday healthy salad dressing. But I don't like yer typical greens salad. Yeck.)

Separately, I just mixed honey mustard:

2 tbsps Organic mustard (or any yellow mustard)
3 drops of Pure honey

Kay, that's it. Buh Bye.

Top Ten Lists

2011-03-25T05:55:00.003-04:00

The dog days are here (for Florida). It's March Madness. I turned 28 this. I hesitantly signed up for the gym (since you know I have wonderful health). I returned a Blockbuster to movie Redbox. Husband has been out of town way too much. Oxford put LOL and OMG in the dictionary. This week skipped a day. Well, it didn't really but I took work off Wednesday, convinced it was Thursday, missed my meeting, and now have an extra day of work, or so it feels like it.

Mercury must be in retrograde or the vernal moon threw everything off. There's a poor sense of flowing continuity. More like random scattered events and chores are taken care of during pocketed moments of lucidity and then I'm sucked back into a timespace jumble box where the days and minutes jump around. Also, I may be reading too much on parallel world physics.

Not feeling so hot lately, except for the literal heat beating down from the sun onto my sensitive skin or immune system. In the last few years, when I would spend a day at the beach, the rest of the week I would have some kind of feverish symptoms and be depleted. I always thought it was the beer/hydration but oh, how I'm learning new things. Now I'm getting the full blown detriment of what the sun does to people with lupus (which is still very confusing to me). There is something about heat, that to some, releases histamine wildly into the body. I either break down in hives or 'exercise' hives (urticaria), shut down completely, feel flushed, or swell up all over. This is just another explanation for the abovementioned hesitance for signing up to a gym. I overheat and then got little red bumps everywhere, thankfully its usually beneath the clothes, nothing obvious; but when I take a hot shower I look like a sci-fi creature.

Anyway, things should get better when I get my car back since I'm driving a car with no AC right now; or, when winter comes around again. I'm not sure how the sensitivity to the sun works since everyone with Lupus reacts differently. But for now my health, therefore sanity, is on a crazier roller coaster than Lindsey Lohan's sobriety.

So that little intro segues to the following comedic relief that I found floating around the net. The absurdity of life.

Here's to hoping I get better soon so I can blog about something coherent, useful, and worthwhile without having to drop celebrity names to get more hits on the web:

10. Life is sexually transmitted.

9. Good health is merely the slowest rate at which one can die.

8. Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny. If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich.

7. Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.

6. Some people are like a slinky... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.

5. Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital dying of nothing.

4. All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

3. Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars, and a substantial tax cut saves you thirty cents?

2. In the 60's, people took LSD to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

1. We know exactly where one cow with mad-cow-disease is located among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't a clue as to where thousands of Illegal immigrants and Terrorists are located. Maybe we should put the Department of Agriculture in charge of immigration.

Elephant and itises

2011-03-18T08:11:00.003-04:00

(-itis: Greek derived suffix meaning inflammation)

Inflammation from head to toe. Front to back. Inside and out. I feel like an elephant is trying to fit inside my human shell.

A cute one though:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="via Cake Wrekcs"][/caption]

My hair feels like that too! Electrocuted scanty tufts!

Who would've thought my favorite picture ever on Cake Wrecks would've been of an elephant?

Some medicines, insurance rejections, and not carefully reading food labels have rendered me mentally and physically wrought. As upset and overwhelmed as I am, I will not let it drag me down after all the progress I've made. The thoughts that go through one's heads while you're experiencing pain are usually not reality based and can drag you down. I know that the feeling of despair and defeat are not based on the facts, but on the current and ephemeral feelings of frustration. Perspective is key.

My plea and reminder to all those who are sick and tired and being sick and tired is to remember to not be hard on yourself for not being able to do more, for not cleaning those last few pots leaving a food smell, and for having to stay in and watch yet another movie at home. Turn on a few candles, sit down, take naps, rest well, and another run of good days eventually comes around.

Do not punish yourself for not sticking to the diet 100% and if other people scold you for it, you tell THEM to not eat cookies for a whole year and watch them suck at it. However, don't give in to more no-no foods just because you've had it with the rice cakes. Hang tight to the friends and family that support you and put aside the ones that don't for a little while. Do not resent the things you cannot do and the healthy people who do not relate to you anymore. And do not feel the need to make others understand what you are going through (unless they ask). They still care about you just as much even if they don't really get it. Mostly, stop trying to explain to yourself why you should be washing the car , re-tiling the kitchen, and hitting the gym.

Do relax while you wait for the worse to past and start your game plan on how to carry on stronger the next go round of health you have. The easier you are on your body, the sooner you will feel better. Do remember to wear something cute and put some color on your face even if you're stuck home. And do take the down time to think and do something for the other people who have it rough too like a faithful caretaker, a friend who sticks to you when you're bummy, a congregation member who's ill, or the families in Japan. Being chronically ill does not change you're relevancy in being there for others.

Learn the drill cycle and follow through. (Insert smiley face emoticon here).

And for God's sake, if you're allergic to gluten, stop looking at cake websites unless you have the energy and $60 to buy the supplies and ingredients for a wheat free, yeast free, sugar free, night-shade free vegetable, cake.

Spice Girl

2011-03-15T05:09:00.002-04:00

Some days I have great days and suddenly plummet out of nowhere. Some days I wake up a wreck and in three hours I take over the world. Usually, I take on the day a few hours at a time, not a day at a time, like the old proverb says. Anyone else? Anyone?

Here are some inexpensive ways to keep the body fighting all types of junk all day long, help stave off coffee urges, reduce appetite, keep from kicking innocent bystanders, and soothe joint pain and inflammation. The health benefits are listed for awareness of what aids you're receiving in the short and long-term care. If you click on the subject link you get the full stories and any warnings that may follow along. After all, too much of a good thing, yada yada...

These easy-to-find, easy-to-apply homemade remedy tips wind-me up for another go and help endure work days that render me a clockwatcher:

Ginger

I just drop some ground ginger into filtered water, heat, and drink; adding honey on days I can tolerate sugars.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.

Colon Cancer Prevention
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

Morning Sickness
A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.

Motion Sickness Remedy
Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.

Reduces Pain and Inflammation
One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.

Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.

Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment
Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.

Migraine Relief
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

Menstrual Cramp Relief
In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.

Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy
A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).

Turmeric

Yay for bulleted lists. This one goes in every food possible, but also in the form of tea as described with the ginger. Doesn't smell as great but tastes very neutral. Has similar properties to Tylenol and aspirin. Yes, it really works.

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin. Great for people who workout too.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions. Some hair loss or thinning may be inflammatory.

Cinnamon

Anything sweet I will have gets cinnamon. Oatmeal, smoothies, shakes, etc . I've never felt immediate relief from this one like I do from all the other ones listed here, but whatever is healthy and tastes good is worth including.

Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes. Or just a good insulin regulator.

In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections. Candidiasis (yeast) is one of the root causes of some lupus cases (like mine) and many cancer, (Aside from having an allergy to it). Most Americans probably have it to some degree (especially if you take medications and/or birth control) and may not know it because conventional medicine doesn't offer to find this. Click here for the endless list of symptoms, including fatigue, sinus problems, irritability, poor memory, etc.

In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.

When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.

Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.

It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

Allspice

One of my new favorite is Allspice with Ginger. Allspice is not a combination of spices like I originally thought. It's the actual specimen that resembles a variety of spices like cinnamon and cloves. Circulation feels great after one cup of hot Allspice tea.

Traditional Usage:
	- Analgesic - Antibacterial - Antifungal - Antioxidant - Colic, Stomach Upset - Colds, Flu and Bronchitis - Corns - Diarrhea - Digestive Disorders - Flatulence - Heart Health Maintenance - Indigestion - Menstrual Health Maintenance - Neuralgia - Respiratory Health Maintenance - Rheumatism - Vascular Disorders

	Overview:
	Allspice, Pimenta dioica(L.) Merrill [Fam. Myrtaceae], also known as pimento, Jamaica pepper and clove pepper, is an evergreen tree found in South America, Mexico and the West Indies. The unripe berry, which smells and tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, is used primarily as a food and medicinal flavouring agent. Allspice is used in folk medicine for treating many different conditions including: colic, infantile diarrhea, cholera infantum, bleeding lungs, painful menstruation, chilblains, nausea, chills, flatulence, corns, colds, dyspepsia, neuralgia, and rheumatism. However, there are no clinical studies to back up these claims. The herb is considered to be a stimulant, carminative (for treating gas), anodyne (a pain-relieving medicine milder than an analgesic), and antioxidant, bactericidal, fungicidal, and stomachic. Dr. James Duke in The Green Pharmacy refers to allspice as a tropical herb with a very complex aroma that is useful for treating indigestion. Animal studies with the total aqueous extract of allspice given by intravenous (i.v.) administration have shown that it reduces high vascular pressure (has hypotensive activity) and has a central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect. Interestingly, the hypotensive effect of identical doses (100 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract (95% decrease) was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than the effect of the ethanolic extract (67% decrease). The researchers also noted that there were no significant changes in the heart rate and no abnormalities were observed in the EKG. Another study using intraperitoneal administration of different extracts of allspice to normal and hypertensive rats caused a depression of the central nervous system (CNS) in a dose-dependent manner. Analgesic and hypothermic effects were also observed. Again, the total aqueous extract was more effective than the ethanolic extract. It was noted that the extract caused peritoneal irritation that may only partially explain the depressive effect over the CNS.

Peppermint Oil

A rouge addition, for herbs are just as good as spices, but this one keeps me going at work when I cannot focus; whether it be pain, negative attitudes emanating in the office, brain fog, boring-ness, restlessness, need coffee-ness. It's amazing how it has a similar effect as Aderrall, without thinking you're Superman snorting lines. I just add two drops to a water bottle or something actually dab a teeny bit under the nose to help inhale it.

Peppermint essential oil is a fantastic essential oil with a sharp, invigorating and very familiar scent especially around the winter holidays. Historically, the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used it and it's one of the oldest essential oils still in use. Most aromatherapy experts call peppermint essential oil a "must have" due to its ability to ease headaches, help with sleepiness and soothe digestive problems.

Helps with Nausea and Digestive Issues

To ease nausea and other digestive problems, place a single drop of peppermint essential oil onto a piece of cotton and inhale deeply. You could also hold the small bottle containing the essential oil beneath your nose, if it's not too strong for you. Add a few drops to a massage oil (never apply essential oils directly to the skin) and lightly massage the stomach to help with other digestive problems such as indigestion. While peppermint essential oil helps with digestion, it should never be taken internally without first checking with a care provider.

Relieves Headaches

To relieve headaches place a drop of the peppermint essential oil onto a cotton ball, find a quiet place, close your eyes and inhale deeply. You could also place a few drops into a diffuser and lay down for a few minutes until the headache eases. Many aromatherapy experts feel peppermint essential oil works faster than commercial drugs at relieving headaches. If you can't find a quiet place to inhale the oil, combine a one or two drops of peppermint essential oil with a massage oil (about half a cup) and rub a few drops into your wrists or temples.

Combats Sleepiness

Another peppermint essential oil benefit is that it's invigorating and can wake you up when you're feeling sleepy. Rather than having that cup of caffeine in the morning, try adding a few drops to a diffuser, deeply inhaling peppermint essential oil, or drizzling a drop or two onto the floor of your shower to help you wake up.

Reduces Inflammation

In addition to other abilities, peppermint essential oil mixed in a massage oil reduces muscle inflammation. If you're tired, headachy and have sore muscles, get a full body massage using the mixture. You may find this one oil eases all of those problems. Great for joints that are tired from being in the same typing position. I curiously use the oil straight on the joints and was nicely surprised.

And to concluce: a random link on anti-inflammatory diets. I hear it's all the rage.:

http://www.inflammation-information.com/anti-inflammatory-foods.html

Are You Suggesting Coconuts Migrate?

2011-03-11T14:04:00.002-05:00

The last few times I've had ice cream, I end up taking two hour death naps and waking up only to realize my muscles are as paralyzed as there were in my brief REM. Can't even kick the cats off my face. No. Idea. Why. A little bit of dairy doesn't hurt me. My guess? The gluten or the stuff they use for fillers in regular mill ice cream.

So, it's Friday and I've had enough roughage this week and am dying to get home. Time for a treat. Pass by Sweetbays. They're organic section is usually overpriced but I always check just in case. Walk by the frozen organics and the only words that reach out to me are coconut milk and dairy free. $4.29. Popped it in my cart. I don't wait until I get home. No, I unwrap that baby right in the car. I take them out... and they're microscopic! It's like they knew I was a midget!

I check the box, the biggest word on the box was minis. Losing!

Then I bite into and its chocolately through and through! What? Look at the box. The next huge word was fudge! Not a big fan of fudgy stuff unless its in brownies and my body didn't want a rich and sinful treat, just something digestible and cool. I should try paying attention, no?

It did taste coconuty though and lately I have a love affair with all things coconut. Soy, I just have crushes on. All in all, it was delicious. I check the box one more time so see what else I missed..... 70 Calories. And 6 grams of sugar. Something about healthy fats. And speaking of fats, these last few weeks I'm stuffed myself with the most fat I ever had since my running days and lost more weight. The memo was: if you don't eat enough fat, you won't lose weight. I always knew this but was so paranoid with that misunderstood word I would deprive myself. So, I'm about to get my coconut-fudge on and eat like 4 more. Winning!

Here's one Thailandish gemstone I found in the MexiBori mart ("Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?")(must watch):

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="280" caption="Nummy, Nummy."][/caption]

Again, I go so excited with the coconuts I didn't realize it wasn't a ready to eat gelato or yogurt. I just assumed it was. So I ended up stuck with this for 24 hours:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption=""Frozen halves of coconuts""][/caption]

Anyway, it's coconut juice, coconut meat, a bit of sugar, and agar powder. That's it. Once it defrosts its like a crystalized drink and occasional bites of coconut. Que rico.

More easy-peasy, gluten free, healthy fats, and winning treats. In the last week I made:

Quinoa Granola (leads to incontinence accidents it's so good. It has El Coco!):

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="403" caption="Click for recipe at Hungry Hungry Hippie"][/caption]

And made my own Hummus, with varying levels of garlic. 1) One batch for when husband is home. 2) Tons of garlic for when he's out of town. 3) No I didn't bother with the garnish. Best hummus I ever had and love the power kick you get from saying, "I make my own hummus". It was getting complicated to go to Whole Foods every time with the frequency and quantity in which I consume it. The Sabra and Athenos make my brain hurt because of the additives.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Ditto on linking to recipe"][/caption]

Love, Peace, Coconut Grease.

(Literally, I'm about to put some coconut oil on my hurr to make it healthy and delicious.)

Read up on some awesome health benefits from your favorite nuts!

http://products.mercola.com/coconut-oil/ (Actually a video, I know some of you love Dr. Mercola. He's encouraging the eating of fat!)

http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Coconut Top 10 list!

http://www.coconutoilhealthbenefits.com/ A few more interesting facts

Running Music

2011-03-10T06:08:00.002-05:00

(Wrote this post a few weeks back, just got around to editing.)

As a single person, I often listened to the calls of nature more than responsibilities. I know, not the best thing to brag about, but it's who I default to when The Man is getting the best of me. If the day is perfect, I will do what is necessary to catch the sunlight, or the perfect sun:wind combo, or a burst of energy. So today, although the laundry was shouting my name, it was one of Florida's few perfect days. And also, it's not Thursday, the weird day in which I recoil to a robotic machine and cannot do anything out of routine. So I put on my funky little shape-ups (that I only own because Husband says they're cute) although I think he's just getting on my good side. Gotta let the cripple win some. I went out for a walk.

By the way, they don't tone your butt. Squats tone your butt. And that's not why I got them, my buns are fine thank you. They ease up the knee joints.

The breeze was perfect and the right blend of cool and warm. The afternoon shades were dreamily falling over the city line (albeit, an ugly city in my humble opinion). I put my iPod buds in my ears and set out to walk in a public area where I won't be abducted (and quickly returned). It was hard to resist not taking off running, just like the old days. After so many years of trying to find my niche, aside from home, work, and family, it was this. Hitting the pavement, beating my own records, listening to my music, and separating my thoughts from everything that could disillusion a person. Now here I was treading ever so lightly to make sure my foot bones won't slide around, my hip won't rub on direct bone, my knees won't hyper-extend, my ankles won't swell, my ligaments won't snap. I about started to run to forget it all. But I didn't. I'm paying heed to the lessons I'm finally learning about over-doing it.

Another aspect I noticed about my single-self versus married-self, with the added struggle of being as fragile as a porcelain doll, is music. Music would set my mood, or I would set the mood with my music. I don't usually care for music in the background while I work or while a group is enjoying a conversation. I ritualistically listen to it when I can be in the car, when I'm running, or when I can blare my lungs out while cleaning. But lately, I hardly listen to music in the same style I used to. Husband and I have a relatively small margin of music in common compared to my otherwise limitless taste in music. We enjoy many styles together, but not the type I can play all day and certainly not the type that macho guys will jam too. I'm left to banging my head or waving around glow sticks; otherwise I opt for quiet time because of how easily overwhelmed I get to loud noises on days that I'm tired; and I usually am. Also, my car has been getting customized in the shop, along with my iPod friendly sound system. In my makeshift ride, I'm stuck with the radio and I'd rather listen to NPR than Bieber. So I found that I don't listen to music as much anymore and when I do, I'm not affected by it in the emotional style I used to be.

"Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?" -John Cusack

I'm more of the melancholic type, more so before than now. Being happily married, I'm no longer an industry target for the hormone-driven roller coaster girl. I'm no longer 'need' to relate to the pining Fiona, or bitter Lilly Allen, insecure Jem, or clueless Britney Spears. I mean, I still rock out to all my favorites, but I don't relate to those feelings that have been replaced by real life and real love. It's hard for me to listen to boppy and poppy music all the time because it doesn't feel realistic to me. All this nonsense and shenanigans about Just Dance, It'll be Okay...Uh Dancing won't make it okay. Really, it won't. And Rude Boys, please! We want gentlemen! Yes we do, so don't make me sing along. But I'm happy now and love my melancholic music just as much, so it was weird to shuffle through some of my old songs and immediately flash black to a time that I invited turmoil over a boy or a guy who played with my head. How different things are!

The feeling of being married didn't happen overnight. Becoming ill did not happen overnight. I never picked a particular day and exclaimed, "Today I will be okay with being ill" or "I know what it feels like to be an established wife". Every once in a while I get a surprising whiplash into the current reality and have to take stock of where I am and how much I've progressed or what else might need adjustment.

Stepping out of my new element and into my old one, I realize I've settled in to the emotions that come along with being bound to someone and also how to leave single selfish emotions where they belong, in the past. The transition into new stages of life have always been violent for me, but recently I feel like its falling into place like butter. It's not without some work and introspection but it's nice not to have to resist so much. Even in the subtler things, like completely surrendering to another person or deciding to walk 20 minutes instead of run 10 minutes. I'm learning how to pay attention to myself whether I make the personal decision or if life throws a curve ball.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="via Noelap at Flickr"][/caption]

Anyway, you don't lose who you were or everything that makes you the person you currently are. It just evolves and grows. So I can still listen and pine to sap songs when my husband is away for business:

Paolo Nutini - No Other Way (The Scottish and arpeggios. A beautiful blend.)

And yet I've learned to party right along with him and our blending lifestyle. One that we both are continually accommodating to without looking back, and hoping that one day I'll be much healthier so I can run the circles around him that drove him wild:

Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (It'll make your brain oooze. Best enjoyed with headphones)

A Quickie.

2011-03-08T17:37:00.002-05:00

(Since it's a quickie, editing will be at a minimum. This is real life ya'll.)

I'm still here. The launch of this blog was not a false spark of energy. As a matter of fact, when I started, I had very little energy. My usual hobbies and duties had taken a back seat while I sat pretty on the couch with a Wolf flare, one of inflammation and exhaustion that I'm still working to understand. I was either going to be TV prone or manage to save my my brain cells through the medium of writing. The only thing I confess to is that the momentum was a bit heavy and posting something funny or interesting every day is just not going to happen. So I decided if I feel like it, I will write, and if I don't, I won't. There's no point in making a blog if you lose your joy over feeling the need to cater to an audience. This project is the exact opposite. Adversity confronted.

Well, in the last week or so and hopefully in the following days, I've been much healthier. It's a large part of the reason I've been absent from the screen. No chance I will be typing away when my legs and lungs are at almost-normal capacity. The symptoms never seem to fully go away, but they do submit to all my careful and meticulous healing methods and avoidance tactics. However, remission is temporary and who knows when and how it will strike again. Pummeling through the last week like I have is probably counterproductive to a chunky period of health. This culture we live in makes it feel like if you're not go-go-gadget, you're letting precious time and life slip away, and yes, I'm a conflicted member of that mentality. It duals with my zen-like, listen-to-your-body-mentality. Even with husband being gone so much this month, there's so much that needs to be done. At the end of the day, some time for perspective is of the essence. Somewhere between all the things that need to be taken care of and walking to and from parking lots, I get overwhelmed. This is not intended as a pleasure read, but as a visual representation of my mind going 1000 miles per hour at the end of the day. Definitely, not in chronological order.

Drop off the cat before work to get spayed, power through banging morning headaches and body aches.
Make a stop at the gas station, the produce corner, publix, and Target during Saturday mayhem.
Schedule half the other errands during work lunches or I'll get too achy.
Make sure you have energy for when Husband comes home.
Make sure there is clean laundry for when he comes home.
Did you remember the cilantro?
The cat food bowls are empty.
They're out of litter.
Emergency run to Petsmart.
Forgot parent's anniversary.
Food diary: peanut butter makes muscles hurt.
Can't leave the house with just any pair of shoes, a new set of flats is in order. Add shopping, postpone, rinse, repeat.
Cancel the peanut butter on Vitacost order.
Order is on route. Eat the $.
Schedule mattress shopping dates with Husband. Postpone, rinse, repeat.
Bought oats, not gluten free. Eat that cost as well.
What's making my skin itchy, is it the Wolf? Is it dryness? Is it chemtrails?
Breathe. Don't forget to breathe.
Include exercise somewhere in there, it'll give you the energy to last longer.
Medicine regimen. Empty stomach before and after, 3 times a day.
Cat took off the cone! Get her!!!
Read every label of everything you buy.
Put on foot lotion after shower.
Deny invitations for food and play and cheerfully offer options.
Skip meetings, listen in.
Catch up through text, forget the written letters.
Call in late again. Rush through lunch.
Repaint those chipped toenails.
Remember to take the nopal, the omegas, the flax seed oil three times a day, drink at least one tea of ginger, make sure to eat fiber every day.
Break up the cats, no roughhousing yet.
Don't get sidetracked! You burned the butternut squash.
Install shower filter on list.
But I thought you took out the garbage?
The dishes are calling. Husband is hungry. Cat is playing with stitches. Must. Sit. Down.
Husband and I are ill and exhausted
Did that have caffeine in it? IC flared again.
Send bill payment to new location. Locate the new address.
Tell God to take care of the usual suspects, cause I can't remember what's going on with who?
UPS skipped the delivery, add to the errands list for pick-up. Wait in line.
Forget re-doing the toenails...shave!
Forgot to buy distilled water.
Smile without looking psychotic!

Does anyone else feel like they're brain is going to explode? Is the full moon arriving or is there just such limited time and too much traffic in the city? Do we self-sabotage/load ourselves to cover every little detail and then feel unaccomplished if something on the to-do list goes unchecked?

I don't know if in reality it isn't much and it only feels that way, but no matter the lessened pace I impose, no matter how much repose I force myself to surrender to, there has been an underlying sense of overload, especially if anything doesn't get done. I don't necessarily blame being ill on this but I do have to wonder how large a part it plays in my life even when I do feel relatively upbeat and active.

It seems like it's inconvenience after inconvenience, but its just life, not picking on any one particular person. It's about organizing before it gets out of control, or admitting overload when it's there. Before I got married, I learned how we automatically as individuals (especially control freaks) usually take note of the undone without taking stock of the things that go according to plan. Even if it does happen while running amock, there are many things going our way as long as we're putting the time and work it. The balanced person knows that there is more negative than positive, but some careful meditation helps pinpoint good results that are achieved and how its not always found on the chore list.

It was suggested in one of my favorite books on how the mind creates thoughts and affects behaviors. It proposed that you take the author up, for one week at the end of the day, write everything you accomplished, now matter how small the task. It was to enhance your viewpoint by the end of each trial period and begin learning to more readily acknowledge your hard work and sense of ongoing accomplishment. I tried it and it goes to show that even though it felt like complete chaos to do everything on a limited clock, I was getting it done. Expecting everything at my pace (a pace that I put up against those go-getter superwomen) was where the pressure built and distorted the view that everything was going pretty darn well.

Cat fixed. Done and over with.
Parents back from El Salvador, quality time spent with them.
Date night with Husband.
Bob's Red Mill kindly sent me Gluten Free oats to replace my mistaken purchase.
I got my Tofu Press.
The health foods are working marvelously.
Business has picked up.
My kitty just said I LOVE YOU in cat.
Husband and I are on the same page, despite the travel schedule.
I received recognition for the monthly incentive program at work.
Sister send the best talking card and magnet!
Got a bomb-a$$ deal at Yankee candle for the parents anniversary gift by coincidence. (Some lady just left a buy 2 get 2 of equal size free.
....The list goes on, but some things I'll keep to myself as any of you would.

So, I'm exhausted. A bit stressed. Missing Husband, especially at bedtime. But not worrying about a pretty and perfect post has got me feeling pretty pleased tonight. My house is mostly clean and I'm set up to go to my meeting tomorrow. Priorities back on track and I'm sure there'll be another readjustment soon. Next week on my list, slow down on new health recipes, repeat a few meals, and instead take proper care of others when done taking care of self. :)

Peace out. Lights out.

2011-03-03T15:56:00.002-05:00

This post will constitute the greatness that is Walmart fun. It is what happens when you're not in a rush, don't want to bring WMD with you, and don't focus on the ungodly alienesque (redudant) characters that roam the stores frightening the cohabitation of the average citizen, making us ponder the unanswered question...why are we here?

Times are tough. The economy is bringing people together at Walmart. For the most part, you can spot a person who doesn't belong in there and you identify their economical and life status. Nicely groomed man: Wife left him, took everything. A well dressed career woman pushes around a cart, puzzled and flustered: Husband is in debt. High-end snob model: she's lost or is too blonde to know she's making all the rednecks drop their canned goods on their crusty toes.

It will expound upon some tips on nutritional food, insights, Walmart sight-seeing, money saving tactics and tid-bits I've picked up along the way.

It will be laid out in bullet point format for the mom-in-a-hurry, the business woman, or those with Internet ADHD Syndrome (the ones who click on all external links, and find themselves reading about Tanzania's President by the time their done), or people like me: the coherently fractured mind (paradoxical).

Money saving tips - Produce: buy at corner vegetable and fruit stands. No bagging, no stock boy, no corn wax. For Asian, Jamaican, Latin, and world recipes..find a local ethnic store. Everything will be ridiculously cheaper there.

Curries

Corn Masa

Rice and Beans

Herbs and Spices

Coconut Milk

Noodles

Sauces

Weird plants

Oxtail Seasoning.. Wait. What? (Emphasis on the WH)

There is no doubt why some whities think the spanish are a bit from the another world.

No croutons. I've got just the thing!

Truth is, in the Spanish section, I found pumpkin seeds perfect for snacks and granola, which I paid a Starbuck's coffee's worth more for it at a natural health food store (even though I'm not supposed to drink coffee). Anyway, these are not highly processed. Get your anti-inflammatory curry powder here! It's not just for people with disease: people with allergies, people who work out. Get your banana leaves here...haha..

Funny... that the Wal-Mart I patronized did not list it as the Ethnic Foods Isle. They labeled it Latin Foods.

The other cultures look tame next to these guys.

Not funny... that ironically I had become the Wal-Mart weirdo because I was taking pictures of cow tongues in jars. I'm not kidding. Even the spics were looking at me like I spit on the Virgin Mary. Oh, don't worry. I didn't mean spic as derogatory, because I am one. Kind of like how only a certain group can use the "n" word amongst themselves. Just jokes my friends, just jokes. Send hate mail or counsel to :bunnybutt83@yahoo.com

You must still read the labels. Just because some countries are poor does not mean their corporations are beyond adding a lot of cheap foreign material to it. I mean, look at our broke America. They put silicone in my food! Some Oriental and Spanish food shamelessly add Mono Sodium Glutamate to their food. Almost anything that ends in -mine does not belong in your plate. My Cholas: please look carefully if you buy ADOBO seasoning. The spanish version contains MSG. The randomly enlightened North American version does not. Some just sell MSG for a good brain rush.

A special side note: The picture quality is to blame on my chronologically irrelevant phone in this rapidly evolving tech timeline we live in. As a matter of fact, while I took the above picture, I lost the R key plate (that also doubles as the number 3 button). No longer can I text you that, "I'm angry, Grrrr!". No, I'm just G. Matching iPhones are in the works for Husband and me, but I fear divorce in the near future if we upgrade to such man-grabbing smartphones. I would have to make an ElenAPP to get his attention.

Some popular organic brands are available in your Wal-Mart. If you scan the rows long enough will magically appear in the back, hiding behind the pickles and the Twinkies.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="240" caption="And you thought the epitome of greatness was Peanut Butter. Bout time you experimented!"][/caption]

Please do yourself a favor and buy Gluten Free, Organic, and Environmentally Friendly Peanut Butter Panda Puffs! They carry it at many Wal-Mart! (Not in hick town though). You don't have to have Celiac's Disease to want to stuff these down your pants. Try with vanilla soymilk. If you just don't care, get Reese's Peanut Butter cereal cause they are good, said the girl with the hives.

Here's some common sense for all housewifes and home keepers, not rookies like me. Pragmatically speaking, not nutritionally, do buy the large strawberries so you don't have to keep going back. Don't stock up on bulk broccoli just because you need to eat better. Eating healthy food happens in baby steps for us Oreo-is-a-food-group eaters. It is better you overdose on strawberries than spend your monies on a ton of greens that are just gonna get up on their stalks and walk away.

If you want your kids, I mean er, Husband to eat better...you're gonnaa have to do some prep work. Chop them fruits up pretty, try to put them in a prettier bowl that the tupperware below, and pin some fiery sparklers on top of them. Handing them an apple is just laughable. Slice it, dice it, eat a piece, garnish them and serve. Arrange their cauliflower into little trees and take off the crust every once in a while on the sprouted whole grain bread. Tell them there is sugar added in the berries.

This is what a fruit massacre looks like. "It was a run-by fruiting!" Bet you don't know what I'm quoting? Husband and I bonded on that quote long ago! A million points if you know it:

I know this is obvious, but buy seasonally! Try the things you were always afraid to try and do it while they're dirt cheap. Tis the season for papaya, kiwi, and watermelons. I know this because it was on display, not because I subscribe to Southern Living. In the days of yore (not sure when yore is), people would eat what was available in the area and nearby trade. They didn't have mass exports of kiwi in the dead of winter. It makes sense that tropical people eat mangoes in the Caribbean to cool off, not in New England. This is TRUE organic eating. However, since we're a spoiled peoples, let's have our papaya and eat it too. It makes your skin glow by the next day, great anti-inflammatory, protein breaker-upper, and you'll poop like a duck. Eat. Boom! Poop.

Yes guessed it! You must scoop out the seeds, possibly peel the skin, and dismember it into cubes to remove any semblance that it was once a papaya if you wants your family to go near it. They don't do fruit roll-ups with this many vitamins and fiber.

And if you don't have that much fun in Wal-Mart after looking for little treasures and tricks, then stop by Sweetbay's Ethnic section. guaranteed fun. I spy with my eye:

In the English section. Love how it says sponge pudding.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go slurp on some cactus mucus....Bye.

Love,The Housewifee

2011-03-01T05:22:00.002-05:00

Before I proceed to the recipe and methodology of how I prepare 3 fixings in less than 10 minutes, for the woman who wears short skirts and long jackets (sweatpants and a ponytail is okay too), I have a personal news update to relate. It will not affect your recipe, only mine. And I'll be damned that I still haven't bought that sponge bat that should be a prized possession in my home.

(If you wish, scroll straight to the food!)

Just now, I had some of the ~~world renowned~~ personal favorite in my house hold, Lentils A la Housewife. They are one of husbands favorite quickies (also an excuse to assist in meat reduction from his diet. He eats healthy but it could always use some help). I've noticed this every time, although subtle: The back of my head swells. My heart races. My hands and feet turn red and puffy. I want to cry or scream. Preferably scream, but before I get labeled schizophrenic in public, I stick to imperceptible sobbing or mild ranting of anything and everything. I've been delaying the inevitable...looking up the poorly labeled spice ingredients on my Badia spice tube.

I'm know sensitive to brown rice, one of the few things freely on my you-won't-die list and which I love. I'm not sensitive to lentils. So why do I feel pain in my clavicle and ears??? I've learned to shun the potatoes, I'm really okay that I can't eat eggplant, the Tabasco has been a hit to my soul, but curry? I can't have curry??? Nooooooooooo!

This was my elven little kitchen helper, my buddy, my best friend with benefits, my go-to spice! And of course it seemed obvious if it tastes to good, something must definitely be wrong. But Denial is not a river in Egypt. I knew what I had to do. Checking online, my suspicions were evinced: the hidden little menace is red pepper. This. Changes. Everything.

Ok, now that I got the drama aside, it doesn't change much which cannot be fixed with about $6-$8. If you can't have nightshade vegetables -red pepper or paprika for this argument- for the health of your joints, neuro-health, or muscle pain, it's time to learn to make your own curry. I would prepare the spices myself with a spice grinder if I didn't prefer to budget my next gadget for a Tofu Xpress. But all it requires is a blend of the following spices:

cumin

cardamom

coriander

turmeric

dry mustard

ground ginger

garlic powder

Leave out if nightshade veggie sensitive:

paprika or cayenne powder (if you're blessed enough, or just normal)

Curry is versatile and subject to style and culture; open to an endless variety of combinations. The Badia one I currently own, delicious, costs about a dollar at any ol' grocery store. Theirs includes fennel, and all spice, which I will be testing with those as well in my new Housewife Curry. Just mix in one container and sprinkle! Here is the basic recipe I found it from, though there are many others.

Now, we can move on to my easy-as-cake, but less-icing quickie meals. This is a modified version of one my momma used to make. Specifically the lentils she made contained beef and tomato sauce. Well, I don't like masticating dead cows (personal issue) and tomato sauce is sadly out of the question. She also used those chicken cubes for seasoning, but I don't want any animals in this food. It tastes just as good, if not better. That's not a challenge to my mother, she's still the best. Now I know many might see this recipe as very easy, but I am not Wolfgang Puck and don't claim to be awesome in the kitch. My Husband is my biggest fan, but we both know that I'm still a novice and the disclaimer is on the front of this blog, learning to be a newlywed. I intend to be as chunky and buttery as Paula Dean some day, but until then, a poor, tired woman's meal will do.

Basically, I get home from work, aching, breaking, but most importantly, ravenous. On a health day, I would take out some onions and garlic, but even chopping can be an exhausting task for my hands and joints. Standing too long makes just about everything hurt, but life doesn't end at 5pm. I must eat and feed the ones I love. If he's lucky, he gets clean underwear too. Laughing. Out. Loud.

Items needed: A rice cooker, pressure cooker, and medium pot at least 5 quarts). See the rest below.

1) Take out all the spices. And Olive Oil.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption=" Onion powder, Garlic powder, Bay Leaves, Cumin, Dill Weed, Curry (homemade from now on for me)"][/caption]

Also , basic salt and pepper. For toppings you will need either Greek plain yogurt, Sour Cream, or Feta Cheese crumbles.

2) Gather all subject foods:

(Sorry about picture placement, still haven't gotten to that part in my HTML book.)

Note: Whole foods all the way. Less chemicals, toxins, cleaner, and more nourishment. There are variations of course. If Husband is in town, we get jasmin rice which is still whole and pure, just hulled. Make sure they haven't added salts, oils, or preservatives. You do that on your own. For the extremely sensitive gluten free watchers, be careful about the warnings. A trace of wheat will not do much to me, but worth a caution. Last but not least, if you struggle getting your brown rice to come out soft and fluffly, buy organic. big different in softness.

3) Rinse all in respective cooking containers. Refill with water (according to likeness or package label):

Rice in rice cooker (Must have!) (For brown rice 2 cups of water per 1 of rice)

Lentils in pot (Should already.) (About 6 or 7 cups of water)

Black beans in pressure cooker. (If you don't have a pressure cooker, cook in much larger pot and make sure you soaked them overnight. Follow package instructions because I'm doing the pressure cooker method here.) (7 or 8 of water)

4) Prep

Rice: Throw in salt to taste and a half of teaspoon of oil

Lentils: To taste: Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder for easy version. Add all other spices mentioned above for a party in your mouth. About two bay leaves. HOLD THE DILL WEED. Go Crazy on the Curry. The others, about one tablespoon.

Black beans: To taste - Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder. Lots of onion and garlic.

5) Light it on fire!

Rice: about 30 minutes, depending on how many cups you made

Lentils: Bring to boil, and then down to a strong simmer for 45 mins.

Black beans: Bring to a boil or when the pressure majigger is toppling about, and bring to medium heat for 30-45 mins. (This varies on the cooker you have, check instructions)

6) Sit down and catch up on a book or watch The Simpsons if that's the only decent thing to watch on antenna.

Please listen to the music while you're holding.

7) Serve!

Rice in bowl, dump on plenty of dill weed. Pour the lentils on top. Add one tablespoon of plain greek yogurt (Mom would used sour cream), or drizzle Feta Cheese (I use Athenos which is not real feta, be that know to ye). Scramble and enjoy all the protein you need to get you by. A spicy/cool dish. Voila! Mangia! Eat it!

8 ) Oh yea, the black beans are for tomorrow. Eat it with leftover brown rice and butternut squash,(another throw in the oven and leave gem) , scrambled eggs and an avocado, tortilla wraps and quick and easy ground organic turkey that doesn't taste as dead as processed dead turkey; make sure cheese is involved if you're not a vegan or have the butt bursts.

You can take half of that amount and put in the Magic Bullet or Blender, then some oil in a pan and heat them up to a boil. You got refried beans that are muy rico.

Lentils and Coconut Rice

Here is the recipe without the beans included, and a very special feature to change it up (still easy), Coconut Rice! Also, is the version if you have enough chopping energy for full flavor. Nummy, Nummy!

A) LENTILS

1) 1 cup of Lentils

2) Onion powder or 1/2 and onion (no need to dice)

3) Garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves (no need to dice)

4) Salt to taste

The rest of the spices and ingredients are optional, but awesome all together. Add your own if you like:

SPICES (All to taste)

5) Curry - Heap it on

6) Bay leaves - 2 or 3 leaves

7) Cumin

8 ) Dill Weed (dry)

TOPPINGS (either or)

9) Feta Cheese

10) Greek Plain Low or Nonfat Yogurt

Rinse lentils. Follow the water:lentil ratio on the bag. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 45 minutes. That's it.

B) COCONUT RICE

2 cups jasmine rice

1 can unsweetened coconut milk

1 cup water

salt to taste

I make the rice with a rice cooker and go according to the usual directions. It takes about 20 minutes. If you don’t have a rice cooker, go buy one! I use mine about 3 times a week.

C) PREPARATION

Serve desired amount of rice. Sprinkle the rice with a ton of dill weed. Pour desired amount of lentils over it. Add a heaping tablespoon of either feta cheese of Greek yogurt. Mix and ready to serve. All protein and carb requirements are made.

Set up the lentils first for time-length purposes, then the rice and sit back.

There it is ladies and gentlemen...an easy Monday recipe that would make felon Martha Stewart and psycho Rachel Ray say Mmm..now thats good, and Yumm-o! No chopping required, about 8 minutes or less of prep time, and foods that'll help the week get started and leave plenty of leftovers.

I know I said I'm gonna stop promising things, but there a tortilla tutorial coming in the near future. I just won't promise when. We eat too much bread. I... can't eat bread that doesn't taste like paste. So it's time to change it up. White Boys go crazy for these.

National Peanut Butter Lover's Day- PB & CO Release

2011-02-28T21:35:00.002-05:00

I promised the nice people at PB&CO to share this Press Release and event with you. Don't we wish we lived in New York right about now. I'd take the day off:

For Immediate Release

Contact: David Kirschenbaum (212) 757-3130 ext. 112

David.kirschenbaum@ilovepeanutbutter.com

Art Museum Dedicated to Peanut Butter Sandwiches Opens in NYC

Peanut Butter &Co. and National Peanut Board present The Nutropolitan Museum of Art
(New York, NY) – Peanut Butter & Co. – experts in the art of the peanut butter sandwich – once again brings the classic snack to new heights by launching The Nutropolitan Museum of Art, a pop-up art gallery completely devoted to America’s favorite sandwich, the PB&J!

Working with acclaimed food photographer Theresa Raffetto and noted food stylist Patty White, Peanut Butter & Co. Founder and President Lee Zalben aka “The Peanut Butter Guy,” created 365 exciting new takes on the PB&J. The images will be featured on the Company’s Tumblr blog www.Nutropolitan.com. A selection of the photos will be exhibited at The Nutropolitan’s pop-up gallery at Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry Street, who is also a sponsor of the event. Prints of the photos will be available for purchase with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the Food Bank For New York City.

The exhibit will be open to the public for three days only: Friday, March 4, 2011 (10am-6pm), Saturday, March 5, 2011 (10am-6pm), and Sunday, March 6, 2011 (10am-4pm). Each family that attends will receive a free jar of Peanut Butter & Co. peanut butter and a second jar will be donated to the Food Bank For New York City in their honor. “Just by visiting the gallery, you’re making a donation.”

The pop-up gallery is being presented in partnership with National Peanut Board (NPB), whose new Energy for the Good Life subway ad campaign kicks off in March. A selection of the striking and informative ads will be on display throughout the gallery. NPB’s annual ad campaign blankets the subways of New York City every March with tongue and cheek facts about peanuts, which delight New Yorkers each year. This year the campaign has evolved to focus more on the health and nutrition benefits of peanuts and peanut butter, some of which may be surprising to consumers. Peanuts have more energy-boosting protein than any other nut, more antioxidants than broccoli carrots or green tea, and are a nutrient-rich Superfood, with 30 vitamins and nutrients.

On Thursday, March 3, members of the media are invited to preview the exhibition and taste a selection of peanutty hors d’oeuvres and cocktails prepared by some of New York’s top chefs

On Friday, March 4, the exhibit opens to the public. Invited guests from the health & fitness communities will attend seminars hosted by registered dietitian Deanna Segrave-Daly RD, LDN.

On Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, visitors will be able to make their own art in the PB&J art studio for kids and peanut enthusiasts will be able to meet some of the hard working farmers that grow America’s favorite nut. On Saturday, from 11am to 4pm Van Leuwen Ice Cream truck will operate from in front of the gallery and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm the Treats Truck will do the same. Both trucks will offer specials on their peanut buttery treats!

About Peanut Butter & Co.

Peanut Butter & Co.’s ten varieties of all-natural peanut butter – Smooth Operator, Crunch Time, Cinnamon Raisin Swirl, White Chocolate Wonderful, Dark Chocolate Dreams, The Heat Is On, Mighty Maple, The Bee’s Knees, Old Fashioned Smooth and Old Fashioned Crunchy – are made from a special blend of USA-grown peanuts chosen for their taste, texture and natural sweetness. Peanut Butter & Co. peanut butter contains no cholesterol, no trans-fats, no partially hydrogenated oils, and no high fructose corn syrup. They are also dairy-free and gluten-free.

Peanut Butter & Co.’s line of all-natural, gourmet peanut butter is available in over 10,000 supermarkets and specialty retailers including Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, and Walmart. The Company’s products are also available in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Asia. Peanut Butter & Co. began in 1998 as a cozy little Sandwich Shop in New York City serving nothing peanut butter sandwiches, desserts, and smoothies, among other peanut buttery treats, and was the inspiration for The Peanut Butter & Co. Cookbook (Quirk Books), now in its third printing. For recipes, store locations and more visit ilovepeanutbutter.com

About the National Peanut Board

The National Peanut Board represents all USA peanut farming families. Through research and marketing initiatives the Board is finding new ways to enhance peanut farming and sustainability and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts. For more information, visit nationalpeanutboard.org

About the Food Bank For New York City

Food Bank For New York City recognizes 28 years as the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs. As the city’s hub for integrated food poverty assistance, the Food Bank tackles the hunger issue on three fronts — food distribution, income support and nutrition education — all strategically guided by its research. Through its network of approximately 1,000 community-based member programs citywide, the Food Bank helps provide 400,000 free meals a day for New Yorkers in need. The Food Bank’s hands-on nutrition education program in the public schools reaches thousands of children, teens and adults. Income support services including food stamps, free tax assistance for the working poor and the Earned Income Tax Credit put millions of dollars back in the pockets of low-income New Yorkers, helping them to achieve greater dignity and independence. Learn how you can help at foodbanknyc.org.

About Openhouse Gallery

Openhouse is an all-white, 4,500 square-foot retail gallery with an exceptional retail storefront, drive-in access, 16’ ceilings and five massive skylights. Located on Mulberry Street in the heart of trendsetting NoLita, Openhouse is the choice downtown location for cocktail parties, art exhibitions, car showrooms, product launches, editor preview events, film/print/commercial shoots, fashion shows, sample sales, and pop-up retail concepts. Since its inception in September 2007, Openhouse has hosted such clientele as Clinique, Converse, Diesel, Delta airlines, and Piaget Watches, among others. Openhouse provides in-house event production, branding, marketing, advertising, pr and print/design services, and has curated events like '201 Mulberry' - Quiksilver's skate ramp pop up, 'PlayBeautiful' - the 2010 World Cup Experience, and 'Park Here' - an indoor pop up park.

www.ilovepeanutbutter.com

Goodbye, Sally Cellulite!

2011-02-27T18:39:00.002-05:00

Here's the post I've been promising about Sally Cellulite. I've got to stop promising posts. Short attention span. Anyway, Cellulite: A woman's nemesis. This is a living testament how to get them legs and boo-tay from old lady hams to yoga sticks.

The reverse happened with me. I got rid of them, and only then did I research how the heck I unintentionally came to love my legs. I did not see this coming. Actually, it was a frustrating point even at the height of my fitness days. I would run 6 miles and kill it with the lunges. I had rock hard quads, sculpted hams and firm thighs, but still puzzling was why after getting rid of so much fat in that are I still has cellulite with a personality of its own, not severe, but enough to NOT justify all the blood and sweat. I wasn't so much embarrassed by it as annoyed. Even though I was constantly improving my body through exercise, I had already embraced all the flaws and the part of ourselves women always find to loathe and criticize. What really put my panties in a bunch was that all the work I did, and no success in that area. (Years later, the light bulb will turn on about how burning calories and eating a large extra cheese pizza with coke every week is very counterproductive in other no-duh areas.)

So, as I've mentioned, while reading about Nopal and after taking it for less than a week I came across articles that explained how a liver not properly cleaning toxins contributed to cellulite. I stopped in my tracks, marched to the bathroom and yanked down my pants. Like butter, baby! Another part of the recent chronicles is how I'm fully committed to a thorough detox, via bio-energetic screening. Although I'm trying to halt an annoying disease in its tracks, a significant role for quality of life is to find the root of the disease and reverse the damage that has been done. Yes, we have the divine ability to clear out disease. Just because we don't know how to always do it, doesn't mean it's not out there. Cellulite is the effect, so what is the root?

I started putting it all together and here are the things I've been doing in the last three months that whipped my legs into shorts-worthy condition?

1) LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE SUPPLEMENT - In the detox, I'm taking a specific tonic called Drainage. The following article clearly denotes that a poor lymphatic drainage, along with bad circulation, can trap the toxins: http://www.cellulite-exercises.com/Cellulite-and-Bad-Diet-Toxins.php

2) NATURAL LYMPHATIC STIMULATION - I haven't been sweating my tush off at the gym, but I do workouts that specifically stimulate the lymphatic system, circulation, and stretch the connective fibers from all major points : See Lovely Lady Lumps for Classical Stretch. Note: I don't even do it every day as a healthier person is capable of. (For those who rot in an office chair all week (me!), or sleep in a bed from Hades (also me), your circulation needs a hand. Exercise and/or massage.

3) DIET - While I'm knee-deep in detoxification I have been forced -gratefully- into an extremely clean and natural diet. So, while getting rid of the old toxins and not reintroducing new ones, all the yucky muck has been gradually scrubbing it out and not accumulating new junk. It's not completely 100% avoidable, but let's say 90% of my habits have been house-flipped.

What toxin exposure I've removed:

over the counter and pharmaceutical medications (used extremely sparingly)

processed foods, i.e. refined breads and sugars, preservatives

artificial additives (including sweeteners like Splenda and Truvia...It contains a form of ethanol...I know!),

color dyes

most cosmetics and toiletries with strange and unpronounceable names

chemical cleaning products

unclean waters via kitchen faucet and shower filters

drinks: alcohol, coffee, and caffeine

Basically, it's really hard to get so clean overnight unless you've had it with thunder thighs (which like I said, I had come to embrace), or are becoming aware of unknown dangers in recent times, or like me, have absolutely no choice. It takes dedication, patience, and sometimes, a bit of el cash-o. It's better to go gradual if you know you'll just hang it up in 2 weeks, especially if you got a million things going on.

POST EDIT: I DON'T RECKON YOU WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE EVERY SINGLE TOXIN FROM YOUR LIFE. BUT I'M GUESSING THE OBVIOUS ONES WOULD HELP REDUCE THE PROBLEM, SUCH AS DRINKING COFFEE EVERYTHING AND EATING A CLEANER DIET. YOU MAY NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO TOSS EVERYTHING YOU OWN. IF YOU ARE A RELATIVELY HEALTHY PERSON, A FEW CHANGES MIGHT BE ENOUGH. THESE ARE JUST CHANGES I MADE; DON'T KNOW WHICH ONE OR WHICH COMBINATION DID THE TRICK.

Additional helping habits undertaken: Drinking close to a gallon of water a day to flush more crap. Eating vegetables that helps clean toxins.

4) LIVER: The detox, and now the Nopal, are helping me clean out the liver. Whatever traces are left (and there is some, especially on the right leg which incidentally, the right side of my body has always been extremely stubborn..coincidence?), I'll be making sure the liver is working at its maximum to cure the inevitable inhaled or ingested toxins that now have hope of being destroyed or detained.

5) HORMONES: the last token I found in my research of how I an serendipitously controlling cellulite. This one is a hard one for all women living in a toxic world. Even our facial moisturizer can have chemicals that mimic estrogen and unwittingly create imbalance in us. The only reason I'm hormonally balanced (or at least closer than I used to be), is mostly discovering what foods and medications were throwing off my adrenal glands (where stress and hormones are managed), and a hormone spray from the holistic medication in the balancing detox protocol. It doesn't mean I'm not prone to some mood swings and crying, but let's just say I don't throw things at the wall as often. Thoughts, actions, and mildness are usually stable.

Wrapping-It-Up: It seems the only hereditary thing about cottage cheese is that our mommas' livers also did not have an optimum metabolism and lymphatic system, not that they doom us to central and localized toxic fats for all of eternity. It does not mean a lack of health overall, it just means some tweaking could be implemented in our lifestyles. If we take to listening to our bodies, it's basically telling us less french fries and more green beans. Now that we know where the culprit lies, we can start trying to fix it. Even thin girls can have dimply legs; and it's probably the one who can eat burgers and don't gain a pound.

Those are the secret nuggets I claim to have universal privy to. But I don't. It seems really easy for five simple steps to fix a life-long problem. My theory is just that it's not common knowledge and not a lot of people in certain clusters are on the clean diet bandwagon. It's pickin up speed I tell you. Note: for more severe cases, it might not be so easily reversible, according to links included in the post.

Disclaimer: This is not professional advice and does not intend to impose a change of lifestyle or imply that those who are not following a clean diet are unhealthy. This is a reach out to those who are looking for theories, methods, and ideas, to try and improve a specific aspect of their current habits or health regimen. My intention is to be humbly share my experience, not to be all high-and-mighty because I eat brown rice and organic cereal. I'm just a schmuck trying to feel better.

Some articles for your enlightenment:

Cellulite and the Connection to The Liver and Lymph System « Essential Oils… more than basic Aromatherapy.

Reduce Cellulite by Reducing Toxins (Oh yes, Celery is mentioned)

Lumps made of fat and toxins (A lovely testament that women have it rougher than men.)

2011-02-25T05:20:00.002-05:00

I'm staying home from work today. I feel like P. Diddy. I brused my teeth with a bottle of Jack. So long as I'm going to be drunk in the mornings, I might as well take up drinking, eh? Alcohol will kill whatever I got.

My head and eyes are swollen and my brain can only be described as having some activity on the seismic scale. When I walk it feels like my body parts are not communicating with each other. I'm going back to sleep after breaking my fast and watching Dr. Oz (which is not my cup of tea). I swear I'm going to lose all the Oprah and Oz fans if I come clean on my view of them. I kid, Oz isn't so bad... Oprah is.

Usually, I scramble and search for the point in time where I went wrong to set off severe symptoms. I'm trying to learn not to blame myself for something I did, I ate, I took, and later ended up knocked down. I can't prevent from causing every single flare no matter how much money I spend on organic food, how many pee-tasting potions I drink, or how much I deny my cats hugs and kisses (mildly allergic). Buuut I'm stubborn and still chastise myself when I 'think' I know what I did. Still beating my self up for the Vicodin I took yesterday.

My husband knows more about painkillers and medicines than half the doctors that are getting shut down in Florida do. He warned me and was adorably vigilant in the way I took them. I took them as needed, and only half. But after taking them awhile, their effectiveness wears off and the moods begin to wobble. I was desperate yesterday. I've read that Lupsters end up paying hard if they don't manage stress and sleep like handling a Faberge egg. I haven't slept well in 3 days (out of discomfort and/or missing my 'body pillow'), was in pain, and tried to re-do the spare room without help, but I knew I had to make it to work today. Mmm hmm. Not gonna happen. Being knocked out by the pill sure lessened the morning pain, I woke up okay in that department. But I woke up sad and crying. For no reason. Watching Dr. Oz here on the screen, he would say that my dreams were subconsciously telling me there is something wrong in my life. Ya think? But he would need to be given the proper intel: narcs change your brain chemistry, Doc. Simple.

Once I called in sick, after much deliberation and harassing my sister via text and leaving Husband messages for when he wakes up in Miami about how I wanna make that money to get a food processor and need to be at work and the world was going to fall apart if I didn't go assist administratively, it was like I finally had that cosmo and I relaxed. My body is tired and stressed. And for someone who has an inflammation and an oxidative stress disease, I'm attending my full-time job way too much.

I continue beating myself up and telling myself I need to save my time off for the chiropractor, for the rheumy doc, and maybe indulge the idea that I can take a real vacation day soon. Trying to reason with yourself when your brain ironically would rather sing Ke$ha songs to protect you from hurting yourself... is not a good idea. Take that dollar-sign from the universe and stay home. Don't I always say pay attention to your body? I'm the first to admit I that taking your own advice is harder than pooping with someone standing outside the door.

The benefit of today: I had a real breakfast. I ditched Quaker for a new man, Bob's Red Mill Rolled Oats that all these hippies are talking about. Quaker has never claimed to be gluten-free and there's risk of cross-contamination. And yes, they we're much fresher tasting and yummier than the processed ones. Soymilk, a monkey-sized banana, blueberries, and quarter-sized dollop of peanut butter.

So, here's what I was working on writing last night before my brain started to party in its skull:

This draft was supposed to be an I CANT HAVE PIZZA rant. By the time I'm ready to post it, the winds of food have changed. Brownies are too sweet, fast food seems so plastic-y, and I put the ice cream right back in the freezer after having two sorry spoonfuls. I don't even know who I am anymore, but I'm crushing on this new mysterious stranger. This detox may kick my a$$ energy0wise, but the progression is noted. I feel cleaner. My appetite is not dangerous anymore, I'm desire healthier things, I don't want to kill people who eat a slice in front of me. Well, yes. I still do. But I didn't know I had accepted my situation until today (that was yesterday). Three recent things have happened:

Number 1: I walked into a Taco Bell and didn't long for the gastric caress of a grilled stuff burrito (I went to get tickets to Nuclear Cowboyz, not a Chalupa). The smell of crumbled mystery meat simmering in grizzle didn't appeal to me. I stopped to identify what was the longing sensation I was feeling: It was the emotional connection of being stuffed and indulged once I've gobbled the burrito without ever tasting it. It was the immediate satisfaction. Two weeks ago, I would've caved and ate it in front of my cats making them promise not to tell my husband.

Number 2: For lunch I found myself eating an apple, a handful of blueberries, roasted edamame, hummus, and celery sticks, and felt very satisfied and proud.

Number 3: I found this website http://hungryhungryhippie.com/. Please also see the Favourite Links page for the other website I added as well. My life is about to change. Now I'm sure this great lady doesn't want to be put on a pedestal and I won't, but I find her fantastic. With so many diet restrictions, I haven't found a flexible, easy diet (because I get fatigued too fast when I make complicated and long meals) that makes palatable sense to me other than a macro diet, and the answer to that is: yea right! I'm hungry and always will be. Her diet matches my diet. It's interesting, versatile, and crunchy. I have been perusing (that word is so pretentious for wannabe writers) her website for two days now and couldn't wait for the weekend to start trying some of her ideas.

For dinner I had leftover brown rice, threw a butternut squash in the oven, and mashed half a little hass avocado all folded in with the rice like sour cream. And oh.my.god! Food-gasm! First I've had in a long time since I've been banned from what-we-consider regular food. I made yummy noises that I shouldn't be making when Husband is out of town. Chelios and Mishka were terrified.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="It's a celly pic, so pardon the quality. "][/caption]

Detox process is in full gear. I am not craving crap anymore. Or veggies that kick me around. I'm not lactose intolerant but out of my own free will, I kicked the dairy habit. Cheese naturally produces morphine and opiates after all; why do you think we GOTTA HAVE it on everything?

More mini updates:

I've had to drop the green tea. Too twitchy, even though on low caffeine. Slso acidity rate was becoming obvious, tummy burns. It helped with inflammation immensely though, so that sucks. Sticking to ginger tea and might try Turmeric tea.

That celery juice...added pure aloe vera, cinnamon and ginger to the blender. Bellisimo!

I now need a tofu press and a more fierce and bigger food processor that'll whip foods hiney, literally and figuratively. Eating completely different requires change in thinking, budgeting, and accessories. I wish it required a new wardrobe too.

So, I've had friends offer to cook for me only to find out that they have no idea what to make, even if they're willing to change up their menu. Another conundrum was the first time I rattled off the list of things I couldn't eat to my sister so she can cook for me when I visit her back home. She waited for me to shut my gluten-free no-pie hole and rightfully asked: "Well, what CAN you eat?". (Also coming to posts near you)

Here is an example of my green-light foods, I'm on a rotating diet of (all foods must be organic or at least whole, artificial,dye, and preservative free)

Lentils (mine and Husband's fav)

Brown Rice

Jasmine rice

Black Beans

Eggs (I'm doing Egglands best, but intend to switch to organic, range-free, from the farms where they don't kill the irrelevant male chicks :( )

Tortillas (Salvadorian style)

Salmon

Non-spicy spices

All herbs

Corn Cereal

Rice Crackers

Rice Cake

Hummus

Peanut Butter

Almond butter

Apples

All kinds of berries

Bananas

Avocado

Asparagus

Broccoli (I don't care for cooking broccoli. Stinks.)

Watermelon

Celery

Carrot (sticks)

Cucumber

Onion

Soups w/o strong spices

Occasional Grass fed turkey or chicken (hardly ever, don't care for the taste of dead animals)

Occasional Greek non-fat yogurt or white cheeses

Just added to my list:

Butternut squash... where have you been all my life?

It sounds boring to someone accustomed to a different diet, but I'm not bored by it. I love it. And when you can't just go out and pick up a burger, you get really creative mixing and matching. Recipes and pictures will write themselves eventually. This week has sucked for energy and activity so when I feel whole again, I'll share how I've been managing to cook lately.

(Drastic conclusion cut-off.)

Inheriting Aztec Healing Secrets - (the Nopal)

2011-02-24T04:58:00.002-05:00

My ancestry traces back to the Aztecs and I always thought one day I would inherit a place on the throne as a Central American princess or get the title to a private Maya or something; maybe in 2012 where the universe's consciousness shifts. Considering that I went U.S.A. all the way, I strayed from my roots. Now that I have chronic issues everyday, I'm going back to my roots. Tortillas, beans, and cactus are saving my life.

In-Juns

When we think of the Aztecs we tend envision a great ephemeral civilization of wild, savage, barbaric, Indians with crazy human rituals. We know little about them as a thriving people. What we do know we have picked up on what schoolbooks and movies present to us. Well, as usual, history has been flubbed and made to be perceived a certain way and the truth is coming out. This wonderful book 1941 New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus is providing a developing accurate account of who the natives in this new world were and how advanced they really lived. Not just South America, but the ones here in North America. Read some true stories of Pocahontas, John Smith, and Squanto. Recommended reading.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus"][/caption]

The reason I bring this up is because they, and many other desert dwelling natives, had an understanding of nature and its relationship with humans. They ate a balanced diet from agricultural farms they rose up, they healed the sick and lived active, intelligent lives. Many South American countries still practice some of the secrets (secrets to us anyway) and they have been using Nopal for centuries.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="288" caption="The Spanish call it tuna."][/caption]

Cactus Medicine, Cactus Juice, Cactus Huevos, Cactus Shish-kabob

A large population is getting fed up with pharmaceutical side effects and are delving into ancient healing methods. Enter this cactus plant, Nopal. You can't hit up the internet for a search without some recent boomer marketing operation promoting the desert cactus and it's "prickly-pear" fruit juice. However, the real Americans have been using them in their diet for a long time now. I wasn't kidding that they eat it with eggs or grill it like a steak. Sans spikes.

It is ripe with healing benefits. Loaded with vitamins and minerals. It's a natural detoxifier. It's a superfood, the buzzword of the year. Like I've mentioned before, America has deviated from attending to the maintenance of important organs such as the liver, spleen, or gallbladder. We need to keep these functioning at optimum levels to cleanse our body from the toxins we ingest. Medicines and processed foods are wreaking havoc on our liver, causing us to have multiple mysterious symptoms. And we think to ourselves, oh we just need a vitamin, I need to sleep more or the next fad supplement, and we'll get over it. Unless something tragically breaks down, we have not been trained to infer, "We need to make sure our organs are doing their jobs because this symptom is an indication that something needs our attention."

The liver is where our toxins are cleaned. Where there is toxin overload, which could be anything from alcohol, sugar, medications, etc., we begin to feel drowsy, forgetful, foods make us feel heavy, bad breath, muscle soreness, acne or skin breakouts, belly fat, the list goes on. The liver is overworked and can even swell up from working over time.

And here is why I'm writing about Nopal. A friend of mine, also chronically ill since her teen years, once had her gallbladder explode and leak its toxin content into her entire bloodstream. Imagine having all the by-products and dirty compounds your body stores for elimination floating around in your heart, head, brain, skin. Enough said. In the hospital, her liver was shutting down from trying to handle the overload. The doctor was setting her up for a transplant. A family-friend, Peruan, told her about Nopal. Prepared it for her. Forced her to eat the slimy plant. Three weeks later, the doctor was baffled that her liver was almost at normal functioning again. No transplant needed.

I'm personally in need of detoxification to reverse my autoimmune from attacking my beloved body parts. My body is in toxic overload. I would also say I need to assist my body in further detoxification, not just the currently accumulated junk. I'm doing a holistic detox, but diet is also a huge factor in short-term and long-term success. As we speak, I'm also experimenting with America's indigenous and ancient plant to see if my symptoms get some relief.

But Wait...There's More!!

I'm sure you want to hear more about the belly fat. This is an inexpensive, and kind of yucky but effective way, to slim down. It absorbs sugars and carbohydrates, regulating the glycemic levels when reacting to insulin. Yup, it is used to control diabetes and deal with excess fats and glucose. Does it really help? It's already helped me in digestive aid and inflammation in that frontal area where all the main organs hang out. So a fortified si!

So far, less tummy aches, digestive issues, clearer and softer and more vibrant skin, less phlegm/mucus in throat and sinuses (which needs to be controlled for those of you that suffer this chronically, it means you might have a candida or fungal overgrowth), regularity (I could have made this graphic but I won't. However, many with Lupus have this issue.), better metabolism, less tires around my waist.

There is also a little topic called CELLULITE, that I'm careful to say has not been cured by this, buuuutt it has a strong connection to cottage-cheese legs and dimply butts. Nopal did not get rid of my cellulite, but something in the recent months has smoothed out my legs and thighs like a baby's bottom. It happened while I wasn't looking. Hell, I wasn't even doing lunges. Last thing I cared about was sporting short shorts if I could barely tolerate my aching knees. An article about Nopal brought out an interesting relation between cellulite and that thing I'm not telling you about just yet. This is how I'll keep you coming back to my site. CLIFFHANGER!!!

In a few posts, I will talk about how this stuff comes to be a torment to most women and how it can go away. I used to think it was impossible and solely genetic. There is hope! For now, start looking up your nearing Latin or Mexican supermarket.

Painless Ways to Eat a Cactus

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="188" caption="Licuado de Nopal - If you're also a Mexican food lover, check this delicious website out. From the Muy Bueno Cookbook"][/caption]

The link above shows an easy and painless way to make a smoothie and shares a quickie account about the author's friend with beautiful skin and thin frame.

The way I started taking this before I researched information is very raw and caveman like. I just scrape off the plant's defensive spines with a paring knife...carefully, cut out the edged lining, drop in the magic bullet, and started taking 2 tablespoons 3 times a day. My mom actually told me this is how a Spanish friend of her takes it, one who has nursed herself to health naturally.

The easiest way is to buy it in pill, powder, or juice form. To get the full benefits I prefer the plant in its natural state.

The taste is bitter and strong, not gross. It's a powerful vegetable like taste; like an onion trying to overthrow all the other veggies. The texture is horrible. Gooey and slimy like oysters. But it's over in 2 seconds. I haven't tried the recipe above but something tells me that it is more pleasant than my method. I thought I would never be able to swallow it down, but I'm not scared anymore.

Up to date, there is no better superfood that I have found, as strange and alien as it might be, it's worth expanding our minds and letting another culture get their say in modern times. Let's use it.

General Info about Nopal and Prickly Pear:

http://www.gardenguides.com/78690-benefits-nopal-cactus.html

http://www.seacoast.com/topic.php?health=nopal+cactus

http://www.zimbio.com/Health+and+Nutrition/articles/jWDdABIq0LJ/Nopal+Cactus+Health+benefits+Nopal+Cactus

http://www.desertbloom.net/Benefits.aspx (The best link if you only choose one)

http://www.desertbloom.net/whatis.aspx Testimonials

So Frickin Cute I Could Die! Yes, I'm Talking About PB.

2011-02-22T11:57:00.002-05:00

As adamantly opposed as I am to the shameless packaged marketing for portion-control foodstuffs -as if we humans are too useless to figure out that we have enough brain matter and will power to learn how to measure a serving size- I surmise there is usually an exception to everything. And I found it:

I've said it before and I'll say it again, " Peanut butter is a pure manifestation that God loves us."

And the fact that someone added chocolate to it is amazing-a! It would've been more economical for me to just buy a jar of Dark Chocolate Dreams, but why bring the temptation home to eat it straight from a spoon, when the little teensy weensy package is so much frickin cuter!

Oh yes my friends, this is all natural healthy peanut butter. No high corn fructose syrup or preservatives. It's obviously not a whole food, for it has added and mixed ingredients for the lovely combinations. And yes, I'm still sticking to the no-unnecessary-sugars promise, but I used the Smooth Operator which at 7 grams per serving, you are still within normal ranges of the glycemic index; no insulin spikes. This is perfect for the times when treats are on the table.

I've gotten to love my pure peanut butter churned right in front of your eyes at Whole Foods (the one that looks like baby diarrhea but tastes like chewy clouds), but to find a dreamy nom-nom mixed in with another all-time favorite yum-yum is like hitting jackpot.

It's labeled gluten-free. Why, you ask? Isn't it obvious? Many unsuspecting jarred, pre-packaged, or canned foods, are secretly laced with wheat fillers like modified food starch. So even something as simple as PB in a jar can sometimes be a risk for those on the watch for gluten. For the longest time, I couldn't for the life of me figure out why eating tuna from the pouch (switched from can) would still numb the right side of my face (not a pretty picture, but morbidly hilarious). A stamp of GF insurance saves a lot of tummy aches and more serious symptoms.

More PB LOVE

More awesomeness continues. There is a whole restaurant and store dedicated to this healthy (in moderation) food. It's in New York, branded the Peanut Butter & Co. How amazing would it be to order a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a glass of milk at a restaurant? And not from the kids' menu! I insist you click this: http://ilovepeanutbutter.com/. I bet you peed on yourself a little too, huh?

I actually knew about this a few years ago when the cost of the jar was $5, but because of the price I had forgotten about it. Due to its popularity and the magical workings of supply and demand, the price has gone down some if you buy it in major retailers. Walmart had it for $3.46 a jar. Not sure if Whole Foods carries it but I think I've seen it.

Note: I interject to sadly admit I dislike patronizing Walmart with a passion. Though I know their peanut butter comes from a humane work place, I know that 4 year old Chinese and Salvadorian little fingers are manufacturing the t-shirts and shoes in a sweatshop. I'm nor a protester or activist, but I think this problem is currently out of our hands. It's bigger than the average and/or unaware citizen living from paycheck-to-paycheck.

Let's see if we can move on...PB flavors.

Smooth Operator

Crunch Time

Cinnamon Raisin Swirl

The Heat is On (Spicy! How cool is that? Not that I can have spicy. Insert sad emoticon here.)

White Wonderful Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Dreams

The Bee's Knees (with Honey)

Might Maple

Old Fashioned Smooth

Old Fashioned Crunchy

And isn't it ridiculous that you give the gift of Peanut Butter?

: click to see Gift Assortments

Can you tell I love peanut butter (In moderation, I repeat. Sort of.)? I swear I can smell it. If after my detox I find that I can eat whole wheat bread and pectins again, one of the first things I'll have is a good ol PB&J.

P.S. I can't even think of going here. But you can:

2011-02-22T04:02:00.002-05:00

This blog seems to have creeped into health topics more than actual housewifing. My inflammation levels lately are not allowing for too many ambitious projects (to my dismay), but there are projects in the works.

Matter of fact, before Husband is off again to save Florida, last night we made an executive decision to start fixing up our 'fun' room. I insisted I build the medium bookcase from Walmart to start fixing up the spare room (which has been accumulating clutter for a year now, but lacking in the organizational items department). It's a plain 'ol Mickey Mouse piece of furniture, but my collection of books and such have been sadly awaiting display from the dusty cardboard boxes they were originally moved in. Newlyweds had to choose their next piece of furniture carefully if you need a new mattress, so we settled for a makeshift piece of wood. We have pieces of art musical instruments that are serving as shelves and laundry baskets that the cats have claimed possession of.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="210" caption="Yes, Husband actually bought me one of these! And I love it."][/caption]

While he's gone this week, my mission is to start purging any rat-pack items that are taking up space. You know, the little pieces of junk that had sentimental value at the time you saved it, and later can't figure out why in the name of Chelsea Clinton you thought it was special. Pre-marital apparel that is irrelevant. Correspondence that was too miscellaneous to file and somehow important enough to be saved. Doo-hickeys ordered from the wedding registry that can only be explained by the drunken power of the shopping gun (pre-vow hysteria). His valuable collection comics and action figurines. An iron. Ha, what is ironing?

I will do it as time and health allows, for there are many other things to keep up, such as the cooked meals from scratch I must prepare (no convenient food for this delicate flower, not even sandwiches), the boring laundry, the messy cats, the personal maintenance, the minuscule chores that add up to tidy house. Actually, so long as my health is on hold, Husband made the suggestion that maybe we ought to hire a maid to help out every once in a while. So this is love.

ON BEING OLD FASHIONED

Please understand, it is not my desire to hand over my duties to another woman. I am Spanish and its in my blood to clean and cook for my man. No illness can take that away from me. But unlike many of the Spanish, I'm not prideful down to the core. To have a clean and organized home is more important than pretending I can work full-time, deal with 24hr pain and exhaustion, maintain a sane identity, and still wear a genuine smile for when my guy comes back from toiling under the sun. Many women are overworked, overstressed, and neglecting themselves, by having to take on multiple roles. They manage it well and deserve praise, but they do not deserve the wear and tear that comes with it. These are the times we live in and we must find ways to adapt. I'd rather scrub my own toilets and afford a new dress rather than have a Maria do it (Oh, don't be so sensitive. My mother was a maid for the wealthy in NY and her name is Maria), but we'll have to have reallocate some monies if and when this is will come into effect. I appreciate His perceptiveness in the matter and that he offered it before it even occurred to me. It don't think it will be more than once or twice a month, but now I know I have the option with Husband having made it clear he understands that this one is out of my hands.

That being said, I am old-fashioned enough to believe the woman's place is in the house or societal matters. Power to stay-at-home moms and a certified housewives. This is the way nature intended it. The men go away to hunt, the woman nests, gathers, and takes care of the children/cats. When the man comes home depleted and ready to regenerate, the woman is not cranky because she just got home from dealing with idiocy in the workplace, she is not losing her head from scrambling to make a pre-packaged dinner for the man, she is not to tired for bedroom-duty at nighttime, she has time to look nice for her man so he does not have to think of his wife as the wispy-haired, spoon-waving, sauce-covered-t-shirt, rambling madwoman that this society has made of women! (Note: I know there are women out there who handle this with grace, I don't imply to total population of working women are at tipping point. However, to those keeping up appearances, make sure your chi is not fried internally).

My point is that the stress levels are imbalanced because man has to help woman do chores and help with the kids' homework when he should come home to relax after breaking his back all day. Woman should have time to spend time raising and watching the younguns at playtime. We should be balanced people because we are given the mental and physical capacity of carrying our family-roles adequately.

This is not just my personal opinion...if you're curious as to why couples are constantly butting heads even in loving marriages, check out this shiny jewel. I've been reading about human and marital relationships since I was 19 and this one by far has rocked my world the most. The science involved in balancing stress hormones and the way nature intended men and women to relate and compliment each other is mind-bending:

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Many couples believe that they must sacrifice themselves and their needs in order to please their partner. But this attitude needs to be adjusted. Yes, compromise is required of every relationship – but you don’t make these changes and give up on yourself in the process. The art is in finding fair and reasonable compromises. John Gray introduces new ways to make this happen in a life filled with stress.

Men have traditionally been the breadwinners and women traditionally the managers of the home and children. But there is increased pressure in today’s society for women to work outside the home and thus there is a diminished pressure on men to be the sole provider. Women are expected to do so much in addition to their traditional roles, which have never been tweaked or redistributed, while they now work full-time jobs. Women have a never-ending to do list and stress is at an all-time high. Men are dealing with their own levels of stress. As a result, relationships become filled with misunderstandings, friction, and a sense of helplessness.

-John Gray, Ph. D

WELLNESS GOALS

As I was mentioning above, my goal this week is to maintain myself physically while improving the state of my home, treading delicately so that I don't overdo it. (Another note: last weeks 30 mins of moderate cardio plus 30 mins of Classical Stretch: no bueno. My body is not ready, my muscles did not heal well from what should be non-strenuous exercise. This week will alternate workouts daily rather than knock out two in one day, or skip if necessary).

I have to reinforce some health tips regarding nutrition, anti-inflammatory foods, and basic bodily upkeep. I urge my friends and readers to try a few of these if you feel or look stressed and rundown. For those who argue that you have no inflammatory problems, I believe you, but we do live in a country with a pro-inflammatory diet. Without noticing, our bodies could be struggling too hard on their own for balance. Help it be ready for the next time flu season comes around. (Also, incredibly helpful for those with asthma and allergies). It's easy to forget, if I may speak for us all, but worth the reminders:

Drink a gallon of water a day - Already bought my purified water. Lugging it around everywhere. Moves the toxins faster, clears skin, lubricates all systems, basic life force, reduces the need to imbibe other caloric drinks, constant hydration diminishes chances of headaches.

Reduce sugar - Every other week, no sugars other than fruit. No sweetened drinks. Sugar encourages diseases such as inflammation-based ones, candida, and cancer. I'm addicted to it like cocaine (even natural sugars) which is a subject for another day. If you're not ready to quit, and least cut out all refined sugar. Look out for hidden sugars in breads, microwave dinners, pre-packaged foods. After 50 grams of sugar a day, you've surpassed the allotted daily nutritional recommendations and it will begin to turn into fat if you're not moderate to heavily active.

Green Tea - 2 to 3 times a day. This is an anti-inflammatory and highly beneficial drink. Thankfully, I was forced into quitting my coffee addiction. Dropping this tasty daily or trice-a-day comfort is not for wimps in the Starbucks splattered world. The truest hazard of coffee are refined and processed beans (information rather recent to me) which cause even more acidity, free-radical damage, and chemical changes in the body. Pro-inflammatory. Nothing wrong with caffeine in moderation and Green Tea is enough to get tiny jumps in the day without the overload.

Ginger Tea - Another anti-inflammatory gem. An alkaline drink for an acidic world. This one AND green tea combined do wonders for my swollen hands and feet. Although the swelling is not always obvious (obvious being a purplish-red, rubbery, weak and impossible to slip out wedding ring), if your hands hurt immensely when you hit or bump them softly on surfaces, you might have internal inflammation. The first time I truly came to understand how severe my inflammation was a time I dropped my keys on my sandal-covered feet and I had to sit down, cry, and wait for pain in my leg and head to stop. It shouldn't hurt that much.

Celery Juice Every Day - I swear by this alkalinic drink. Every time I overdo it with the dairy or sugars. Even with the amount of acidic tea that helps calm inflammation, balancing is still required. I have recently started to add aloe vera in the blender. Not only good for inflammation but for digestive aid, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, etc. Click here for the ton of benefits from this spiky plant. You can buy it in liquid form if you're afraid of touching the goo.

NO GLUTEN. PERIOD. - This one for all with food sensitivities and allergies. The belly ache and anxiety is immediate! I have gotten careless with this one, although much better. It goes hand in hand with the sugar goal, because almost every gluten product has some form of sweetener added. No more cookies and Starbucks bakery, no matter how stressed I get. Food is not love - Monica from Friends. For those who know you have an unhealthy diet and wanna get on the ball, reducing your gluten (breads, pasta, baked goods) will help your body streamline digestion. Might be worth looking into new grains that deserve our attention. Well, they're not new, but not common: quinoa, amaranth, millet, etc.

Vitamins and Supplements - Organically, we shouldn't need to take a multivitamin or extra supplements. We should be getting all our nutrients and minerals from local game and agriculture. But we eat from supermarkets where everything is shipped from all over the world, not indigenous to our area, temperature, and atmosphere. That little pyramid of food groups, not so balanced. Therefore we end up lacking here and there in essential nutrients. If you don't have a diet full of fruits and veggies, a multivitamin shall cover the basics. The fish oil will cover some other bases. And depending on your personal needs, there is always Echinacea, milk thistle, calcium, magnesium, etc.. It's good to find out where our deficiencies are and help them. I 'm going to stick to my vitamins like never before because I tend to forget them when I'm healthier. If you need overall health and balance, look into Green Vibrance and the Magic Pill.

Before I had the correct diagnosis and my body was being ravaged by migraine medications (a misdiagnosis), the Magic Pill brought me back to almost full balance. If it can work on an ill person, if you're already close to healthy it may do wonders for you. To healthier people, the difference may not be too obvious but it doesn't mean it's not working. Green Vibrance has almost the same ingredients as the Magic Pill. The difference is that is contains tons of vitamins, superfoods, active probiotics, and helps complete some veggie intake. Shop around at bodybuilding.com, vitacost.com, and dpsnutrition.com. If your husband drinks a lot of protein shakes (or you), dpsnutrition has great deals for vitamins and the magic pill.

Those are just some mini-goals for now. Pay attention to what your body tells you. It's the best advice I've gotten as I've learned how to deal with my Wolfing around.