I had been wanting to try green tea as drinking certain teas is one of the new trends in wellness and nutritional health. In fact, Dr. Oz, one of my personal heros, recommends green tea as a start for a 28 day health regime in an article running, this month, in O Magazine. He also talks about Teas to Fight Disease on his show:
Green tea is a GREAT DETOXER primarily due to the Catechins found in green tea. Health benefits found related to tea in a nutshell:
+ Catechins are beneficial in neutralizing free radicals, which are known to cause a variety of diseases as well as aging and wrinkles. Free radicals increase by overexposure to ultraviolet rays, aging, smoking and heavy drinking. Green tea helps neturalize the “activated
oxygen” and remove the damaging free radicals.
+ Anti-viral & Anti-bacterial properties: studies show that catechins may help boost the immune system to ward off viral infections and help with common cold symptoms. Gargling with green tea helps with sore throats and helps with overall good oral hygiene.
+ Helps with good cardio health and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by inhibiting the gathering of blood platelets
+ Has been shown to maintain cholesterol levels
+ Has been shown to reduce stress due to the amino acid- L Theanine, which has a calming effect.
Wow! That’s a lot of punch in a little cup of tea! When you add the benefits to the fact that it is absolutely delicious with it’s subtle nuances of roasted rice added to the bright notes of whole leaf and freshly ground green tea, it’s a win/win!
ITO EN is a global purveyor of green tea and green tea products, from loose whole leaf teas, to prepacked tins and tea bags. Their mission is to make green tea a true part of the new American culture.
They also have an award winning line of authentically brewed and bottled RTD (Ready to Drink) green teas from unsweetened to classic sweetened flavors. You can read more here www.itoen.com or www.teastea.com
ITO EN is committed to socio-economic and planetary betterment from recycling of manufacturing waste, to reuse of the elements of our production (such as making vending machines and park benches our
of recycled tea )
They support the Whole Planet Foundation (Whole Foods Market’s non-profit initiative)
To encourage my readers to try their fabulous product line, ITO EN would like to offer one of you the chance to win the same 3 ounce tin of Genmai Green Tea that I was sent. Thank you so much!
I was asked, recently, to tell you about two anti aging products by Alpha Hydrox.
Alpha Hydrox products were designed to work on all skin types and for women of all ages. They feature hydroxy acids, which exfolliate the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while evening out skin tone and unclogging pores.
The Alpha Hydrox line is very affordable and claims to have the highest percentage of AHAs available without a prescription.
Great skin begins with great cleansing. This non-drying formula gently cleanses away the toughest makeup, dirt and environmental pollutants while maintaining skin’s moisture level. Does not strip skin but leaves it looking and feeling soft, smooth and fresh and prepared for the exfoliating action of Alpha Hydrox anti-wrinkle treatment products.
• 6 fl. oz.
• For All Skin Types
• Contains Citric-AHA
• pH balanced
• Fragrance, alcohol-free, soap-free, oil free
• Will not dry or irritate skin
• Gentle enough for eye makeup removal
• Leaves no irritating residue
My take on the Foaming Face Wash – Good stuff. It’s a gentle, un-scented cleanser that left my face clean and soft. I didn’t notice any dry or tight feeling and had no issues with breakouts or irritation while I was using it. It only takes about a teaspoon of the product to do a thorough job of cleaning my face so at $7.49, it’s a good value for the money.
Proven to significantly reduce and delay the onset of fine lines, wrinkles, forehead creases, crows’ feet, laugh lines and more. With 10% Glycolic AHA at an effective pH 4, Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion effectively and safely lifts dead cells from the skin’s surface, revitalizing & helping restore younger, healthy, more radiant-looking skin. Renews moisture, refines texture, improves elasticity and skin tone.
• 6 fl. oz.
• Contains 10% Glycolic AHA
• For Dry to Normal Skin
• Effective pH 4
• Fragrance Free
• Contains rich moisturizers & Vitamin E
My take on the Enhanced Lotion – After using this product for nearly a month, every day, I see no real difference in my skin’s appearance. My skin tone remains the same and I don’t see any reduction of the fine lines around my eyes or mouth. I did, however experience some tingling, for the first few days, but it wasn’t uncomfortable so I continued using the product. I also noticed some flaking and peeling for about the first week, but again, as it caused no discomfort, I continued with my use of the product. Maybe with continued usage or if I had begun using it at an earlier age, my results would have been better, but as it stands now, I would have to say that my results don’t justify the expenditure. Your own experience with the same product may differ.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Remember all those things you said you’d say and/or do when
Hell froze over? Today’s the day!
So pull out your list of all the things you thought you’d never
really do and pick something! Have fun with the day, share your list
and talk about all those things you said you’d never do…until today!
International Jazz Day celebrates Jazz music, Jazz musicians and the history of the genre. Jazz music was born in America in the 1800′s. Over the years, it has become popular around the world. Everyone has their favorite style of music, but Jazz leads the way for many people.
New Orleans is generally accepted as the birthplace and home of Jazz music. Until you visit New Orleans and attend a real Jazz show in an authentic setting, you can’t fully appreciate the culture and beauty of this great style of music.
Enjoy International Jazz Day by sitting back and listening to your favorite Jazz tunes.
In most parts of the country folks are getting tired of winter and longing for spring. We’ve taken down our browning wreaths from the front door, the poinsettas are spent and we’re awaiting the rebirth that comes with spring. Even here in Florida, seeing a garden in bloom again seems a long way off.
As we wait for spring to reward us with her bounty, why not make the waiting easier with a pretty bouquet of winter flowers? I was browsing the selection of bouquets on the Teleflora site and was really quite surprised at the selection available! From winter white tulips to white roses and Stargazer lilies, there were fresh seasonal blooms to suit just about every taste!
Tell the truth, wouldn’t it make you smile to see a bouquet like
Teleflora’s Enchanted Cottage sitting on your dining room table each
time you walked past?
Or hearing your doorbell ring come February 14 and opening the door to find a smiling delivery person ready to hand you a beautiful arrangement like a pretty bouquet of Radiantly Red Tulips? The wait for spring would suddenly become easier, wouldn’t it?
We all know that flowers are a wonderful way to say Congratulations, Happy Anniversary, I’m Sorry and and express a myriad of other sentiments, but you don’t have to wait..winter flowers are the perfect pick-me-up to chase away those cold weather doldrums. I can’t think of a nicer thing to do for yourself! Can you?
This promotional sponsored post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. I was compensated for my time investment and work on this campaign. Thoughts are my own.
Puzzles! Everyone loves ‘em!
They might be an American obsession!
They can be a great stress buster or a fun family activity!
Heck, even the New York Times is in on the act!
National Puzzle Day honors puzzles of all sizes, shapes and forms.
Whether your favorite is a good jigsaw, crossword or Sudoku,
exercise your brain and spend the day doing puzzles!
Is there anything prettier than a grove of lemons ripening in the sun? Not too much, unless of course you count the big bag of Meyer Lemons that arrived on my doorstep not very long ago!
I knew immediately, from the delightful scent coming from the box what was nestled within (and the bright yellow mailing label was a good tip off too) I found myself wishing for an old fashioned peppermint stick to push down into a lemon to suck the juice through like I did as a kid.
I TORE into that box and immediately began day dreaming of lemon curd, preserved lemons, pound cakes and the lemon zest that would soon be languishing in my freezer for future projects.
They were so beautiful, those sunny yellow globes resting on the deep green tissue they were packed in! It was almost a shame to think about sacrificing them to my culinary whims…notice I said almost!
Meyer lemons were discovered in China around 1908 by Frank Meyers (and named modestly for himself lol) They’re a cross between a mandarin orange (hence their sweetness) and a lemon and date back 3000 years!
In 2004, orchardess Karen Morss decided to plant an orchard just for Meyer lemons and Lemon Ladies Orchard was born. Each tree is named for a woman who inspired her and helped her achieve her goals and dreams. And each lady painted a tile for her tree with her name. Karen believes this is one of the reasons her lemons are so sweet!
They use organic fertilizer, lots of sunshine, water and love to raise these beauties. Ladybugs are also very welcome in the orchard!
Karen hopes you will enjoy her lemons as much as she enjoys growing them!
Lemon Curd Recipe
jelly roll filled with homemade lemon curd
Ingredients:
5 egg yolks
1 cup sugar
4 lemons, zested and juiced
1 stick Earth Balance, cut into pats and chilled
Add enough water to a medium saucepan to come about 1-inch up the side. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Meanwhile, combine egg yolks and sugar in a medium size metal bowl andwhisk until smooth, about 1 minute. Measure lemon juice and if needed, add enough cold water to reach 1/3 cup.
Add juice and zest to egg mixture and whisk smooth. Once water reaches a simmer, reduce heat to low and place bowl on top of saucepan (Bowl should be large enough to fit on top of saucepan without touching the water).
Whisk until thickened, approximately 8 minutes, or until mixture is light yellow and coats the back of a spoon. This stage always takes longer than 8 minutes, be patient, it will happen!
Remove promptly from heat and stir in Earth Balance a piece at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding the next.
Push through a fine sieve into a clean container and cover by laying a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd.
Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. (yeah right!)
Lemon Curd may be drizzled over pound cake, ice cream or shortcake. It pairs beautifully with blueberries, makes an incredible jelly roll or simply eat it…a spoonful at a time. I do!
Karen Morss would love to help you bring some of her awesome lemon yumminess into your own kitchen and would like to offer one of my readers a chance to win a gift bag of delicious Meyer Lemons, like the one I was sent to help you on your way! Thank you so much!
Just climb aboard the Rafflecopter and start entering! continue reading »
Blueberry pancakes are a wonderful treat to enjoy anytime of the day. They are nutritious enough to eat for breakfast, tasty enough for a mid-day snack, and easy enough to make for dinner.
To make blueberry pancakes, mix up a batch of your favorite plain pancake batter. Rinse the blueberries and drain them well. After you’ve poured the batter onto the griddle, scatter a few blueberries on top. This will ensure that your blueberries aren’t bruised during the cooking process and will be perfect bursts of flavor when you bite into your pancake.
Make a delicious batch of pancakes, top them with a little blueberry maple syrup, and celebrate National Blueberry Pancake Day!
source – punchbowl holidays
Blueberry Pancakes
INGREDIENTS
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup vanilla soy milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
DIRECTIONS
1. Sift the four dry ingredients into a bowl.
2. Add soy milk and vegetable oil, stir until mixed.
3. Heat a pan over medium heat, and grease. Your pan should be
hot enough that when a few drops of water are dropped on it, they
“dance” around before evaporating.
4. Spoon mix into the center of the pan, and scatter a few blueberries on top
5. Flip when the edges look a little dry and you see bubbles appear.
Serve with Earth Balance Buttery Spread and a dusting of powdered sugar!
Please note: this is a sticky post and will remain at the top of the blog until the end of the event on 2/10/12! Newer posts may be found below. Thank you!
Artist Bio
COUNTRY a lil ROCK’N ROLL and a WHOLE LOTTA SOUL!
A Soulful, Genuine and Passion filled Country Singer and Writer that brings amazing energy to all his performances! Jimmy has received Radio play for 4 of his songs
including “Whatever It Takes” that played Nationally on Clear Channel Country radio. Season 9 “AMERICAN IDOL” Hollywood contestant, 2007 Top 50 “Nashville Star”, Guest judge for “Nashville’s Next Big Star” 2011 performed and interviewed live on Countless Radio Stations, Newspapers and Televised programing. Opened a side stage for Montgomery Gentry and Lady Antebellum. Featured Artist for the Mrs. North Carolina US Pageant in 2009 and 2010. Pageant Judge for Miss Southern Del (Picking the eventual new Miss Del.). Has Performed and supported many Benefits and Charity Events naming Cancer and Children as two of his Top priorities. Named “Nashville Artist of the Week” on the Billy Block Show 103.3 WKDF and has performed many Venues in Nashville and different parts of the Country with an Awesome 5 piece Band. Jimmy also has experience in film and modeling.
WIN A JIMMY CHARLES SIGNED CD, T-SHIRT OR TANK, 8X10 PHOTO AND STICKERS
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a bit about me
i am a country woman. a new vegan, cooking for a non vegan family, who believes in God, family values, my country and being prepared for whatever may come. i live in rural central florida and like most women, i wear alot of different hats. i'm a wife and harried homeschooling mom. i am a cook, a doctor (for two leggeds and four leggeds) and a confidant. i'm a psychologist, a spinner of tales and a dreamer of dreams. i'm helpmeet to danny, my wild-eyed irishman, mama to 13 (11 with us and 2 in heaven) and after losing a son to suicide in 2004, a reluctant traveler on the survivor road. i raise a large garden, and enjoying preserving all the bounty that our heavenly Father grants us.
