Everyone Can Use a Little Jamie

Its coming to the end of January and all my motivation and resolutions I made 28 days ago are looking a little grim. Instead of standing in their military position ready to charge on my command, my motivation has been caught snoozing on the job. It is a little embarrassing considering we are not even a month in, but January is a tough month after all. With freezing temperatures, short days and blue Monday not too far behind us, it is quite common for our 'motivation' to weaken a bit at the seams.

It is times like these that I lean on a friend for a little 'pick-me-up'. Someone who is an inspiration for much that I do. Someone who not only shares my visions but clarifies it so beautifully that the image becomes permanently imprinted in my brain, never letting me forget why I get up in the morning. A man that has created am extremely powerful movement that I believe has and will save many many lives. A man that has created positive change.

Okay, admittedly my raving about this amazing individual may be motivated somewhat by the HUGE crush I have on the guy (it's okay - I am sure my man has a crush on him too;), but none the less, my words are sincere. Just in my little life alone, I have seen his magic work amongst my friends & family, even my self.

I can go on & on about the one and only Jamie Oliver. However, he'll better exemplify why he is so special and why everyone needs a little Jaime in their life!

Sweet Potato Leek Soup

This a nice change from the common potato leek soup.  I absolutely love regular potato leek soup, however white potatoes are part of the nightshade family, known to cause inflammation and I wanted to avoid this.  The sweet potatoes add a nice sweet flavor while maintaining the ‘zing’ from the leeks. This is a wonderful soup on a cold January day.

Ingredients:

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

3 large leeks, sliced

1 large onion

1 clove garlic

1 can coconut milk

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups water

2 tbsp butter or coconut oil

salt & pepper to taste

1.     In saucepan, cook sweet potatoes in vegetable broth until soft.

2.     Meanwhile, in a large cooking pot, sauté onions in butter for 3 minutes then add leeks and garlic. Saute until translucent.

3.     When potatoes are ready add to leek and onion mixture. Add the water. Bring to boil then let simmer for 10 minutes.

4.     When everything is tender, use hand blender or food processor to puree soup.

5.     Once well blended, transfer back to pot (if using processor) and add coconut milk, salt & pepper. Stir well and serve.

Boost the Immune System and Beat the Flu. Naturally.

My apologies for being MIA and very scarce with my posts. But now that the holidays are far behind us, it’s time to get back to cooking, preaching and lovin’.

On my last preach post ‘The Flu: To Shoot or not to Shoot”, I pointed out the ineffectiveness and dangers associated with the flu shot. Hopefully I was able to provide some insightful information for those of you that were having trouble making a decision regarding the shot. Now I would like to tell you about the many ways you can boost your immune system naturally and harmlessly.

At the first sign of an itchy, sore throat or sniffle, we are often quick to reach for the pills or syrups in hopes to relieve us of worsening symptoms. However, cold medications often just suppress our symptoms, without improving the immune system and providing no means of prevention from further infection. I am going to share with you 5 magical remedies that not only improve symptoms but also boost the immune system, protecting and preventing you from getting sick in the first place.

1: Garlic

Garlic has become my #1 friend this flu season. Garlic is one of nature’s best anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial herbs. Garlic is very effective at killing parasites and bacteria, which also means it is effective against yeast and candidiasis. This magical herb strengthens the immune system preventing cold/flu symptoms and improving existing ones.  It is even known to deactivate carcinogens. When I am really feeling vulnerable, I add a couple of additional cloves to my meal and even throw a clove in my smoothie. You need a lot of berries to mask the taste however. Before going to bed, I crush about 10 cloves in a bowl and place it by my bedside so through out the night I breathe in all the beneficial properties of this powerful herb. You won’t need a pocket full of crumpled up tissue with this great remedy, but you may want to carry some breath mints:)

2: Ginger

Not only is this herb a wonderful anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, immune booster and natural decongestant, ginger is also known to relieve nausea, inflammation and constipation. Significant evidence is now showing that ginger can help inhibit the production of cancer cell growth and destroy living cancer cells. When used for cold symptom relief, ginger tea is best. Add 1 inch of grated ginger to 4 cups of boiling water. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain and squeeze half a fresh lemon. Sweeten with a bit of honey if desired. Drink throughout the day.

3: Elderberry

Probably the most amazing characteristic about this powerful antioxidant is it’s ability to block viruses from entering cells. Therefore, this fruit is one of the greatest remedies for the prevention of colds and flu. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, elderberry is great at relieving coughs and congestion. Along with cold and flu relief, elderberry has shown benefits in lowering cholesterol, improved vision and improved heart health. Elderberry can be found in capsule or syrup form.

4: Oil of Oregano

I don’t know anything more powerful than this potent oil. Oil of oregano is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal. I literally sleep with my bottle beside my bed; therefore if I awake with the slightest tickle in my throat, my little army is within arms reach. Oil of oregano is wonderful at preventing colds and flu as well and diminishing symptoms. This oil can also be helpful for digestive disorders, muscle and joint relief, respiratory problems as well as skin blemishes. I recommend everyone to have a bottle of this ‘cure all’ on your nightstand, especially during flu season. Just a few drops under the tongue or a few drops in your favorite juice for the less daring.

5. Probiotics

Last, but certainly not least, probiotics are a must have this cold & flu season. Many people have heard about the benefits of probiotics for the treatment of yeast and gastrointestinal health, but many have not heard how important this supplement is for the immune system. Probiotics stimulate the production of healthy bacteria, and immune cells. With an increases number of immune cells, immune response is more effective, preventing the spread of viruses and infection. Production of mucosal tissues, which are tissue that line the GI tract, mouth, respiratory system and urinary tract, are stimulated by probiotics. Research is showing that up to 70% of the entire immune system capacity lies within these mucosal tissues.

Medicine has traveled great lengths from the days of medicine men and witchcraft. The drugs and cures that exist today and the lives these drugs have saved is remarkable. However, sometimes we are so caught up with the complex, genius inventions of today that we forget to look in our own back yards. Mother Nature has provided us with plentiful gifts to help better our lives. Remember, pure and simple does not mean inadequate.

Just a Lovely Winter Walk

While enjoying a nice walk with Taylor on a wonderful winter day yesterday, we came across an older man and his little Shit Tzu mix. He initiated the small talk that all dog owners do as our dogs sniff each others privates. The man started casually with a funny dog joke, but approximately 10 minutes later I was deeply involved in a conversation about the end of the world and the human race. Well, I can't really say I was deeply involved as I did not contribute much, however I was certainly deeply enthralled.
The lovely man shared with me many interesting facts/thoughts and was adamant on me reading up on Mother Shipton. So I did, and still am. You should too.
This may be a bit heavy for a Monday morning, but none the less, something to get you thinking.

http://www.2012supplies.com/what_is_2012/mother_shipton_prophecy_2012.html