Because I am WOMAN-Menopause Helps tips and

All I want is somebody fabulous who worships me.  Is that too much too much to ask for?

Menopause: Alternative Solutions by Michelle Dinmore Just when you get done with the PMS word, now comes the "change of life" phrase. Don't women ever get a break? You know, men sure got the easy part. Right when you start getting hot flashes and miss a few periods the big, "Oh, Oh," comes to mind. Most women rush to their doctors to find the answers, but in all reality all you get is some special name for horse urine to treat the problem. No, I'm not joking. Estrogen replacement is made out of pregnant horse urine. Ask your doctor if you do not believe me.

Anyway, I'm here to give you some alternative solutions to menopause if you prefer not to use the highly controversial HRT (Hormone Replacement Treatment), but if you are having any severe reactions to your changes, it may be wise to take it. As always, be careful with any medicine, herb, or alternative treatment and read all warnings before using them. Do not use HRT along with alternative methods unless you ask your doctor first.

One of the best and most highly recommended products on the market for Menopause today is soy. Soybeans have the natural ability to mimic estrogen. This plant estrogen is called phytoestrogen. These estrogen-like compounds are found in almost all soybean-based products like tofu, miso, and vegetarian meat substitutes. Some other foods also contain phytoestrogens like, flaxseeds, pomegranates, and dates.

Red Clover is an herb that is said to be even higher in phytoestrogens than soy. Red Clover can be used as tea, or taken in capsule form. Many people that are allergic to soybeans do well with Red Clover. Red Clover is said to be a 100% safe with no side effects, unless you are allergic to ragweed. It is also stated to help prevent certain cancers by cleansing the blood.

Wild Mexican Yam is another popular treatment for menopausal symptoms. It contains compounds similar to the hormone progesterone, which is decreased during a woman's changes. When a woman stops ovulating, her ovaries stop producing both estrogen and progesterone, so it may be a good idea when using and estrogen plant source replacement, to also use a progesterone one. Many people do okay just using the soy or Red Clover, so I'll let you decide on this one.

Certain vitamins and minerals are vital for maintaining health during this time. Calcium and magnesium are very important. With the loss of estrogen, so starts the loss of bone connective tissue. Vitamin E and lecithin are said to work together to help with hot flashes and other complaints. B-Complex helps relieve stress as well as improves circulation and cellular function.

There are a lot of good natural products out on the market today that have been proven to help many women going through their changes. You can find these items in your local health food and vitamin stores. I hope that some of the information I provided you will help you deal with this cycle that inevitably we all must one day face. Best of luck to you and your health!

***
Black Cohosh is an oestrogenic which means it has the capacity to  promote or mimic the action of female hormones.  Other herbs that fall into this category are red clover, sage, hops, licorice.  So if Black Cohosh isn't working for you, you might find that a different one of these plants works better due to your particular constitution.  Margi Flint recommends sage sprays and a lot of herbalists highly recommend sage to all elders.

Blue Vervain,  Vitex, Angelica and Licorice all work to balance the hormones in your body, also.   Something I heard in a recent webinar makes me think that one large dose in the morning when your prolactin levels are high might be better than several small doses.

Starting with perimenopause and into menopause your body starts to shift production of hormones from the ovaries to the  adrenals.  This causes a huge problem for a lot of women, because well, just think about the condition of our adrenals.

So while managing the hormone swings of menopause is important, you might find that you are better served by getting in there and really supporting your adrenals. Adaptogens are key.  Nettle seed is probably one I would investigate,  Licorice, Eleuthro, Borage, and Ashwaganda are other adaptogens that are specifically supportive of your adrenals.

As always diet is important as the hormone production changes over, you need to make sure you are getting enough healthy fats - your Omega 3's are really important to your adrenal glands.   If you are vegetarian trying to get by on Flax and EPO,  I'd like to tell I think you can get enough EPA and DHA,  but I don't believe it.

Eating a lot of phytoestrogenic plants can help, too.   Soy (fermented, non GMO sources), beans, chickpeas, nuts and seeds are good sources.

Magnesium, magnesium, magnesium.  Women in this country get too much calcium and not enough magnesium to maintain a proper ratio in their bodies.  I cannot tell you how many times adding magnesium supplements to the diet has caused menstrual cramps to just disappear.

Red meat is considered a warming food in Ayurvedic circle; probably due to its high saturated fat content.  There is also a link between eating red meat and a reduction in your body's production of oestrogen, possibly due to the estrogen fed to the cattle during production, so cutting back is probably a good idea.  I know people who have switched to grass fed beef and noticed a reduction of symptoms as well.  

***

Menopause Body Oil

  

6 drops lemon oil

5 drops geranium oil

2 drops clary sage oil

1 drop angelica oil

1 drop jasmine oil

2 ounces vegetable oil or body lotion

Combine the ingredients. Use at least once a day as a massage oil, in a

lotion, or in a bath (add 2 teaspoons to the bathwater). If this formula is

too oily for you, add the same essential oils to 2 ounces of a commercial

body lotion instead. The best type to use is an unscented, basic lotion that

contains ingredients that are as natural as possible

***

MENOPAUSE SYMPTOM RELIEF

1 C. water

2 tsp. bruised anise seeds

2 tsp. bruised fennel seeds

3 tsp. powdered red clover flower tops

Honey and/or lemon, to taste

Bring water to a boil in saucepan. Add seeds and clover and remove from heat. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain. Add honey and/or lemon. Drink cool or reheat.

Healthy menopausal women may use up to 3 cups a day. If headache, rash, stomach ache, or other side effects develop, discontinue use. As this is a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy, USE THIS FORMULA ONLY IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR.

Happy New 2014 New Year

A very Happy New 2014 to My Loved Family and all My Friends and Followers as well.

Nothing like starting the new year off right with a new Moon and new beginnings

I am so getting ready for 2014 with a bang! Cleaning and cooking must all be done before midnight today

Here are some folklore about New Years for you

***

13 New Year's Superstitions

1. Eating black-eyed peas and greens, I remember this one the most from other years and I remember eating them. Eating them brings good luck and financial prosperity. You are to eat the peas with greens for prosperity. The peas represent good luck and the greens represent money.

2. Nothing goes out of the house, or you will be losing things during the upcoming year. Don’t take out the trash or food or anything, if your trash needs emptying, do it before midnight or on January 2nd. If you have food or anything to take somewhere on New Years day, have it outside or at their house already.

3. Kissing at midnight. Kiss someone dear to you at midnight, this will ensure affection for the next 12 months. If you happen to be alone at midnight, kissing the dog or cat would certainly work.

4. Don’t cry, don’t cry on New Years day, this could bring unhappiness for the next year. So don’t cry even if your favorite team loses in a bowl game. Be upbeat and happy as well.

5. Don’t wash clothes. The dirty clothes can wait until January 2nd. Some super-cautious won’t even wash the dishes on New Years day, I need to go and find the paper plates now.

6. No bare cupboards, fill up the cupboards before New Years day, otherwise that could be the way of the New Year.

7. Money, don’t lend money or precious items and don’t pay back loans either. To do so means you will be paying out money all year long. Also fill all of your wallets with money since that ensures prosperity for the New Year.

8. Open the doors at midnight as this will let out all the bad from the previous year. Now that’s an easy one to do unless its 30 below out, this will let out the bad before the good can come in on New Years day.

9. Loud noises, make some noise. This will scare away the evil spirits from entering your life in the next year. I like this one, it makes sense and it’s fun but you need to be careful though since too much loud noise and the cops might show up, and that might not be good for the New Year. Maybe just one yell and two firecrackers.

10. Don’t break anything, you should try very hard to not break anything, especially a mirror, as that could be doubly bad as breaking a mirror on any other day, so try not to break anything. And this is another good reason not to do the dishes on New Years Day.

11. Work, try and do something work related on New Years Day, just a token or small amount of work, if you do too much work related stuff, then it might not be so good. This one is only for those who have the day off, I wouldn’t think fireman and others would care for this superstition.

12. First person entering your home, this superstition is about how the first person who enters your home in the New Year will influence the year you’re about to have. Ideally this person should be tall, dark and good looking. This is a real superstition but I think it came out of an old Cosmo magazine article.

13. Which way the wind blows, there isn’t a lot we can do about the weather, but superstition holds that if the wind is out of the South there will be prosperous times ahead. The wind out of the East means famine and calamities and out of the North means a bad year for weather. A little odd but out of the West means plenty of milk and fish. Calm winds means a prosperous and joyful year for all, that’s just great since I just read there is a high wind warning for my area. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wishing you good health, happiness and good cheer in the coming yea!

Also the big news is this New Year starts off with a New Moon

I'm so looking forward to this New Year

Cleansing Your Face

Facial Cleansing

Washing your face is essential. It's the first step toward healthy skin, and it's the only way to effectively remove the grimy dirt, oils, and makeup that build up on your skin throughout the day.

Re[psted -- Original By the editors at Daily Glow

People ask me all the time what I do to take care of my skin and I tell them I don't spend a ton of money on expensive Face Products, I have tried a few but honestly I like Natural care and I use simple things, many that I make myself

But these Tips are important and I do follow them..

Wash your face daily. If you have normal, combination, or oily skin, can wash your face both in the morning and at night before bed. However, if you are prone to dry skin or if you have a skin condition, like eczema, you may want to limit yourself to a single face-washing at the end of the day to remove makeup and dirt without drying out your skin.

Wash with lukewarm water. Hot water can have a drying effect on your skin, so experts recommend washing with lukewarm water instead. The warm water will also help open up your pores and prepare them for cleansing.

Get a cleanser for the face. Regular soap and body washes are no-no’s when it comes to washing your face. Look for cleansers that have been specifically formulated for the face. They should be labeled with terms like, “facial cleanser,” “clear complexion cleanser,” or “face wash.”

Use a mild facial cleanser. Watch out for harsh soaps that can strip the natural oils from your skin. The key is to use a mild facial cleanser that is “non-comedogenic,” which means that it won’t clog your pores. Keeping your pores clear will also result in fewer breakouts.

Go fragrance-free. Look for mild facial cleansers that don’t have perfumes, alcohol, or dyes added to them, since these types of ingredients are more likely to cause irritation, rashes, and breakouts. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin. If you see “hypoallergenic” on the label, it’s a good sign that these products are in the clear.

Think about your skin type. Finding a cleanser that is suited to your skin type also may enhance the way your skin feels (and acts) after washing. For example, face soaps with added oils or fats will be gentler on dry skin. Glycerin-based or oil-free facial cleansers can benefit oily skin.

Basic Facial Cleansing Technique

• Make sure your hands are clean before you begin. If they’re not, wash them first.
• Wrap your hair in a towel or use elastics, barrettes, or a headband to keep your hair out of your face while cleansing.
• Use lukewarm water and a good facial cleanser to wash your face.
• Gently rub the cleanser into your face using circular motions.
• Massage your face with your fingers to promote good circulation.
• Use a washcloth or loofah to help gently scrub and exfoliate your skin.
• Rinse well with lukewarm water. Make sure all the soap is off your neck and ears, and has been cleaned from around your eyes and nose, and your hairline.
• Splash cool water on your face to refresh your skin and close your pores.
• Pat your skin dry with a towel, but leave some moisture on the skin.
• Moisturize immediately so that your moisturizer can seal the moisture into your skin.

If you have a skin condition, talk to your dermatologist about the best techniques and types of products to use when washing your face. For example, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people with rosacea let the face dry thoroughly before applying any topical medication or moisturizers. They should also steer clear of facial cleansers that contain alcohol, witch hazel, salicylic acid, fragrance, and certain oils, according to the National Rosacea Society. On the other hand, the AAD acknowledges that products containing alcohol and acetone, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide are likely to benefit people with acne. For people with inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema, the AAD warns against excessive washing and encourages people to pay special attention even to mild cleansers, since they can irritate the skin and worsen eczema symptoms.

Washing your face properly with a mild cleanser will help remove makeup and clear away the day’s dirt and excess oil build-up, leaving your skin fresh, clean, and beautiful.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Here are some of THE BEST Elf on the Shelf Ideas from many places I have searched!!

My grand babies have their own Elves these days and so my family is always looking for new inspirations for Elf Games, so I searched and this is what I have gathered for making new traditions with our Elves.

Zipline across the living room. >> Rachel Swartley

Elf makes himself a bed with the tissue box  >> Sweet Shoppe Designs

Elf loves green milk. >> Just Live Life Happy

Elf Loves Arts and Crafts >> Carey Pace

Too Many Kisses for Elf >> Skinny Mom

Elf decorating his own Christmas Tree >> Snippets for Suburbia

Lego Guys Trapped Elf  >> Smarty the Elf

Elf loves making Donut Snowman >> Princess Among Superheros

Elf playing with toothpaste >> Daily Leisure

Elf kisses. >> Sweet Shoppe Designs

Hide and Seek with Elf >> Lovely Life of Leah

Elf in the Pantry >> Lil Blue Boo

Elf on a little date with Barbie >> Melanie Stofka

Roasting Marshmallows >> Princess Among Superheros

Elf Hot Cocoa Party >> Sweet C’s Design

Elf Snow Angel with Flour

Elf on the Shelf poem and free printable  >>  Lil Luna

Elf made a swing from a toilet paper roll  >> A Small Snippet

Elf on the Shelf Coloring >> Jen MCKEN

Super Elf to the Rescue! >> Busy Shappy Mommy

My Boys would LOVE Elf playing Army Men  >> Jennifer Saintz

Elf can be a little naughty.  >> Baby Stribling

Fruit Loops and a Message from Santa >> Melanie Stofka

Elf takes a little roll down the stairs. >> Nelly Cole

 Elf headed back to the north pole with all his gear!  >> Little Bit Funky

cute pillow idea check out their site for more

December Thoughts to Ponder

This Month I have Read and thought on these things:

***

“I should get that done; I’ll do it later.”

Sound familiar? It’s called procrastination and we all do it, but for some it’s a way of life.

Procrastination makes you feel both indecisive and guilty – indecisive because you choose to postpone what must be done and guilty for not doing, now, what you need to do. The more often you procrastinate, the weaker you feel.

If you’re in the habit of putting things off, try this. Next time you’re faced with a project, take a look at what you want to accomplish. Tune into the reasons for your resistance and then honestly ask yourself, “Is this something I can start, now?” Most of the time the answer is “Yes.” So, start!

See yourself as someone who makes solid decisions. When you commit to something honor yourself and stick with it until it’s done. You’ll empower yourself and the desire to procrastinate will, slowly, disappear.

©Jane Powell

***

One thought away

You are one thought away from being supremely and authentically confident. You are one thought away from stepping powerfully, effectively and decisively in the

direction of your dreams.

With just one positive, empowering thought, you can turn toward achievement, toward excellence, toward discipline and commitment. From nothing more than a thought that resonates with your true purpose, you can change your perception of the whole world.

Reach into the place within, where you nurture your vision of the very best life you can imagine. With all you have, with all you are, feel the beautiful reality of that vision.

And know that whatever you can imagine, whatever you can feel, you can create. In fact, it already exists within you.

Feel within yourself the reality of life as you know it can be. Then, with your words, your actions, your priorities and commitments, with your focus and discipline, express that beautiful, meaningful value.

In every moment, in every circumstance, through every challenge, let that immense value flow out from you. It is never more than just one thought away.

Ralph Marston

 

***

To gain happiness, you must learn to enjoy that which you have

''To gain happiness, you must learn to enjoy that which you

have. It is not how much you have. It is what we think about

that which we have that produces happiness. In building a

happy, contented life, you must give happiness to others. No

one living unto him or herself will ever be contented with his

or her lot. Your happiness is reflected upon you through the

service you give to others. And the thought you give to the

creation of happiness will attract a happiness-service from

others. Start creating the happiness-habit by producing

happy, love-filled thoughts. Happiness is an attribute of love;

therefore, you can never be happy until you give your love to

others .." 

***

“Persistence overcomes resistance.”

When you’re persistent you find the power to hold on and persevere in spite of anything. You’re able to overcome every obstacle and you do all that’s necessary to succeed.

Persistence does not mean you will not fail, but it does mean that when you feel defeated you rise above your disappointment and keep trying. Instead of giving up when all seems hopeless, you find a way to keep going. You simply refuse to give up.

Great things come your way when you endure what seems impossible. No, it’s not easy, but remember big achievements require time. Be patient and don’t give up.

Sow persistence and reap success!

©Jane Powell

***

“Anything that you should have done, but didn’t, ties you to your past.”

Is your mental and emotional clutter getting in the way of a fulfilling life? It’s time to clean out the “need-to’s,” “have-to’s,” and “ought-to’s,” from your past. When you have regrets it’s tough to move forward and grow.

Put the past in the past. Return anything you borrowed. Make apologies where needed. Get your bills up to date. Send the card or gift you forgot to send. Make the phone call you need to make.

Taking care of these things cleans your mental slate and eliminates any regrets or resentments you may harbor.

Now, take a deep breath; look ahead. Both your conscience, and your future vision, is clear.

©Jane Powell

***

"If you never emptied the trash in your home, there would soon be a fowl smell in

your home. It's the same with your mind. Your mind is the home of your thoughts.

If you don't release old thoughts, your life becomes bitter with stinkin' thinkin'

and emotional clutter. 

Empty your mental and emotional trash can of any stressful or painful thoughts. 

Each day you have the choice of living in a state of grumbling or gratitude. 

Don't allow the irritations and challenges of this day or your past to steal your

joy. Holding on to toxic emotions is not healthy or productive. Your toxic emotions

can negatively impact your health, peace of mind, relationships and work. Just 

as you empty your trash at home often, you have to do the same with your mind. 

Count your blessings. Change your point view. Each moment is a gift to you. 

Focus on your priority for this day. Do the best you can right now where are and

with what you have. It's only a matter of time before your change comes. 

Start giving thanks right now for the wonderful break through about to happen in

your life. That's right .... smile...sit up straight...shake off the heavy stress,

speak and walk with courage. 

Jewell Diamond Taylor 

***

When you care 

The way to be strong is to care. The way to be informed is to care, and to do something about what you care about. 

The way to be competent, effective, persuasive, inspiring and successful is to care about what you’re doing. Life responds in a positive way when you take a real, authentic interest and invest yourself in it. 

It isn’t what you’re doing that determines whether you’re wasting your time. It’s how much care you put into what you’re doing that matters. 

When you make the task meaningful, it will be meaningful. When you truly care, and act on what you care about, you’re able to create value in any situation. 

Do what you care about, and care about what you do. Be a real, live, genuine, original person, and not just an automaton. 

Give care to each moment, each task, each person, and each experience. Life’s best possibilities are fulfilled when you truly care. 

Ralph Marston

"If you never emptied the trash in your home, there would soon be a fowl smell in
your home. It's the same with your mind. Your mind is the home of your thoughts.
If you don't release old thoughts, your life becomes bitter with stinkin' thinkin'
and emotional clutter.

Empty your mental and emotional trash can of any stressful or painful thoughts.
Each day you have the choice of living in a state of grumbling or gratitude.

Don't allow the irritations and challenges of this day or your past to steal your
joy. Holding on to toxic emotions is not healthy or productive. Your toxic emotions
can negatively impact your health, peace of mind, relationships and work. Just
as you empty your trash at home often, you have to do the same with your mind.

Count your blessings. Change your point view. Each moment is a gift to you.
Focus on your priority for this day. Do the best you can right now where are and
with what you have. It's only a matter of time before your change comes.

Start giving thanks right now for the wonderful break through about to happen in
your life. That's right ... smile...sit up straight...shake off the heavy stress,
speak and walk with courage.
~~Jewell Diamond Taylor 

Open-ended miracle

You are alive, and that is amazing. You can make a difference, you can change things, right here and now, and that is a boundless opportunity.

There are challenges, and they are difficult, even painful. Yet they are nothing when compared to the possibilities.

What’s happened in the past makes you wary about the future. Fortunately, you can act in the present to influence the future in a positive and meaningful way.

Life is an open-ended miracle and it is yours today. Get clear about what you would most like to do with it, and get busy working to make that happen.

You are immersed in a sea of energy and abundance. You have the outstandingly good fortune of being in a position to make something truly meaningful out of it all.

Make your beautiful, amazing presence known in a positive, creative and loving way. The miracle is yours to live right now.

Ralph Marston

***

“Claim your authentic self and live to your fullest potential.”
When you find happiness and success within yourself, you are an authentic person. You know who you really are, without reference to the expectations of peers or society.
To live an authentic life, you must free yourself from superficial values. You must think for yourself, decide what is right for you and get in touch with your own thoughts, needs and desires.  Lastly, you must embrace your own values and live what you believe to be true.
Then, and only then, are you authentic. Then and only then, can you live up to your full potential.
©Jane Powell

***

SOMETHING ONLY YOU CAN DO

Tallulah Bankhead quipped, "Nobody can be exactly like me. Sometimes even I have trouble doing it." But the truth is...we DO have trouble being ourselves, don't we? Especially in a world that wants us to conform. "To be nobody but yourself in a world that is doing its best day and night into making you like everybody else," said poet E. E. Cummings, "is to fight the hardest battle there is and never stop fighting."

One of the deepest cravings of young people, especially teens, is to be liked by their peers. Like all of us, they want to be accepted and they want to be valued. It's during those critical teen-age years that they begin to play a game that is sometimes called "Follow the Follower." The game is not the same as "Follow the Leader." Following the follower is about conforming ... talking, dressing, acting and even thinking like one another. The goal is to fit in.

In adulthood, we are supposed to discover who we really are and do our best to grow into that person. We find our value, not in acceptance by others, but because we believe in our worth. It doesn't always happen. But it's a wonderful day when we can say in honesty, "I know who I am and I'm glad I am me."

The lovable children's author Dr. Seuss got it right when he wrote, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." It takes strength to swim against the tide. It takes courage to speak your convictions. And it takes trust to act on your own intuition. It's hard and rewarding work to grow up and become who you really are. But in the end, whatever real success you find in life will be a result of your being true to yourself rather than an imitation of somebody else.

I'll never have to give an account for not being more like my favorite celebrity, that shining star in my chosen field or anybody else. And at the end of my life, the question I never want to be asked is, "How come you weren't more like YOU? You had such great potential. You were a wholly unique person -- unrepeatable and irreplaceable. Why you weren't more like YOU?"

It took me far too long to realize that, in a world that wants me to conform, my greatest job is to be myself. It's a challenging and rewarding job and nobody can do it as well as me.

Steve Goodier

***

A kind and generous heart

It would be of no value to have love if you could not also give love. There would be no satisfaction in having the world’s greatest fortune if there was no one with whom to share your good fortune.

Don’t obsess over getting what’s coming to you. Focus your energy on giving and expanding all the good things that can come from you.

You’ll rarely gain anything by proving that you’re right. Instead, put your efforts into doing what is right.

If your ego controls every moment of your life, that life will be little more then an empty shell. To fill your life with richness, live with a kind and generous heart.

If you seek to take without giving, you create bitterness in every direction. The only wealth that will ever bring fulfillment is the wealth you create and give.

Don’t settle for a shallow, empty life when you can enjoy so much more. Give your best, with a kind and generous heart, and truly live life at its highest level.

Ralph Marston
***

Time to Dump Negative Friends – Here’s Why

 

by Jane Powell 
“You have the opportunity and the responsibility to choose the people in your life.”

You are a grown up and you can and should choose who you spend your time with.

It’s important to have people in your life who you know will support you in being your best. People who are there to celebrate your highs and there to support you through your lows. People who support you in living a life that reflects your values, not values of others.

Develop your own personal quality relationships. Forget about being obligated or pressured  to spend time with people who don’t support you. In the end you’ll be richly fulfilled and SO much happier.

 

Secret Warning signs on your products

Do you know what these little colored squares on your products really mean?

I'm wondering if these are true

Do you know the meaning of the colors?
Green square = Natural
Blue square = Natural + Medicine
Red square = Natural + Chemical composition
Black square = Pure Chemical

Pass this information on to your friends and family to make sure they are not ingesting harmful chemicals!

Many people turn a blind eye to the amount of chemicals we put in our body through food, make up, household cleaners and yes TOOTHPASTE! Some do not agree this is true. Many will say it is not.

Now to research more, what do you think?