School Yard Garden in Brooklyn, NY

(Brooklyn School Yard Garden)

We had to shoot this at an odd angle due to the fence around the school yard. I like it's odd random asymmetrical-ness. I also like knowing kids are learning how to grow their own food. Who says concrete makes having a garden impossible? If there is a will there is a way. They also seem to be collecting rain water in those jugs, which is great since we've had so much rain lately. You can have a garden pretty much anywhere. Touche'!

Long Island, NY + Cold Spring Harbor Spring + Dr. Gonzalez ++

(Courtesy of GoogleMaps- "A" is New York City... a nice drive)

Recently, we had a lovely day driving through and visiting Long Island. I had never been there before and it was quite lovely. I imagined it to be so hoity-toity (the Hamptons), but even as it was filled with one gorgeous home after another with perfectly manicured lawns and fantastic hedges, it was nice and chill and just what we needed... a day out of the city!

(located in Watermill, Long Island)

Our first stop was at The Green Thumb Organic Farm. They have a cute little market, lovely flowers, and some nice grounds you can have a picnic on. While there I ran into Mary Woltz of Bees Needs. She was bringing some first of the season "black locust blossom honey" to stock and she let me take her picture. Unlike, many other bee (including "organic") keepers, Woltz does not use sugar syrups in the Winter so the bees feed off their own honey. This just shows she is taking some extra TLC in tending to them. We liked that Woltz refers to the hives as "she". :)

(Mary Woltz of Bees Needs)

We also had a nice visit with Steve Storch who runs a biodynamic farm, Natural Science Organics. It was really cool to see as this is was our first visit to a biodynamic farm. Anthony set up the Storch visit and on rawmodel.com you can find out the details (we got the grand tour)- thanks to Mr. Storch!

(Anthony and Steve Storch)

What I will tell you is the biodynamic (also known as demeter + beyond organic) apples I had in Berlin were crazy tasty. Very strong and distinct - so much so it was the highlight of our trip there. It also got us wondering how much "taste" is missing from our day to day food. Additionally, it got us thinking about our relationship with plants and animals... how we are connected in a true symbiotic partnership. Its all about biodiversity. The more variety of life present, the stronger the whole ecosystem becomes. To be conscious of the interconnection is a true gift. More on this below...

(Mary Woltz of Bees Needs- tending to the bees on Storch's Farm which were about to swarm)

(Cute little fruit stands with lovely flowers were everywhere- reminded me of Bali)

(Flowers Everywhere!)

On the way back we found another spring... Cold Spring Harbor (also the name of the town) which is right off the road. The TDS meter read 20. We didn't have a thermometer but could tell it was not as cold as Stokes in New Jersey. Very good though. Lots of people came by to fill up and that is always a good sign.

(You can see the pipe at the bottom right- across the street is the library)

(Here is another view)

The Cold Spring Harbor Spring is on the opposite side of the library (side note- the library is pretty stunning) and if you see a parking lot where people are unloading their boats into the water- you are close by. There were a bit of cars parked in front at first so we missed it but it is off of the main road as shown in the first picture.

While driving around we listed to an audio podcast from Patrick Timpone's OneRadioNetwork, with Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez. Side note: If you haven't checked out Timpone's interviews -you must! They are really fun and informative; encompassing a nice range of heath, wellness and personal freedom topics.

(Image from oneradionetwork.com)

I was especially interested in this interview, because Dr. Gonzalez is my doctor's doctor. He is well know for his holistic nutritional approach and many successes in treating cancer. Gonzalez is big on diet, supplements, proteolytic (pancreatic) enzymes and detoxification.

For those who believe that we all can do without animal products - well...as I learn more and more, I disagree more and more. As Gonzalez points out, "not everyone is the same"... some of us are more acid, others more alkaline- neither being more good or bad, right or wrong, but this strongly helps to determine what kind of diet you should eat.

If you are more on the alkaline side, generally you will not feel good if you eat more alkalizing foods (such as citrus or leafy greens). Our bodies strive for balance so if you are generally more alkaline- you would feel better eating a diet rich in "animal products". In turn, the same goes if you are on the more acid side... you generally feel better if you eat citrus and tons of leafy greens.

(Good intention, but a bunch of baloney. Acid is not dangerous!)

This made allot of sense... and immediately I thought of Amanda Love . Love told us about her journey with food and how she did not feel good eating vegan and raw vegan diet even though she thought it was the best diet and fought her body for many years- sacrificing her health. Only after the urging of many doctors (holistic, alternative, etc) did she (and at her dismay) begin to add "animal products" (the good stuff- ie grass fed, organic, etc), back to her diet and is now feeling better than ever. I gather from what Gonzalez said- Love was already too alkaline and the additional alkalinitiy was not good for her. Gonzalez had patients who naturally were alkaline and they would get depressed when they ate too many alkalizing foods and vice-versa.

(harmony)

This brings me back to exploring our relationships with plants and animals. Being on these farms and the more I learn... well, it has definitely been eye-opening for me. I feel more conscious of nature's reality. It's terrible that today's "normal" is factory farms and GMO foods, and I can see why we shun away from animal products. But have we gone too far? Is it a reaction to the extreme to go to the other extreme? I think as we continue to learn, we are finding and fine tuning a healthier natural balance. Just a reminder to try and be open minded... one-size doesn't fit all. Don't limit yourself. Keep exploring! :)

Get Your KEFIR on! Water Kefir Grains FOR SALE!

* Please note: Not selling kefir grains at the moment. Contact: Marilyn "the Kefir lady" http://www.kefirlady.com.

Are you interested in making your own kefir? Now is the time as $16 will get you some AMAZING Water Kefir Grains. They are happy, healthy and have been feasting on the best ingredients, such as... freshly harvested spring water, organic sugars, and organic unsulphured pears.

The water kefir, if made right, will have a nice fizz and will be slightly tart with a hint of sweet. If you've ever enjoyed kombucha- it is quite similar in taste and also benefits (ie good source of probiotics). These are the real deal (not a powder starter)... they are are the ALIVE cultures, that you can have for the rest of your life.

The INSTRUCTIONS for those who've purchased the grains (must read so you can get ready!) as well as those of you who want to see what is involved can be viewed HERE. Please read and also check out this video below.

READY TO PURCHASE? Please note: Not selling kefir grains at the moment. Contact: Marilyn "the Kefir lady" http://www.kefirlady.com. The below is not valid now.
1. Send an email to: happyhealthybalance@gmail.com with your ship to address.
2. Send $16* via paypal to happyhealthybalance@gmail.com. *This amount is for domestic orders within the USA only. All others need inquire with their address so it can be figured out.

Once payment has been received, I will send you a confirmation email. I generally also send a confirmation email confirming shipment. Grains are shipped out on Monday as I do not want them sitting in the post over the weekend.

Please note: I do not have milk kefir grains at the moment... if you are interested- shoot me an an email, as I may be able to help you out.

Cheers!

NEWS FLASH: Whole Foods Market Takes Stand Against GMOs

I was elated to get wind of this project! It's a BIG BIG step in the right direction for everyone whether they realize it or not. GMOs are BAD and now Whole Foods Market - a major grocer and player in the health community is going to be part of the Non-GMO project.

What does this mean? Beginning this Fall we are going to start seeing, "Non-GMO Project Verified" seals identifying products in their store that are GMO-Free. All of Whole Foods "house brands" (365 Every Day Value and Whole Foods Market) will be enrolled in the project, and there are already quite a few other manufactures, such as Eden Foods, Nature's Path Organic, and Lundburg Farms that have their products verified under this standard. The list compiled so far can be found HERE.

What is a GMO?

As Wikipedia puts it: A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques, generally known as recombinant DNA technology, use DNA molecules from different sources, which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes.

From Whole Foods' Blog: It’s simple: scientists combine the DNA of a plant with the DNA of something else and create a novel organism that has heretofore not existed in nature. The companies who make and sell the bioengineered crops will tell you all about the “exciting potential” of these crops to end hunger and create radical new super-nutritious foods. In reality, the GMO crops currently approved and marketed in the United States do one of two things: (1) make their own pesticides or (2) resist herbicides, so that farmers can spray an entire field with a strong chemical herbicide and kill everything but the GMO crop. Most of the U.S. corn, soy, canola and cotton is grown using one of these two technologies.

It may not sound like such a big deal, but I assure you it is. Dig a little deeper. Watch some informative movies such as The Future of Food, Food Matters, and Food Inc. Trust me if you don't already know- you will be shocked and outraged!

Also, it should be mentioned that "organic" food is non-GMO by design as the USDA Organic Standards prohibit organic producers from using GMOs and GMO seeds. However, and most unfortunately, due to pollen drift and other types of contamination, even organic products can have very small amounts of GMO contamination. The Non-GMO Project will help organic growers avoid and minimize this contamination.

Whole Foods has a reputation for being a little pricey sometimes, but knowing they are part of and taking a stand for 'good food' makes me feel a whole lot better about paying a tad more. This is a really good sign- I know others will soon follow suite.

You can find the full Whole Foods blog post can be found HERE.

Healthy + Super Yummy Ramen!

('twas HOT when I took this picture)

Ahhhh ramen! It brings me back. Perhaps you were like me and can remember those days in your youth eating Top Ramen? It was unfortunately at that time, one of my favorite things to eat. Not only cheap, but easy to make and tasty. I am sure the vast amounts of chemical MSG and processed ingredients helped to contribute to my addiction.

Well thank goodness things have changed! Introducing Koyo Ramen (no I do not work for them)- made with organic ingredients that you can easily identify.

Just for kicks I made a table comparing Top Ramen and Koyo Ramen. The information was taken directly from two web-sites that sell the product. I found it interesting that on Nissan's Top Ramen site there is no ingredient information to be found.

(Click for larger view)

Although, it is about $1.09 more per packet- Koyo Ramen is by far the better choice. There is familiarity with the ingredients, plus it's organic, there is no MSG, preservatives, additives, etc.

It has long been muttered by those still holding out on the good stuff, "organic is so expensive!", but it has also been well documented that as our food supply and diet have worsened, our health care costs have sky rocketed. Organic is really only expensive in the "short or near sighted" sense. It will benefit us all and the health of our planet in the long run. My suggestion is look at the big picture and to slowly add more and more of the better stuff in. As the saying goes, "third time's a charm", and soon it will be a new habit that will having you feeling better.

Now on to the recipe- not only delicious, but it's vegetarian and vegan too!

Ingredients (makes for 2-3 people):
- 3 packs of the Garlic Pepper Ramen by Koyo
- Bok Choy
- Mushrooms sliced
- Garlic Scapes or Garlic finely minced
- Green Onion finely diced
- Vegetable Bouillon cubes for the soup (I used Rapunzel)

Directions:
1. Bring 4 cups of water to boil with 2 Vegetable Bouillon Cubes.
2. In pan saute' a little olive oil, sliced mushrooms, sliced bok choy, finely minced garlic, and sea salt and pepper till cooked through and nicely seasoned.
3. When the water is boiling add the 3 packets of Ramen- you can also add the "garlic pepper" seasoning as well.
4. Add the mushrooms, bok choy, garlic mixture to the soup.
5. Serve and eat!

Truck Farm by Wicked Delicate

Are you perhaps one of those people who lives in a big city without any land, but you have a truck? Well TRUCK FARM (by Wicked Delicate) might be your solution to growing your own food. Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis who you may remember from the documentary film, King Korn are at it again. This time they've combined green roof technology, organic compost and heirloom seeds to create a living and mobile green garden in Brooklyn, NY.

If you sign up for $20 you get a DVD of the short film TRUCK FARM, an invitation to the WD Truck Farm Summer Picnic, and a completely unknowable amount of truck-fresh produce.

Please check out their site HERE. In addition to their great videos and a wealth of information, there is inspiration... you may not have a truck, but I bet this story got you thinking outside the box... growing your own food even in a big city is really possible.

My Version of Huevos Rancheros Tacos

For reasons unknown to me I have been craving, but also indulging in avocado tacos along with rice n beans from La Esquina. Perhaps this is because I really long for some rice n beans n salsa from Wahoo's- my all time favorite.

So I decided I must try to make something similar at home. I left out the beans for this version, but if you want you can add them. As is- it's pretty darn delicious.

Ingredients (this recipe makes 4 tacos):
- 4 Corn Tortillas
- 1 Slice Yogurt Cheese
- Pico De Gallo (2 tomatoes, 1 Red Onion, Chopped Cilantro, 2 Garlic Cloves, Juice of 1 Lime, Sea Salt, and Pepper)
- Scrambled Eggs (3 Farm Fresh Eggs, 3 Green Onions, Dash of Sea Salt and Pepper)
- Avocado- sliced
Directions:
1. Make the salsa and put aside so the flavors meld nicely together.
2. Take 3 eggs and mix in bowl with the finely chopped green onion and a dash of salt and pepper.
3. Warm 4 corn tortillas in pan and put aside with a 1/4 slice of yogurt cheese on each one.
4. Scramble the egg mixture in the griddle.
5. Put the scrambled eggs in the tortilla on top of the 1/4 slice of yogurt cheese.
6. Add a scoop of pico de gallo
7. Top off with a slice of avocado
8. Enjoy!

And, yes I ate all 4 of them. :)

Mozzarelli's Pizza

(Sour Dough Rye Pumpernickel + Organic Spelt)

I happened upon Mozzarelli's Pizza by accident. What caught my eye and taste buds was their 100% Organic Spelt and Sour Dough Rye Pumpernickel. Both are part of their artisian crust offerings and they were quite tastey and both veggie.

It would be even better if their ingredients were all organic and their cheese came from grass fed animals, but it's a good step in the right direction as far as New York pizza is concerned. They also offer a gluten-free menu and have won an award for best "gluten-free pizza in NYC". You can find them at 38 East 23rd Street - a few doors down from Bonobos.

Love is Everywhere!

This is totally random... or possibly not. I was drinking my favorite tea (mint, ginger, honey) the other day and noticed this heart shaped leaf staring me right in the face. I did a double take and wanted to share. The picture is a bit blown out from the flash, but I assure you it is real. It was a good reminder that love (and hearts) can be found everywhere... even in those places completely unexpected. Oui!

Omega Institute: Maude Barlow on Path Dependency+

This is a good explanation of why (re: bureaucratic baloney- please see last post)... Thanks to my friend, Michael for sharing. I don't want to write too much here, because Ms. Barlow says it well... but I will say that I do hope our country wakes up a bit more as a whole so we can get on board and really make some serious changes.

Inspired by Bogotá’s TransMilenio!

(Photo: Scott Dalton for The New York Times)

While reading the New York Times online, I spied this picture and immediately my thoughts went to Los Angeles... this picture captures Bogotá’s rapid transit, TransMilenio, and it looks quite similar to the image in my brain. I have long thought that Los Angeles should put a major subway-type-system right down the middle of the freeways and cut back on lanes rather than adding more, which unfortunately they continue to do.

If you've been to Los Angeles, it's a safe bet you've witnessed or experienced the most horrific traffic of your life and it sucked. Not only a waste of time, but a waste of energy, increased pollution, fumes, less social interaction, and less use of one's own limbs.

I am not just singling out LA... all cities, towns and the like should adopt such programs. I have a few friends in Austin now and they constantly are telling me just how "green" it is. Though I agree for the most part, it's reliance on the car limits my ability to think of it as truly "green". Our independence from the car is closely connected and key to combating climate change.

I remain hopeful our country will pull itself out from under all this bureaucratic baloney and make some good + necessary changes. In the meantime it's inspiring to see developing countries take the lead.

Please check out the New York Times article and video (The Buses of Bogotá), HERE and HERE.

Teeccino = YUM!

I finally took some pictures of teeccino as I make it. Here is my loose recipe (please note- measurements are approximate- I always fudge it):

Use 1/3 cup of teeccino (mocha is my favorite), and put in french press with hot (boiling) water. Give it a nice stir and let sit for 3 minutes before "pressing it down". In the meantime, take a tablespoon or two of raw cashews and blend in Vitamix with 1/2 cup of water to make cashew mylk. Mix equal parts teeccino with cashew mylk.

Soooo yummy and super simple... just like your favorite cappuccino. I like to sip while indulging in some bites of dark chocolate. Enjoy!

Speaking of ORGANIC... it's Integrity is Being Questioned

Just a warning - this article from the Washington Post, may infuriate you. It definitely raised my blood pressure. I have long heard hints of organic not always being 100% organic, but I didn't think it could be this bad. Apparently, there are some big loop holes, which big business is finding ways to exploit and in the process watering down the "organic" brand and it's losing it's validity.

It seems simple enough... organic = food/ingredients grown "naturally"- as nature intended them- without chemicals, pesticides, additives, non-GMO, with animals/livestock eating nutrient rich grass free to roam around pasture instead of being confined to a cell. Has it been so long we've forgotten?

We need to pay attention and make sure "organic" is protected. The USDA needs to step it up and be strict. Organic is not hard to define. If these companies want to use synthetic ingredients - it's easy- they do not get to label their product organic! Please find and read this very informative and important article is found HERE.

GustOrganics Restaurant

(A view from across the street)

I learned about GustOrganics (pronounced "Gusto Organics") while attending the Sustainable Planet Film Festival. It's founder, Alberto Gonzalez gave a wonderful albeit brief talk, and it was noted then and there that I must try his restaurant!

Gonzalez, traveled often to New York City and found it alarming that though everything looked wonderful (perfect looking tomatoes for example)- many did not taste good (the perfect tomatoes did not taste like tomatoes). Gonzalez recalled, "when I used to stay here for business, I noticed I was more tired, lacked energy, and gained a lot of weight. I realized I took for granted the freshness and quality of the food in Argentina.” And so after polling many people he launched GustOrganics.

It is the first and only certified organic restaurant in New York- hence they use 100% USDA certified organic ingredients and it is considered one of the greenest restaurants in the world (certified as a "Green Restaurant" by the Green Restaurant Association- click HERE for all the cool details), and it is the first and only to date USDA organic bar on the planet. They are open 365 days a year for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner.

Silly me did not take pictures of the food, but can attest that everything we had was delicious and without a doubt was made with high quality, fresh ingredients. Also, it should be noted that they have the best sangria I've ever had. I can't claim to be a sangria aficionado, but I feel comfortable with my statement- as well as this one... I love supporting businesses that have a heart and soul.

The Sustainable Planet Film Festival

Were you aware that there is a Sustainable Planet Film Festival? There have been five to date since it's launch in 2005 and I happily attended the most recent one in New York.

The festival, produced and organized by Pamela Peeters, is the first platform where movie makers meet with for-profit and non-profit organizations in order to watch movies and discuss sustainable solutions in an entertaining way. Peeters, originally from Belgium, is the author of "My Urban Ecology", and the host of the television show "Our Planet". Her interest in the planet was born in early childhood- she launched her first environmental magazine, "Grab the Green" when she was 12.

(The Meatrix was shown)

Peeters credits her multi-cultural education as the reason she sees the world as "her field and not just as a country or nation." She chose to develop a film festival because she wanted to the world community to inspire each other by sharing with each other what they are doing.

It was a full day, packed tight with touching films from around the world showcasing community building efforts and environmental care, which were intertwined with interesting and noteworthy speakers.

(Pamela Peeters with Dr. Jaime Lerner)

Dr. Jaime Lerner, the mayor (for 12 years with a 92% approval rating) of Curitiba Brazil, was the highlight for me. Curitiba, Brazil is one of the greenest cities on the planet. It boasts 17 parks, is filled with trees (Lerner provided 1.5 million tree seedlings to neighborhoods for them to plant and care for), bikers enjoy 90 miles of bike paths and they are visited by officials from other cities so they can study their traffic and garbage systems. And that is just the start.

(Courtesy of Dr. Jaime Lerner)

Lerner believes cities are the answer because they easily combine where you live and work, though they must include key components. One being having less dependence on the car (less of them in general), and replacing the need for cars with an efficient public transportation system. He likens the car to our mother-in-law. That you have a good relationship with her but not to let her conduct your life. Another key component on Lerner's list is recycling in every home at the home. Curitiba teaches children (via the school) from a young age the benefits of recycling. Quite impressively, Curitiba recycles two-thirds of it's garbage - one of the highest rates of any city. Please click HERE to learn more about Lerner and Curitiba.

(Josh Dorfman)

In addition to Lerner, the other main speakers were Josh Dorfman TV host for the Green Sundance Channel- aka the Lazy Environmentalist, Steven Lovink from Planet 2025, Alberto Gonzalez CEO of Gusto Organics, Economist Hazel Henderson, Kim Slicklein CEO of Enclave Rising, and more. For the full schedule please click HERE.

(Economist Hazel Henderson via Skype)

It was quite uplifting to hear all the positive things everyone was doing in their own way. And it was very cool to hear how the movement has progressed- they agreed that Al Gore's movie, "The Inconvenient Truth" really got the ball rolling. And I think most would agree there is a definite awareness and momentum for positive change in a big way.

(A steward gala ended the festival where you were invited to mingle)

Aside from New York, the film festival has traveled to Jordan, Belgium, Los Angeles, Washington and Miami. I am happy to report the next one is in October in New York. You won't want to miss it.

Jessica Alba Talking GREEN @ Style.com

This is by no means BIG news in the sense that most of us already know or have heard about this green stuff, but it can be classified just so because it shows how super fashionable green is. Yes- you can roll your eyes, but I think you'd agree it does help to have a "super star" spreading the word to more of the masses- ie. people that otherwise wouldn't ordinarily partake in this "green" shift... they may now be intrigued. Viola!

SURTHRIVAL with Daniel Vitalis + Gnosis Chocolate

(Daniel Vitalis and Vanessa Barg.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Skeirik - more images here)

VERY COOL is how I'd describe SURTHRIVAL- a recent event in New York City, hosted by the lovely Vanessa, founder of Gnosis Chocolate, with a special lecture by Daniel Vitalis. It was packed!

(The Flyer)

Vitalis, the creator of ElixirCraft (the first codified synthesis of ancient and modern herbal/medicinal/nutritional drink preparation techniques) has been portrayed as a fierce and perhaps even scary-ninja-like, and though I am sure he is, he is also quite warm and sunny. Vitalis has been deeply immersed in raw foods, super foods, herbalism and live food nutrition for 15 years and my hat goes off to him for sharing the benefits of spring water with everyone. His wealth of knowledge runs deep via chemistry, physics and anatomy, in addition to alchemy and astrology.

Due to his vast research, Vitalis no longer follows the dogma of raw food and veganism. He has found that in order to thrive versus just surviving he had to add back in some "animal" products into his diet.

(Vitalis telling us how to thrive)

Before I go further, I must say Vitalis was not putting down raw food or veganism. He was just pointing out how both can be dogmatic ("this and only this") and wanted us to try to be open minded and hear him out. I recently told a friend, I thought the essence of veganism was a noble choice and she reminded me, "it is one choice, based on individual beliefs and choices that many share and many do not." Well put. I think it is easy to get caught up in it all and we must remember everyone's path and choices are different- and we may agree or we may not.

During the two hour lecture, Vitalis shared an abundance of good information. His focus was on immunity and hormones- which I think really got people thinking. For those of you that don't know, 80% of our immunity lies in the gut. We need to have good gut flora, or an abundance of Lactobacillus Acidophilus in our systems (we are made up mostly of this bacteria) in order to thrive. Eating fermented/cultured foods daily is key to making this happen, as well as taking good probiotics. Vitalis warned against being too "alkaline" as the flora in our systems thrive in "acidity" (a note to alkalizing fans).
Two products Vitalis mentioned and now sells on his site, surthrival.com are Colostrum Powder and Immortal Velvet- Deer Antler Velvet. I summarized a bit about them with information from his site, below.

Colostrum is the "immune milk" produced by all mammals for only the first few hours before and after they give birth. It apparently is supercharged with 97 immune factors and 87 growth factors.... essentially nature's "first food". It's adaptogenic properties enhance rejuvenation and regeneration while strengthening the immune system and has potent anti-aging benefits and broad spectrum probiotics in whole food forms. Surthrival's colostrum is from organically raised cows and harvested after the new born calves get their share. Vitalis told us that the above claims have been found by Cornell doctors who have been studying the benefits.

The Immortal Velvet- Deer Antler Velvet is from New Zealand and has been humanely harvested. According to Vitalis, velvet antler is the only mammalian organ that completely regenerates and grows at almost a rate of 2cm daily. The biggest benefit lies in it's "concentrated growth factor"- which increases your ability to produce more red blood cells that help deliver oxygen to your muscles which aid in both muscular endurance and muscle injury recovery. Clinical research also shows the ability for this extract to produce more immune system aiding white blood cells. These are essential for aiding in the combat of free radical cellular development which are the main proponents of muscle degeneration and wasted work out sessions.

I tried samples of both and we purchased the Colostrum to experiment with further. The Colostrum Powder is sweet and milky tasting, while the Immortal Velvet is sort of spicy. Both are taken in small quantities. Please visit Vitalis' site for more information and if you get a chance to go to one of his talks I highly recommend it. Whether or not you agree with all, some or none of his ideas- one would definitely find it interesting. You know allot of research is behind them and it gets you thinking. Plus, he is a great speaker and has lots of positive charisma to share.

(Females love charisma!)

(Mr. Mueller pointing out all the people)

The rest of the night was filled with dancing, 2 elixir drinks for each of us, a plate filled with raw food snacks and an unlimited amount of Gnosis chocolate to indulge in. A special thanks to Vanessa, Gnosis Chocolate and Daniel Vitalis.

What is Your Love Language?

Intrigued? I was. "The Five Love Languages", by Dr. Gary Chapman is a very good and informative must read book for everyone! The focus is on couples, but the principals also apply to your kids and really anyone in your life that you are close to.

(Dr. Gary Chapman)

Dr. Gary Chapman is a world renowned author, speaker and counselor with 30+ years working with thousands of couples struggling with many issues. He found within all the countless issues couples had (including his own), that the common denominator is: all people need to feel loved, and not everyone speaks the same love language.
Love Language? You bet! Chapman has found that there are five love languages which sum up all of the possible "love languages" one might speak. And within each love language there are different dialects. For example... how well would a person who speaks English communicate with one who speaks only Finnish? And in Spain how many dialects are there of Spanish? You might be able to get by, but in order to really communicate we must learn our partner's love language.
The five love languages are....

1. Words of Affirmation: verbal compliments and encouragement. Simple statements, such as, “You look great in that dress,” or “You must be the best baker in the world! I love your oatmeal cookies,” are sometimes all a person needs to hear to feel loved.

2. Quality Time: more than mere proximity- it’s about focusing all your energy on your mate. A husband watching sports while talking to his wife is NOT quality time.

3. Receiving Gifts: Some mates respond well to visual symbols of love. If you speak this love language, you are more likely to treasure any gift as an expression of love and devotion. These gifts need not to come every day, or even every week. They don’t even need to cost a lot of money. Free, frequent, expensive, or rare, if your mate relates to the language of receiving gifts, any visible sign of your love will leave them feeling happy and secure in your relationship.

4. Acts of Service: Sometimes simple chores around the house can be an undeniable expression of love. Even simple things like laundry and taking out the trash require some form of planning, time, effort, and energy. It is very important to understand what acts of service your mate most appreciates.

5. Physical Touch: Many mates feel the most loved when they receive physical contact from their partner. For a mate who speaks this love language loudly, physical touch can make or break the relationship.

These definitions were taken almost verbatim from his site and he goes into more detail about them HERE.

Dr. Chapman shares many simple and practical ways to which we can communicate love to our partner by recognizing and speaking their love language and finding our own. It makes allot of sense. I have to thank my dear friend, Alexandra for sharing it with me... so glad I checked it out.

Agave: A Triumph of Marketing over Truth

(A gorgeous agave plant- but is it good for you?)

A friend shared an eye opening and well written article on Agave, by Dr. Mercola. Please check it out HERE- it's a MUST read. Really interesting information.

(Various Agave Nectars. Wanted to share a visual in case you haven't seen "agave sweetner".
I have used both brands.)

I have been a fan of agave and personally like the taste better than stevia- and now I know why. My doctor, who I refer to allot is not a fan of sweeteners in general, because it spikes your blood sugar, which increases your insulin and this can lead to other damage to the body. In general, "sugars" are not good for us.

(It took a while to get through this box- it's not bad but an acquired taste)

Knowing this, I still do indulge from time to time and I will still be using agave... for now at least as I just recently stocked up. It should be noted eating large quantities of fruit can have the same effect, even though fruit is good for you- it has lots of "sugar".

Some substitutes you can use- aside from stevia, are xylitol, vegetable glycerin (I found this at Whole Foods), and honey- these have a lower glycemic level. My suggestion is to be conscious of how much "sweet" you are indulging in. Moderation is key.