"I have cleaned my 09 slate, acknowledged the year's blessings & made peace with its lessons. I am now ready to embrace what the new year has in store." -Annette Kelty

Kombucha Botanica

When I am away from home, I sometimes miss the basics in my regime. The other day I was missing my kefir. I was craving some fizzy goodness and a green juice- and I indulged. Kombucha Botanica, caught my eye because of its "Ginger Tulsi" offering. I love ginger and one of my favorite teas is Tulsi India Peppermint.

It's also organic, fair trade, raw and they donate one percent of their sales to select environmental projects. I found it to be very satisfying and not to sweet. Yah!

If you are not familiar with Tulsi- it is also known as Holy Basil and considered "the queen of herbs" in India for its panacea of healing qualities. As they say... "Drink in the goodness".

"Goodness is the only investment that never fails." -Henry David Thoreau

In the Eye of the Whale

(Photo: Bryant Austin/MMCTA)

Bryant Austin, founder of Marine Mammal Conservations Through the Arts (MMCTA), wants to raise our collective consciousness about the wonders of our friends in the sea... the whale- who we know so little about. How? Via visual information- ie his gorgeous photographs.

Austin presents his (gorgeous gorgeous!) photographs to nations that still actively hunt whales in hope to give them a perspective that they haven't seen before. If they can connect with the whales- hopefully there will be empathy to the destructive effects of whaling. How cool! Check out the short film about his work below.

Thanks to Noah for sharing!

Why We Travel

(Photo: Seth Kugel for the New York Times)

I LOVE to travel and I love this photo series in the New York Times, Why We Travel. It's a compilation of 44 slides and very inspirational. Gives you great ideas and now is a good time to put them on your vision boards. I always thought paragliding would be so much fun so that is why I chose to share this one. Find the slide series HERE. For related Readers' Photos click HERE. Happy Traveling!

Happy Holidays!

Let's remember what it's all about. Cheers to a better world!
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday. ❤

A Rainbow...

To brighten your day! Spotted a few times this past week, right around my favorite little plant. Even in winter! :)

The Most Decadent Hot Chocolate EVER!

I love Trader Joe's for many reasons and it's "sipping chocolate" reaffirms my love. I think the key ingredient is the chocolate liqueur, which definitely reminds me of the hot chocolate in Europe. I used heavy cream, warmed it on the stove top on low, and mixed in a few teaspoons of this mix. Heaven. There is sugar in here- so it's a treat to be savored as only you can do with such decadence. Enjoy!

NYT Article: Sorry, Vegans: Brussels Sprouts Like to Live, Too

(Image NYT: Serge Bloch)

“Plants are not static or silly,” said Monika Hilker of the Institute of Biology at the Free University of Berlin. “They respond to tactile cues, they recognize different wavelengths of light, they listen to chemical signals, they can even talk” through chemical signals. Touch, sight, hearing, speech. “These are sensory modalities and abilities we normally think of as only being in animals,” Dr. Hilker said.

Great article. I am hopeful people will recognize that we are all different and may choose to eat different things... things that all live at some point. I can say this because for some time I chose to eat a "vegan" diet, and I turned my nose down at those who didn't. It was hard not to at the time, but I am glad I kept on learning and though far from perfect, I definitely try my best not to be like that now.

Factory farming- the conditions these animals are raised, live in, and drugged, are horrible and not doing any of us any good. I think most people once they realize this do not want to eat factory farmed meat/food either. However, there is much propaganda out there grouping all "meat" for example as bad, rather than making the distinction that there is a huge and clear difference between for example factory farmed beef/cows versus grass fed as they should be raised in nature cows/beef. Not making that distinction- well, I find that to be completely ignorant and more agenda based.

I do not think veganism or even vegetarianism is the answer. We don't need factory farming, but we definitely don't need soy and wheat crops everywhere either. The whole greenhouse gases from animal excrement would be null and void if it was put back into the earth as yes- nature intended. Less meat/flesh- would definitely help too, but what we need is... balance- as nature intended.

Find the article HERE.

"Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things are. Joy is not necessarily what happens when things unfold according to our plans." -Marianne Williamson

Snow Ball Fight Times Square

(Image: Doug Kim)

During the blizzard on 12/19/09 in Times Square... Looks like fun! :) For more images click HERE.

The Known Universe by AMNH

Beautifully stunning. A nice 6 minutes and 31 seconds to zen out. Enjoy!

Completions + Goals + Vision Boards

The end of the year, or any cycle is a good time to reflect. It is also a great time to make plans for the future.

I have generally always made goals and lists and they've served me well. There was a year or two where I didn't make goals, and looking back I think I did unnecessary floundering. I thought at that time that too many lists would keep me from the present moment. It was a nice experiment. I share this with you just in case you have might have similar thoughts.

Completions, intentions, setting goals and vision boards are quite helpful. Knowing what you want, thinking about what you want (reflecting) is important and key in helping you achieve a full satisfying life. Pace yourself. Make them achievable. Dream big. And have reasonable expectations.

Like attracts like. Use the Law of Attraction wisely.

C O M P L E T I O N S
1. the act of completing. 2. the state of being completed. 3. conclusion; fulfillment: Her last novel represented the completion of her literary achievement.
Katie Hendricks, of Hendricks Institute (resources for conscious living and loving) has a hand out you can download for free on her page to help assist you in your completions. You can find it by clicking HERE. My only suggestion is to not go crazy. It has been said that if your lists are too long you might be overwhelmed- and not complete any of your tasks. This is not the goal of the completions. The goal is to complete them. :)

G O A L S
1. the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.
There are quite a few online resources where you can set up your goals and track them- sort of like the GratitudeLog. For me what has worked best is to write my goals out. I aim for approximately 5- give or take. They are bigger- in terms of weight than completions for me. Generally big picture stuff that usually requires more time and planning.

V I S I O N B O A R D S
1. a visual representation or collage of the things that you want to have, be, or do in your life.
I have been saying for a while that I am going to do a vision board. It is on my list of completions and it is also a goal to do them more frequently. I do mini vision boards on my computer, but I wanted to do a physical one that I could hang on my wall and see more often. For more information on vision boards click HERE + HERE, and check out this nice article about the Law of Attraction HERE.

Be At Your Ideal Weight - EVERYDAY!

I love Alexandra. She Rocks! She makes me laugh and always puts a smile on my face. If you can't feel her good energy I don't know what to tell you. I am so grateful I met her in Bali! Be kind to yourself. L❤VE Yourself (that includes your body)!

Valentine's Day 2.12.2010

I know I know. Valentine's Day- already? I know we haven't made through the rest of the holidays this year... yet. This looks so cute and I had to share. ❤

One Radio Network: Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride

I can't wait to listen this interview in it's entirety... and after you checking out these first 10 minutes I think you'll think the same thing. The link for the full interview is HERE- it won't work unless you are already signed in.

Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride MD is the author of this book. I have not read it yet, but I am pretty sure my doctor is a fan of most of her work.

"When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world." -Harold Kushner

NYT: That Tap Water Is Legal but May Be Unhealthy

(Samples of Maywood tap water collected by local community workers show contamination. Lab tests indicate that residents' water has contained traces of mercury, lead, manganese and other chemicals associated with liver and kidney damage, neurological diseases or cancer.
Photo: Monica Almeida/The NYT)

“For years, people said that America has the cleanest drinking water in the world,” said William K. Reilly, the E.P.A. administrator under President George H. W. Bush. “That was true 20 years ago. But people don’t realize how many new chemicals have emerged and how much more pollution has occurred. If they did, we would see very different attitudes.”

This article is long (found HERE), but a must read. I find the "May Be" in the title laughable because as you will read- it's like OMG!!!

If you haven't already, this would be a good time to start collecting spring water. It's almost the New Year and time for new things- add this one to your list. Visit www.findaspring.com to see if there is one listed near you.

Another option is a water purification system. I've heard from quite a few different sources that the Berkey is the best. I'm even thinking of getting one for the spring water.

Let's be smart. This affects all of us.

Wembé Please!

If you see these soaps you may pass them over. They're like true organic home grown apples at the local farmer's markets- which are indeed the real deal, but most people think they look bad. These soaps look like little rough rocks and there is no fruuuffy packaging. You just have to know what you are looking for... Wembé it's all about quality ingredients- not packaging.

Wembé is a line of organic handmade soaps started by a Paraguayah mother-and-son-team- handmade from only ingredients found in the Amazon Rainforest. It moisturizes (packed with essential oils and butters), exfoliates (you can actually see loofah bits in the exfoliating bar), and smells great- available in scents like Seaweed, Green Blue River and Snow.

I liked their blip...
"Infuse your soul with the Rainforest's best senses. The rainforest is a magical place. Tall trees, delicate ferns, lush plants with vivid colors, a hundred thousand different hues of green. An incredible abundance of life. Abundance of everything. Strange fruits and stranger flowers seemingly come from another planet. Dense, humid fog all around. Bright darkness. Peace. Energy."

I know it's cutting it close for the holidays left this year, but I think they would make great gifts. If your in the city they are available at ABC Carpet & Home (888 Broadway @ 19th St., 212.473.3000). Otherwise check their site HERE.

Tempering Chocolate

Tis the season for all sorts of decadence. I know strawberries are not in season right now, but I was thinking of chocolate covered strawberries when I came across this article in the New York Times about tempering chocolate... and I am sure you can think of other items you might want dipped.

Some tidbits...

"Tempering is the process of melting chocolate to break down its crystal structure and then allowing it to re-form at the right temperature. When done properly, the cooled chocolate hardens with a nice shiny appearance. When done improperly, the chocolate takes on a whitish swirl and is said to have “bloomed.” Bloomed chocolate tastes fine (and can be lovely in its own right), but properly tempered it is not.

There are a couple of ways to temper chocolate. I like the “seeding” method: You melt the chocolate (it should be about 110 to 115 degrees), remove it from the heat and then add small pieces of un-melted chocolate (these are the “seeds”) to speed the cooling process while controlling the temperature. Once you start seeding and the temperature drops into the low 80s, you want to slowly bring it back up to between 88 degrees and 91 degrees and hold it there as best you can; this is the temperature range you need for dipping."

Find the full article HERE.

"Mindfulness, by helping us notice our impulses before we act, gives us the opportunity to decide whether to act and how to act." -Gil Fronsdale

Michael Pollan on Democracy Now

Nice interview with Michael Pollan. I am not able to embed, but if you click HERE you can view.

Blue Gold: World Water Wars- Must See!

"A river is the life blood of an ecosystem just like the veins and arteries bring blood to the every part of our organism. When we have choked arteries that's what's called a heart attack. A dam is the choking of the artery of the planet." - Vandana Shiva (Physicist. Ecologist. Activist + Author of "Water Wars")

(Iguazu Waterfall in Paraguay... the next big commodity
Image borrowed from: Lemarsh Files)

I know I've shared this before... but now I've seen it. Wowsers!

I had it for a long time and put it off watching it. Why? Because as much as I wanted to see it- I equally didn't. Your blood might boil but you will be glad you saw it. It will make you... mad, sad, and most importantly aside from all the thinking it will have you doing- it may inspire you to act. The good news is that there are solutions out there.

YES to everyone having easy access to good, clean water versus the privatization of water, corporate greed and theft. And what is the deal with our country sometimes? We are sooooo not mindful of others. It bums me out. SERIOUSLY rent this. Share this. Educate yourself. Trailer below.

"The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them." -Ralph Nichols

Abraham-Hicks: 68 Seconds of Pure Thought

Watch This. You'll be glad you did. And remember to check those thoughts. ;)

Get Your Groove On

(Image borrowed from HERE)

It's raining and dreary here today... possibly snowing (eeks!), and days like today make it very easy to stay in and veg. Are you doing Tracy Anderson? I have been doing her mat workout almost everyday and I am about to pop over to the gym to do some cardio. You can also follow Alexandra's lead and do a goddess dance. It's hard- I know, but it's good for us for so many reasons. I just spied this article in the New York Times found HERE. It suggests that being more physically active can lead to better sleep. Did we really need a study for that? Anyhoo... remember to get your groove on!

Lady M Crepe Cakes + Sugar

(Lady M's signature cake)

We all know sugar is not good for our bodies... even though our taste buds love it. It's safe to say though we enjoy each bite, over doing it reeks havoc on the body. However, I think it's important to also enjoy life and indulge sometimes. Key word being sometimes.

My sometime happened the other day at Lady M Confections, rightfully known for their crepe cakes. Ridiculously divine and looking back I can't believe I almost didn't opt for a crepe cake (they have a ton of other cakes too)!

I had what looked like the above picture, plus a little chocolate dust sprinkled on top. Mine was the seasonal "mocha" and I am still thinking about it. Every bite was heaven. Each cake is made fresh- with no less than 20 paper-thin hand made crepes layered with ethereally light and creamy custard. It's a definite "sometime" for all of us.

P.S. If you want... you can read some more about the ills of sugar HERE.

Blue Gold : World Water Wars

I was told I would like this movie. It is the next one on my Netflix queue. I am sure I will like it, but as much as I am looking forward to it, I am also dreading it. Is this story line... "big corporations and money ruining everything" sounding too familiar lately? I wish it wasn't true. Check it out. More info found HERE.

"When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears" - Anthony Robbins

Now On FaceBook

Let's connect. Search for "Happy Healthy Balance" or click HERE. Cheers!

Goddess Dance

My favorite goddess, Alexandra... shows us how she keeps smiling, grooving, and stays in shape while having so much fun. Love it!

p.s. I sincerely admire her bravery + authenticity!

December 2009

(Photo borrowed from HERE)

I hope you are enjoying the last month of 2009. It's crazy how fast it crept up! I felt winter in the air today. More brisk and brrrr. Make it magnificent!

Eat More Broccoli

I have been trying to eat more broccoli... not only is it good for us, but it is or it was in season (November).

Like other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli contains the phytonutrients sulforaphane and the indoles, which have significant anti-cancer effects. Research on indole-3-carbinol shows this compound helps deactivate a potent estrogen metabolite (4-hydroxyestrone) that promotes tumor growth, especially in estrogen-sensitive breast cells, while at the same time increasing the level of 2-hydroxyestrone, a form of estrogen that can be cancer-protective.

Broccoli is a key ingredient in DIM, a supplement which helps regulate and promote efficient metabolism of estrogen.

From Allergy Research Group... DIM® Enhanced Delivery System contains BioResponse DIM™, a unique formulation containing pure diindolylmethane, an indole. Indoles are plant compounds with health promoting properties, found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Diindolylmethane, or DIM®, has been shown to help regulate and promote a more efficient metabolism of estrogen, by supporting the body in metabolizing estrogen into more of the protective 2-hydroxyestrone rather than the proliferative 16-hydroxyestrone.* BioResponse DIM™ is a stable bioavailable form of DIM®, made possible through a proprietary delivery system. The formula is co-solubilized with phosphatidylcholine, and microencapsulated in starch particles.

Patented BioResponse DIM™ is ten times more potent than indole-3-carbinole (I3C).* I3C is highly unstable and has no biologic activity until it is converted to DIM®. Conversion of I3C takes place in the stomach and requires an appropriately acidic environment. In contrast to I3C, DIM® is highly stable, requires no conversion in the stomach, and is the most active cruciferous phytonutrient in promoting beneficial estrogen metabolism.* DIM® is often preferred by clinicians over I3C.

Remember to at least lightly steam your broccoli, as it is from the cruciferous family and eaten raw it is goitrogenic. More on broccoli and it's benefits HERE.

Urban Kinder Garden Workshop

(Anita + Mike)

I love this. Not just because they are my friends, but because they are going out of their way to expose children to healthy living and exposing them to their food sources. Plus, they are starting at the beginning... getting them to make self watering containers as shown above. Click HERE to see all the details and their progress. Cheers!