Juicing for Energy and Stress Relief

Happy Sunday Everyone,

If you have been following my previous blogs about redecorating your home, you should have some pretty good starter tips. And, you are probably feeling a little more confident in your abilities to take on more. If this is the case, I'm happy for you. However, we want to keep our energy level as we continue moving forward with the challenge. One of the best ways to do this is through juicing.

Juicing is a spectacular and natural source for restoring spent energy, getting your daily recommended nutrients and simply feeling better. There are many juice combinations to experiment with, which is exactly what you'll have to do.

When starting a juicing program, it's important to have the proper juicer so that you are receiving the vitamins and nutrients. The best type of juicer for that is one that extracts the juice from the vegetable of the fruit. Juicers range in price, model and functionality. And, I'm sure everyone thinks the higher the price, the better the juicer, which is not always true. Perhaps, the higher the price, the more functionality you may receive from it, but you really only need a juicer that extracts.

You can find some great juicers at http://www.stylistemporium.com/kitchensfinest.html that vary in price, size, style and functionality.

One of the best things I can recommend before juicing is to invest in a juice recipe book. You will obtain lots of useful information and get an idea what you may want to try according to your tastes. Another suggestion is to use the freshest vegetables possible. Organic vegetables are the best. When I began juicing, my biggest challenge was finding the best quality fruit and vegetables without paying a high cost. I finally ended up having my fruits and vegetables delivered to me by an awesome company called Diamond Organics at www.diamondorganics.com . They have superb quality organic fruit and vegetables at unbeatable prices. the best thing was that they delivered globally and the produce arrived fresh and well packed. In addition, they lasted a good long while. Diamond organics also have sampler packs according to season in vegetable and fruit combinations.

The best way after getting your juicer, book and produce to sample is to figure out what you are trying to achieve as your health goal. For me, it was my blood because I'm severely anemic, eliminating my fatigue and building my immune system. So, as I began reading Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity http://www.stylistemporium.com/homesweethome1.html , it was pointed out that various vegetables and fruits contain nutrients which provide certain healing elements. For example, my book explained that beets are loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. The greens of the beet have a higher content of iron compared to spinach. They are also an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, sodium and iron. So,m I knew that with my anemia being a problem that beets would certainly be one vegetable I'd like to try. In addition, I learned through my book that beet leaves have a bitter taste like chard, but is rich in chlorophyll. Although bitter, the greens have a higher nutritional value than its roots. I knew that chlorophyll is what's found in grass and that animals (specifically dogs) when sick eat grass to heal.


And, while the sweet beet root has some of the minerals in its greens to a lesser degree, it is also a remarkable source of chlorine, folic acid, iodine, manganese, organic sodium, potassium, fiber and carbohydrates in the form of natural digestible sugars.

I maintained a busy lifestyle so felt that if I could get a vegetable that was as powerful as a beet to solve more than just one problem, that was certainly one of the vegetables I'd try. However, I wasn't sure, even after finding out what a great blood builder beets are that I could bring myself to drink beet and leaf juice. So, I needed to mix it with something and as you probably guessed, back to my book I went.

This time, I was looking for something that would just make the beet juice taste a little better without compromising the nutritional benefits, and that is when I read about fresh ginger root. Ginger is classified as a herb which have been widely used as traditional medicine or spice in many cultures throughout the world. Ginger is often referred to as a root, but it is actually an underground stem.

I don't think I was prepared for he powers of ginger at that time, but being the fearless person I am, of course I dove in and ordered some to go with my beets. The nutritional benefits of ginger are also amazing. Ginger is known to have more than twelve types of anti-oxidants, making it useful for treatment of many disorders. Like other spices, it has aphrodisiac properties and is used widely for medicinal purposes.

This herb contains essential oils, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin C, choline, folic acid, inositol, manganese, panthotenic acid, silicon, and a small amount of vitamin B3. And, as I'm reading all the nutritional facts and amazingly here's another source of iron the fight the anemia. In addition, it helps fight fatigue, impotency, colds, coughs and inflammations only mentioning a few of the healing remedies. However, that was enough for me, I was sold on the ginger root.

However, there was a warning in my book about the potency in the flavor of ginger roots, so I figured I better add a little lemon to my concoction to assist with the taste and as an added benefit, the lemon has vitamin C which would assist my immune system.

So, I was ready to juice. I had my new juicer, my organic veggies and fruit, my book as my guide and my determination.

My very first morning of juicing began before I went to work that morning. I figured that this would be my guide as to whether this juicing thing was just hype or if it was indeed true. You see for me, the mornings were just dreadful. Although I had to get up, I really was not up and it was a struggle getting out of the bed each and every morning. And, my fatigue was so chronic that by the time mid day came around, I found myself taking lunch time naps if I was able to even take a lunch at my demanding job.

So, bright and early Monday morning, I washed my 1 beet, 1 ginger root and 1 lemon. I put it all in my juice extractor and was so amazed by this juicing gadget. It took all of the vegetables and delivered an 8 ounce cup of juice. From reading my book, I learned that it's best to drink the juice immediately so you are getting all the nutrients at it's most effective.

All I can say from that first gulp is wow. I was in now way prepared for the power of the ginger root. I was the strongest thing my taste buds ever encountered, but it was strangely delicious. I looked at my book again and saw that I basically used too much ginger. However, not wanting to waste it, I finished gulping the juice down and at the same time holding my breath as it was simply over powering my senses.

I rinsed my juicer out and left for work. As my day went by, I went through my tasks with little effort. By the time I thought about taking my lunch that day it was 4:00 pm. I simply felt so energized that it didn't dawn on me that I simply worked through my normal mid day fatigue. From that point on, I was hooked on the power of juicing.

From that day forward, I'd start my day with beets, ginger and lemon or beets, ginger and carrot juice. When I got off work, I'd drink another juice and have the energy to walk the treadmill. Something I'd never done before. Of course I learned how to master my measurements of ginger root and learned what fruits worked well together through experimenting.

In addition, I lost 28 pounds in 2 months. The juicing replaced various meals for me and left me with a satisfied feeling instead of wanting to eat all the time. So, if you are serious about transforming your home, try transforming your diet at the same time. You will be simply amazed at the energy you gain. In addition, you may begin to notice a glow to your skin, a shin to your hair and a lift to your personality.

I hope everyone enjoyed this blog as it was just a little extra something to try before we move on to the subject of redecorating our bathrooms. Be sure to click on the links provided an use them as a reference to the information given. Below is a partial list of fruits and vegetable recipes and their healing benefits. This is in no way intended as medical advice but only useful as a reference. It is suggested that you educate yourself further and speak to your physician before changing your diet.

Ginger

Fatigue: Slice a piece of ginger into disks and boil it with a big glass of water. Add a piece of cinnamon bark, bring to boil and then cover it for about half an hour till it turns to golden color. Drink it to relieve fatigue when recovering from fever. It also relieves muscle pain and soreness.

Cough: Drink ginger juice with honey three to four times a day for a bad throat. It is soothing and helps clear up phlegm.

Cold: Cut up a small piece of ginger and boil it with a small cup of pure drinking water. Add some green tea leaves if you wish. Strain and drink when hot. Effective if you also have fever resulting from the cold. You may also drink this concoction if you feel a cold coming.

Beets

Anemia: The high content of iron in beets regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells and supplies fresh oxygen to the body. The copper content in beets help make the iron more available to the body. A great blood builder.

Blood pressure: All its healing and medicinal values effectively normalizes blood pressure, lowering high blood pressure or elevating low blood pressure.

Detoxification: The chlorine from this wonderful juice detoxifies not only the liver, but also the entire system of excessive alcohol abuse, provided consumption is ceased.

Varicose veins: In similar ways that it helps to keep the elasticity of arteries, regular consumption of beets juice also helps prevent varicose veins.

Carrots

Eyes: Beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are some of the finest nourishment that help keep the optic system in tip-top condition, with special protection against astigmatism, macular degeneration and cataracts.

Fertility: One of the reasons for infertility is lack of nutrients and enzymes in your dietary. Carrot juice taken regularly, is able to nourish your body back to fertility.

Immune systems: It does wonders for boosting the immune system by increasing the production and performance of white blood cells; building resistant to various kinds of infections.

Skin problems: The high quality vitamin C and other rich nutrients in carrot juice efficiently nourish the skin, preventing dry skin, psoriasis and other skin blemishes.

Celery

Athletes: Celery juice acts as the perfect post-workout tonic as it replaces lost electrolytes and re hydrates the body with its rich minerals

Cancer: Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. Among them are the acetylenics that have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Phenolic acids which block the action of prostaglandins that encourage the growth of tumor cells. And coumarins which help prevent free radicals from damaging cells.

Constipation: The natural laxative effect of celery helps to relieve constipation. It also helps relax nerves that have been overworked by man-made laxatives.

Cholesterol: This humble pale juice has been shown to effectively and significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Kidney function: Celery promotes healthy and normal kidney function by aiding elimination of toxins from the body. While eliminating toxins, it also prevents formation of kidney stones.

Cabbage

Digestive system: The amino acid glutamine in cabbage juice is totally gentle and cleansing on the digestive system, detoxifying, repairing ulcers, healing and regenerating. The juice is to be taken in small amounts of about 100 ml, three times a day on an empty stomach.

Immune systems: A compound called histidine in cabbage is found to be useful in treating allergies and regulating the T-cells in our immune systems.

Skin wounds: Flatten layers of cabbage leaves with a rolling pin, and wrap it around affected areas of wound ¾blisters, sores, skin eruptions (as in psoriasis), burns and ulcers. Keep in place with a bandage, until the leaves turn yellow then change the leaves and repeat till wounds heal. In between changes, clean and dry wounds.

Pomegranate

Anemia: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with a little honey to a cup of pomegranate juice. Especially beneficial for women after monthly loss of blood due to menstruation.

Anal Itch: Itching in the anal region is often caused by parasites in the intestines that go to the anal area to lay their eggs. Roast some pomegranate skin until it is brown and brittle. Then crush it to a fine powder form and mix with a little olive oil. Apply this concoction to the anus to kill the worms.

Asthma: The high content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in this fruit is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It can greatly reduce wheezing in young children with asthma.

Apricot

Eyes/Vision: The high amount of vitamin A (especially when dried) is essential to maintain or improve eyesight. Insufficiency of this vitamin can cause night blindness and impair sight.

Fever: Blend some honey and apricots with some mineral water and drink to cool down fevers. It quenches the thirst and effectively eliminates the waste products from the body.

Skin Problem: Juice fresh apricot leaves and apply on scabies, eczema, sun-burn or skin itchiness, for that cool, soothing feeling.

Blueberries/STRONG>

Alzheimer's Disease prevention: Blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress, improve learning capacity and motor skills. Consumption makes the person alert in a healthy way, unlike stimulants.

Bladder infection: Blueberry juice has a unique compound that is able to cleanse E.coli bacteria from clinging to the cells lining the urinary tract, making it an effective potion to stop recurring bladder infections.

Cancer: The ellagic acid in blueberries is an anti-cancer property that can help retard the growth of tumor and cancerous cells.

Cholesterol: The soluble fiber pectin not only helps lower cholesterol but its anti-oxidant virtue is also important in combating oxidation of cholesterol.

Constipation: The fiber in blueberries promote ease in bowel movement. Drink half a cup of blueberry juice twice a day on empty stomach half hour before food to encourage movements.

Remember, this is just a partial list and of course you should consult with your physician before changing your diet and be certain to get a good book to use as your guide to ensure proper juicing and mixing fruits and vegetables together.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog and look forward to supplying you all with my next blog on redecorating your bathrooms for a serene environment.

Colors Make The Home and You

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

I'm back with some more insight to decorating your home. If you had a chance to read my last post, I spoke about making the redecorating process less stressful with the use of scents. I'm happy to say that this was an indeed popular subject and people wanted more.

So today, we decided to speak about coloring and how various colors can make your home more peaceful and provide an efficient, low cost, fun way to decorate and experiment. Everyone has a favorite color, but do we know what those colors mean? Is it a way to describe one's personality? My answer to that would be yes and no as it really depends on the person you are within or the person within you that has yet to come out.

Below, I'm going to give a list of popular colors and give the meanings of them. You can look and decide how that color makes you feel and if you'd want that feeling to envelop your home full time. After all, colors are more than just a visualization. They are a form of communication. Everyone has their own definition of what colors mean to them and later I will provide reference links pertaining to my information and sources.

Black - symbolizes the culmination of everything that exists

White - symbolizes divinity and purity

Purple - symbolizes royalty or nobility and class

Pink - symbolizes fun, flirtatious and silly

Red - symbolizes passion, the heart and soul

Orange - symbolizes enthusiasm, excitement and warmth

Green - symbolizes life, nurturing, supportive

Blue - symbolizes cleanliness, purity and stability

So, when you look at the hart above, ask yourself what you want to feel when you are in your home? When you want to escape from the stresses of the world, which colors are prone to make you feel relieved when walking through your front door?

For example, we spoke about the use of sage oil as a cleanser for your home . We also mentioned plants in the home adding life and a new look to your decor. How about then adding the color green in the form of sage? These are all forms of green meaning that you have chosen to symbolize your home as clean, nurturing, supportive and full of life.

Now you are probably asking how you can achieve such a task. Are you going to have to buy a green sofa? Are you going to have to change your carpet? Wow, there goes the stress level rising. Calm down, we are going to go through a few ideas to make the transformation easy.

From reading the last blog, you should already have made great, easy progress. So, lets continue. No matter what color you want your home to reflect, you can add certain items to achieve the colorful personality you wish for.

Let's start with the walls. Contrary to popular belief that walls must be loaded down with wall decor, this is simply not true. Remember, we discussed the removal of clutter. In addition, having too many wall artifacts tends to add work later. When you hang lots of items on your wall and then take them down years later, you have exposed the dirt and dust o your walls.

One nice way to give your walls a face lift are wall borders. It is inexpensive, offers variety, and easy to apply yourself. Now if you are the bold type and really want to make a statement, the latest in wall design are wall stickers. Wall stickers are easy and fun. They can also enhance your creativity. You can find variety of colors, sizes, shapes and themes at http://astore.amazon.com/styliempor-20/search/002-9020659-8432810?node=118&keywords=wall%20decor&page=1 . In addition, they are super cost effective.

OK, so we have a new wall nicely decorated and already your new look has given you a lift. But, there is more we can do here. Of course we all want nice new furniture which we know can be an expensive chore. It doesn't have to be hen we can transform our old furniture for the time being.

In our last blog we talked about getting rid of clutter and clearing space. This is especially true in the room you entertain guest the most. more than likely your living room. Get rid of furniture that's non functional and that is just taking up room. For example, you have a sofa and a love seat, 2 chairs, a coffee table, two end tables and a little space. Why not take the love seat out and arrange the chairs in a more spacious way, placing one of the end tables between the two chairs. And, you can actually remove the extra end table. You have just managed to open your living room up.

But what about the old furniture? Well, we all know that throws have come a long way. Have fun with a couple of throws and place them on your couch. Buy an extra throw and cut it to resurface the seats to your chairs. This task is easy to accomplish with a pair of scissors and a heavy duty stapler. Have fun wit it and match the coloring to your wall border in an abstract way. for example, your wall border may be a sage green, you can take your couch throws and deepen then to a forest green. And, don't forget the couch pillows right back to the same sage that's on your walls. Here's a couple of great inexpensive references or pillows and throws http://astore.amazon.com/styliempor-20/search/002-9020659-8432810?node=118&keywords=throws&page=5 .

Okay, this is all fine and dandy you might say, but what about that floor. Well, no matter if you have carpeting or hardwood or even tile, an area rug is always great. Depending on the type of floor you have, you may need to seal the corners and edges down with double sided adhesive. However, make sure that the area rug you get is the opposite in color from your walls and furniture throws. there is such a thing as too much. Let's use our sage and green as an example again. So you have sage on your wall, forest green on your couch and sage on your chairs. Then you have green plants.

My preference would be to lighten the room up some and use a cream color area throw rug, dappled with gold or sage flowers or print. This is certain to brighten your room up and create a warm inviting atmosphere for guests. Here's a few inexpensive references for your area rugs http://astore.amazon.com/styliempor-20/search/002-9020659-8432810?node=118&keywords=green+area+rugs&preview=

Remember, you can have lots of fun without the stress redecorating. Just get some of that oil burning and have a great time experimenting with colors. As promised, we have a little more for you on the essential oils and what each fragrance means. Just as colors can be soothing so can oils. of course we are not able to give you a complete list, but you can get more information on oils from the book Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity at http://astore.amazon.com/styliempor-20/search/002-9020659-8432810?node=18&keywords=heal+thyself&preview=&x=13&y=20 .

Oils and their meaning:

Top Notes are the most stimulating and uplifting oils. They are strongly scented.

basil
bergamot
clary sage
coriander
eucalyptus
lemongrass
neroli
peppermint
sage
thyme

Middle Notes affect the metabolic and body functions. The perfume is less potent than that of top note oils.
Examples of Middle note oils are:
balm
chamomile
fennel
geranium
hyssop
juniper
lavender
rosemary

Base Notes have a sweet, soothing scent and a relaxing, comforting effect on the body.
Examples of Base note oils are:
cedarwood
clove
frankincense
ginger
jasmine
rose
sandalwood

All of the aforementioned oils can be used and blended together to make perfumes, soaps, candles and other items to keep you and your home free of stress.

So now that we have a few redecorating tips that are cost effective and stress free, we can move forward in our next issue on decorating your bathroom. And as an added feature, we will talk about using oils to take baths and making your bathroom a true retreat.

We thank everyone for joining and reading. We hope our information is fun and helpful. We look forward to seeing everyone at http://www.stylistemporium.com/ where they you can find the best quality and lowest cost by comparison shopping. I've added a few pictures of some items we spoke about as a reference, but remember these are my color preferences. Experiment with the colors that make you feel good.

Until Next Time

Less Stress, Less Mess

http://www.stylistemporium.com/

Redecorate, Revive and Stimulate

Many times when we think of redecorating our homes, we often just move through it as if it is just another project. Often, as we begin new projects, they start with excitement but soon turn into just another project and another task on our already endless life list. Before it is over, we are overwhelmed and stressed about the money we have spent trying to create the atmosphere we want.
During this time last year, while working full time, caring for two children as a single parent and operating a business. I then decided to load my plate even more and redecorate to organize my life. Becoming more overwhelmed, I developed insomnia, migraines and was simply at my peaked point. One night while unable to sleep, I picked up one of the many unread books I purchased and began reading hoping to offset the insomnia.
Picking up that book was one of the most life transforming things I could have ever done. The book was called Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity, by Queen Afua http://www.stylistemporium.com/hethforheand.html . As I began to read, it felt as though the pages were speaking directly to me. This book touched on every negative aspect of my life that was causing me stress. It spoke to me about my home, mind, health and spirit.
Therefore, in moving forward with my blog message, I am using a few lessons I learned regarding our homes and redecorating. The first and most important lesson is that, just as our bodies and our minds are temples, so is our home. It is meant to be a place of tranquility, peace and serenity. Our home should be our retreat from the daily grind and pressures of life.
However, before undergoing a major redecorating transformation, you have to put your mind in a peaceful state. Thus, you may find these tips so useful that the transformation is actually minimal. The first thing you should do before redecorating is to clean your home temple, releasing it from clutter, negativity, and loud intrusive sounds.
One of the best ways to relieve stress is getting rid of clutter. We all accumulate items the longer we reside in a place, unaware of how much it really accumulates until we either move or begin cleaning. Simply put, clutter creates stress.
So, how do we begin this daunting task? We start by creating an atmosphere that is peaceful. Start by playing perhaps some smooth jazz or classical music when winding down your day. Many people think that smooth jazz or classical music is a stimulant to relaxation. However, it is also an energizer. Perhaps, you are picking up after your child and playing the soothing music. Time will have passed and before you know it, you have done more than you realized.
Next, get everyone in your home on the path to peace. One of the great ways to accomplish this is by burning perhaps scented oil. My preference happens to be sage because it cleans your home and the scent is surprisingly effective on your mental out look. It revitalizes the mind and burning it in your home will assist in revitalizing every member in your home. The best way to burn sage oil is to use only the purest essential oil you can find. Sage is extremely potent oil, so even a small oil burner will serve as an effective device. You can buy an oil burner http://www.stylistemporium.com/oilwarmers.html and place a tea light candle in it and let it fill your home or you can try my preferred method and get and old saucepan, and fill it with half way with water. Place the pan of water on the stove and pour a few drops of the oil in with it. Let the water and oil come to a roaring boil and turn the fire off. The scent of the oil mingled with the steam will fill your entire home unlike anything you have ever experienced, creating a lasting scent an immediate peaceful environment.
Here are a few more tips that worked when cleaning and redecorating my home. They proved less stressful and actually enjoyable. In addition, unbelievably, they were economically reasonable.

Take it down a notch - This simply means, learn how to speak in a quiet calming matter in your home. Moreover, because we lead by example, soon everyone in the home will follow suit.


Clear the clutter - Move tables and furniture to open space up, creating a less cluttered feel. That simple act takes stress down tremendously while adding a new look.


It is all in the display - Invite guests into your home with a welcoming wreath on the front door. These are easy to get or you and your children can have fun making one, allowing for a conversation topic with your guests.


Cut the Distractions Out - Remove televisions and video games from the space where you often have guests, like perhaps your living room and attractively display magazines and books. This will provide or a less cluttered feel as the family moves to other areas of the home for entertainment and it will provide your guests a more warm and inviting atmosphere. In addition, it can serve as your place of retreat. The magazines will allow for great conversation pieces, which allow you to really visit and converse with your guests. They will leave your home feeling wonderful especially, if you have the sage scent lingering in the air.


It is all in the display - Place candles attractively throughout safe areas in your home http://www.stylistemporium.com/candles.html . Use the candles to replace the many knick-knacks we may collect over time but are now collecting dust. Display those treasures in one place like a glass enclosed curio cabinet where they will attract less dust and minimize your chore time. The candles not only provide beauty, but will also add to creating that soothing effect.


You Can Love your Kids without their Arts & Crafts - Now, this is an extremely serous one. School age children spend more time creating art at school than they do learning. I have come to the conclusion that this must be true, because my home was so full of their projects that I just knew they were going to be world renowned Artists when they grew up. And, the more kids, the worse it was. We mothers especially feel as if we have to keep everything to show our undying love and devotion to our little Artists. In addition, we can actually do it. Simply put them to work with your assistance and create an art board. Make your children in charge of it and have them post their projects on it and keep it updates. In addition, help them create an art trunk. You can accomplish this by purchasing the large plastic totes with the tops and having the kids decorate it to match their personality. As the art board becomes full, the kids can take the oldest art down and place it in the art trunk sliding it under their beds in their rooms. By the time they turn 18, the art board will be empty and you will have their treasured keepsakes stored in one place.
I hope you enjoyed these little tips and tricks and sincerely hope you try them. Once you have accomplished some of these ideas, you should feel less stressed and your home should have taken on a new vibe.
My next blog will continue to take us on the journey of home transformation and redecorating. We will discuss low cost, time saving, tricks and tips to make everyone entering your home think you did an entire make over.
Warm Regards,
www.stylistemporium.com
Here are a few reference links to revert to in transforming your temple home:
http://www.stylistemporium.com/candles.html
http://www.stylistemporium.com/beautifulglass.html
http://www.stylistemporium.com/puesoi.html
http://www.stylistemporium.com/hethforheand.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_12018_place-houseplants-around.html

Welcome to Our Home

Welcome to a place where you can easily transform your living space into one of beauty and art through simple techniques and enhancements. Our blog page is created to give innovative and creative tips on home décor, style and beauty.

Grab a cup of your favorite java or tea and relax while we work with you to achieve the look you desire for your home. Our blogs will feature creative ideas that you can create and design with simple, time saving and money saving methods. We will also inform you of the latest trends in home décor and style, focusing on space, color fashion and mental stimulation.

We are excited to launch this innovative page and offer references, which will enable you to achieve the ideas and creations you will find in the articles posted. We appreciate your joining us as we embark on this new journey.

Warmest regards,

www.stylistemporium.com