The sunflower has special meaning in my life and my relationship with my husband. When I give flowers to my husband for Father’s Day or for his birthday, I always give sunflowers.  Back when we were dating, we were walking along a beach path in Laguna Beach, and I saw a gorgeous sunflower growing in front of a restaurant.  He saw that I was admiring it and literally jumped over the fence, plucked it, and handed it to me.  I remember thinking to myself “this is a guy who will do just about anything for me.”  Fast forward 15 years later and we are still together!  I do love how happy sunflowers make you feel, no matter the mood you are in. I think it would be quite magical walking through a field of sunflowers like the one in the picture above!  I set about finding out more about the history and meaning of the flower and the health benefits of sunflower oil.

According to the Pro Flowers website, gifts of sunflowers offer radiant warmth, and are the happiest of flowers, and their meanings include loyalty and longevity.  They are unique in their ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrancy.  Sunlfowers come in a number of varieties, ranging from small to large and from daylight yellows to sunset reds.

History of Sunflowers:

They originated in the Americas in 1000 B.C., and were cultivated as an important food source.  They have been used as religious symbols and also there is documentation of them used in native societies.  Though they are native to North America,  the commercialization of the plant took place in Russia and by the early 19th century, Russian farmers were growing over 2 million acres of sunflower. It wasn’t until the late 19th century, that the Russian sunflower seed found its way into the US. (Source: National Sunflower Association). Throughout history, artists have enjoyed painting the sunflower, and during the Impressionist era, they were especially enamored with the flower.  I love this painting by Vincent Van Gogh called Sunflowers Summer.

Vincent Van Gogh, 1887 at Kunstmuseum, Kern Switzerland

There are countless images of the sunflower reaching towards the sun known as phototropism, and is viewed in many ancient myths as a symbol of loyalty and constancy.  Two characteristics I could definitely use in describing my husband!  I love how the flower looks like the sun and I can’t help but feel happy looking at a bouquet of sunflowers. They are used to send sentiments of cheerfulness and sunny get well thoughts according to florists. The seeds and oils are commonplace today and have many uses.

Benefits of Sunflower Oil:

As mentioned, Sunflowers are native to North America and Native Americans used them for years to help alleviate certain ailments including rid of water retention, improve vision and alleviate chest pains and muscle soreness.  The oil is abundant in vitamins E, B1, B5, B6, and C and rich in minerals such as copper, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium.  Folate, potassium, calcium, riboflavin, iron, and niacin are all found in sunflower seed oil and contribute to making it an extremely healthy investment with several medical benefits. (Source: www.yogawiz.com).  We see sunflower oil becoming more mainstream and many food manufacturers are using them in their products.

All in all, the sunflower is one that can be enjoyed by the young and young-at-heart!

Do you have a favorite flower that can lift your spirits just by looking at it?

References:

Yoga Wiz website: http://www.yogawiz.com/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-essential-oils/sunflower-black-seed-oil.html#continued

Pro Flowers website: http://www.proflowers.com/guide/history-and-meaning-of-sunflowers

National Sunflower Association: http://www.sunflowernsa.com/all-about/history/

Photo courtesy of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aigle_dore/5951665299/sizes/z/in/photolist-a4VQJX-a4VQTt-a4VQwP-8357t1-8BDKDg-dcLv1F-8Wa4ci-8ri99x-a6b8y3-8NjNZn-8UsZJv-8mntuu-8uk5KP-aixPSY-8J7ay2-9cqUBv-akBtTW-8ysyZu-cL2WzS-8h1XzQ-abELmS-dg92gZ-dPsw3K-eLxTBA-am8QZq-cFWWLQ/

Photo courtesy of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rvirdi/212279028/sizes/z/in/photolist-jKZaf-njsDi-njtbA-nQjkd-nXPuo-sV5Ph-wLt57-xZbPD-zMsww-A1DRz-Awdg3-BtyMx-DFX2p-E21qr-J8V8B-SHW4e-29Tdz8-2bEy6M-2g3i1k-2hytzU-2jTB4o-2nGR3f-2qEjDL-2xcmqm-2ACh9q-2F8hhq-2Gedsh-2MoUFR-2S8RGP-2UsTBT-2WxYvb-34GXFK-37uxTo-3cZ7jc-3fauEe-3oTeh8-4mtSpy-4noKzQ-4qUiZW-4BMody-4BShtu-4DhhVf-4GiAMW-4RvrBn-4VPDWf-4WtQVD-4YdQQH-528C6c-52xEL4-53Qvev-53R3yn/

Vincent Van Gogh Photo Courtesy of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbell1975/8286091836/sizes/z/in/photolist-dCdoqm-7ZS21K-cddZ6m-cXr1rW-8zg1C9-8xvoWM-8xxpnC-9gRtU6-8CqJYC-94aZBC-bqi66X-a3cvJ6-bLWv5F-cLpckw-9BDM3u-8y8r3c-cWhXw3-abM6eM-9nkm7i-bpUNae-dXBP37-d8SNZ3-b9Uzyp-am5qgb-8yhHbx-7CFaNu-7CR6ms-7CAVup-7CEyus-7CFaBb-7CFc1m-7CBm9Z-8zuVhv-8zQNUo-8zg1CS-8yh7tQ-a9jEJY-eh4Pzi-eh4Pzr-eh4Pvi-cuXadf-9YedE4-9pNrEi-cRJesj-bd67vM-9UGC3c-dPntDm-88ucRw-9briWu-9boaST-8ktopL/

My little girl is a full-blown fire-cracker. She seems to two speeds: asleep and awake. Some days parenting seems more like running a marathon (and definitely not in some super-cute puma shoes). At the end of the day, I usually feel like a haggard she-beast with boogers smeared in my hair and mystery stains marching across my shirt. As the long days and nights meld together, though, I still find victory in the battle and joy in the journey because my daughter is a blessing.

What Matters Most:

1. Just as I remind her over and over how important, beautiful, and loved she is, she does the same for me. She doesn’t notice my flaws the way I do. She only know that I am her Mommy and I am the giver of hugs, snuggles, apple-sippys, and tickles. She doesn’t see my body as a stretched out old balloon; she sees someone who can pick her up when she is scared.

2. She sees the world around her as the ultimate gift. My little one finds delight in everything from bugs to pinecones to gumball machines. She smiles at everyone. For her, life is a constant flurry of oos and ahhs.

3. Parenting a little one has taught me to slow down. Normally I am a huge multi-tasker. I try to keep several plates spinning in the air all at once, but with a toddler, this kind of efficiency is nearly impossible. More importantly, you lose the beautiful moments that are tucked between all that “doing.” She has taught me to slow down and enjoy the little things, one step at a time.

4. Cleanliness is optional, but caring is vital. I didn’t really understand this until I became a mom. Now, I know their are some super-moms out there that have sipped from some fountain of extreme organization (please take me to your leader), but for mommies like me, cleaning is more of a nice idea than an actual goal. I’ve come to embrace that I may have a dusty house with piles of laundry, but I have a confident daughter who knows she is a miracle.

5. My daughter has brought my husband and I closer together. Is their anything sexier than seeing your husband being an awesome dad? I fall more and more in love with my man every day because he is such a tender, loving, and gentle father. He takes his role as “Daddy” seriously, and it blesses me beyond measure. My daughter is like a tiny cupid, and the arrows she fired landed straight in my heart.

This life is far better than I ever imagined – all because my little one has challenged me to change and grow in wonderful ways I never thought possible.

Photo courtesy of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/88542248@N05/8982496231/sizes/z/in/photolist-eFKDbF-9DP8iv-8xerSf-drB2Zm-drB2UU-dnCzts-9ZtFMZ-eaS8EK-dp42Ct-anAaR4-9DP9nz-bu7uD2-av28dJ-a38WET-a5YuPR-9CjDKU-894hei-9DS1zo-e13Eig-dnJhuZ-aasnuJ-apzLgd-7Lusbp-bErRze-bErRFt-bErRLn-bErS9x-bErS1r-brwWVQ-brwWAG-bufucW-anAbdR-cDXaaY-a3wxgo-anAaZg-a5swdi-9iWxDm-9iTpUc-amKC4r-9bWFv3-a2G3qD-8iRsim-ddmJWb-a2JV3y-b8QWKa-9SzxHc-ddmK2h-9HtA4s-crNNc9-9qKMHv-cGwvf7/

We have watched all of the Toy Story movies no less than 10 times each.  I just love the idea of toys coming alive once the humans leave the room and the movies have definitely hit a cord with children as well!  We had a chance to review Disney’s newest release Disney Toy Story: Story Theater that allow you to make your own film using the Toy Story characters.  The first page opens up to Free Play, Story Play and Saved Stories.  This section is for all the stories your children created to be enjoyed time and again.  We started with Story Play and we are told to select a character.  We can choose between Woody, Buzz and Jessie.  My daughter started out with Woody and selected The Wild West as the place she wanted to film her story, but you can also select Outer Space for all the astronaut fans or The Artic for the adventurous types.

The story then starts and we are told that Once upon a time, Woody lived in the Wild West.  We then are asked to move the characters around and record our story.  You introduce your character and tap Done once you are finished.  This is a nice feature to have as the kids can make their stories as long or short as they want them to be.  You can even start, stop and restart your story if you want to. Now you choose an event such as a Twister, Hairy Monster or Spaceship that will be part of your story.  Each page provides tips and ideas on how to make your story and allows kids to be as creative as they want – with a little direction from the narrator.  We chose to have the Spaceship filled with Aliens join Woody in The Wild West!  Why not? The action sequence was fun as we could chose between a Giant Boulder, Laser Blaster or Jessie Yodeling.

This is a great app to have around this summer when the kids are looking to do some educational and creative things on the iPad.  And good news friends!  Disney is offering those who create their own story using the Toy Story: Story Theater a chance to WIN a trip to Disneyland.  Details on how to enter are below:

Once upon a time, there was an astronaut named Buzz…

…the rest of the story, including the places Buzz visits, the event he experiences, and his actions are up to you!

Disney Publishing has announced the inaugural Disney Story Theater Film Festival, inviting little filmmakers and their parents to tell their story for a chance to win a trip to Disneyland.

Here’s how to enter:

1.     Parents take a 1-minute video created by their child in the new Toy Story: Story Theater app for iPad or iPhone and submit it to the contest at Facebook.com/DisneyLearning.

2.     Disney will select 100 outstanding videos in a semi-final round and fans will vote on Facebook for their favorite.

3.     The fan-favorite video will be selected as the grand-prize winner and will premier at Disneyland Resort in August.

The winning family will receive a trip for four to Disneyland Resort and will be honored at D23.

You have until June 23 to submit – and be sure to check out the official contest video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL1PB7QM-J8

And good news!  We have a couple codes to hand out on our Facebook Page tomorrow night so make sure to stop by at 6pm PST!

While visiting my in-laws at their house, I picked up a book they had on the kitchen table called Use Your Brain to Change Your Age by Daniel G. Amen.  I was thoroughly intrigued and was so engrossed with the book they told me to take it home and give them cliff notes later as they hadn’t had a chance to read it yet.  The book was quite fascinating and got me thinking about the importance not only of our physical health, but also of our mental health and the important connection between the two.  In the book, Dr. Amen writes about how a healthy brain is key to staying vibrant and alive for a long time and he shares ten simple steps for readers.  I figured that many moms might be interested in learning more about the doctor and his books so I contacted one of his clinics called the Amen Clinic, that happens to be down the road from me.  We set up an interview with the doctor to talk about his new book Unleash the Power of the Female Brain and I had a chance to ask him what inspired him to write this book that focused primarily on the unique and powerful female brain! Dr. Amen is a Physician focusing on Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychiatry, Nuclear Brain Imaging and is the CEO of the Amen Clinics, Inc., that are based in San Francisco and Newport Beach, CA, Bellevue, WA, New York, NY, Atlanta, GA  and Reston, VA. I think you will find his work to be quite compelling and since I started working on his step-by-step program on how to get the most from my brain – I have felt better, slept better and do have more energy!  I think combined with changing my diet (went on the Paleo Diet) it has helped me tremendously!  I was over feeling tired all the time and not having much energy left for my six year old so I embarked on this journey of better health  -  that even included focusing on brain health – a rather novel idea – but one that Dr. Amen says is key to living the life you imagined!  Here is what the doctor has to say about his new book and the importance of brain health.

What was the inspiration behind writing this new book Unleash the Power of the Female Brain and what do you hope women take away with them after reading this book?

I have been surrounded by powerful women my whole life. I have five sisters, three daughters, and a teenage granddaughter. Growing up, there were so many women in my life that when my mother brought my fifth sister, Joanne, home from the hospital my older brother, Jimmy, and I ran away.  We were only gone for 45 minutes but, as the only boys, we had had enough!  As I came to understand the complexity and power of the female brain, I marveled at what a difference this information could make to the experiences of millions of women and to the men and children in their lives. One of the reasons I decided to write this book now, is that I know what an enormous difference women can make.  Growing up, my mother was the health leader in our home, and today my wife, Tana plays the same role. I have seen this pattern repeat over and over in the families I treat as a physician.  When the adult females take better care of themselves, it tends to positively affect those around them.

Most of this book is devoted to helping you unleash the power of your own female brain. Once you fall in love with your brain and learn how to take care of it, and do the steps I recommend, you’ll be able to influence your loved ones and create a brain-healthy community around you, further supporting your own efforts to be well.

What are three main points you feel are most important for women in taking care of their mental “brain” health?

If your food is not the best, you will never be your best!  Your brain uses 20 – 30 percent of the calories you consume.  If you want your brain and body to live longer, look younger, be smarter, and feel happier, one of the most important things to do is get your nutrition right.  You can exercise all you want, think all the right thoughts, meditate, and take dietary supplements, but if you continue to eat highly processed foods laden with sugar, bad fats, and salt; made from ingredients grown with pesticides flavored with artificial dyes; and preserved with artificial preservatives, there is just no way to keep your brain and body working at their peak. 

A properly functioning brain and body require balanced hormones.  Problems start when hormones fall into a state of imbalance.  When your hormones are optimized, you are much more likely to look and feel happy, energetic, and at the top of your game.  Your skin is tighter and looks younger.  When your hormones are off, you can look and feel confused, irritable, tired, and unable to concentrate.  Knowing how to test, balance, and optimize your hormones is critical to unleashing the power of your female brain because your brain is run by hormones! 

Not getting enough sleep is one of the worst things you can do for your brain.  Your brain really suffers from chronic sleep deprivation, and that affects everything else about you, including your thinking, your mood, and your health.  Lack of sleep makes you puffy, cranky, and stupid.  And not getting enough sleep can actually make you fat! When you’re sleepy, you head straight for the cookies and candy instead of the veggies, almond butter, and low glycemic fruit.  Getting enough sleep – at least 7 hours a night – makes your skin glow, improves your mood, makes you smarter, and helps you lose weight.  If you want to be beautiful tomorrow, sleep tonight!

Was there any information, research studies, statistics, etc.,  that surprised you when you were researching for this book?

Yes, according to a recent study from the University of Washington, women’s life spans in the U.S. are improving at a slower pace than men’s and are actually shorter in many areas than they were two decades ago!  Even though women are still expected to outlive men, this study is cause for concern.  In this study, life expectancy for men improved by an average of 4.6 years, but only by 2.7 years for women.  A gain in life expectancy should be equal among men and women.  This is a wake-up call for all of us.  Life expectancy stopped improving, or even shortened, since 1999 for women in 661 U.S. counties and for men in 166 counties.  According to the research, a larger percentage of women than men are not adequately treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  Researchers also reported that many physicians do not treat women with heart risk factors as aggressively as they do men.  Preventable causes, such as tobacco, alcohol, and obesity seem to be at the heart of the lower life expectancies for women.  Longevity can improve if you and your family and friends follow the program in this book.

Any news you want to share with dandelion moms?

The overall health of your body plays a major role in the health of your brain and your mind.  There are now twenty-two scientific studies reporting that as your weight goes up, the size and function of your brain go down.  When it comes to the brain, size matters! As I learned more and more about the connection between physical health and brain health, I understood that nutrition was the centerpiece of healing.  My wife, Tana, has been my partner in getting and staying truly healthy and in educating others about the amazing power of nutritious food.  When people do what Tana suggests, they often get immediate dramatic and positive health benefits.  Whenever we speak together and people ask for advice about nutrition and supplements, I always defer to Tana.  I suggest taking a look at her new book, The Omni Diet.  The Omni Diet is the program we use at the Amen Clinics to help our patients get and stay healthy.  The Omni Diet is smart, science based, and easy to follow.  It will absolutely change your life for the better.

Currently, airing on public television stations nationwide, we invite viewers to join the “OMNI Health Revolution,” which has been endorsed by Dr. Oz and other medical experts.  We invite the nation to join the “OMNI Health Revolution” and start a movement in your local community.  To see when Tana will be on TV in your area you can click here: http://bit.ly/11iq86t

 Thank you Dr. Amen for sharing your thoughts and insight into the powerful female brain and offering ways for women to improve both their physical and brain health!

Here is an excerpt from his website that talks about  new book Unleash the Power of the Female Brain:

This book will show you: 

• Tantalizing insight about the six ways the female brain is more capable than males!
• Learn about the ‘dark side’ to female brain capabilities and what you can do about it!
• Based on the largest gender brain study ever, including more than 30,000 brain scans!
• Discover why women make better bosses!
• Get the facts about the brain-hormone connection!
• Key facts about the pill, pregnancy, menopause, PMS and other female issues!
• Better brain for better sex, deeper relationships and lasting love!
• Dr. Amen says optimized female brains can change the world!

Good news dandelion moms!  Dr. Amen and his clinic are offering a One month membership to The Amen Solution Website ($29.95 value) -

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Everyone says Boston is a beautiful city, but you don’t truly understand what everyone means until you visit Boston for yourself.

Boston is one of the cleanest, well-maintained cities I have ever seen in North America. The people here are proud, yet unpretentious. The history is inspiring. The sites are breathtaking. And the food, well, it’s just plain yummy.

We spent two jam-packed days in Boston two summers ago with the kids who were 5, 8, and 11 at the time. Don’t feel shy about bringing your kids here. Not once did my husband or I feel nervous walking the streets with the kids. We even used “The T,” Greater Boston’s subway system, which is very clean and easy to navigate.

View of Boston from our hotel window

The Charm of Boston:

We packed in as much as we possibly could with three kids in tow during our visit. We browsed the quaint shops and boutiques that line the rich, red, cobblestone streets of Faneuil Hall. We stopped to munch on bagels and took pictures of a gigantic Mac N Cheese sculpture—Hayden (age 5) was in his element as he discovered this mighty tourist attraction.

Next, we travelled by train to Fenway Park. People from all over the world joined us on this one-hour tour that took us back in time to baseball’s history in the making. I managed to catch a glimpse of the boy my husband once was as we toured the Green Monster. My husband was in his element as he realized one of his childhood dreams.

We hopped back on the train to our next stop: The Museum of Science. As we roamed the exhibits, the kids morphed into little sponges as they absorbed the limitless supply of facts and figures set before them. They became busy scientists testing the theories of math, science, and technology. The Museum of Science proved to be hours of fun for everyone.

Campbell (11), Ava (8), and Hayden (5) at Boston’s Museum of Science

Make sure to leave time for the Duck Tour. The kids loved every minute of it. And Boston’s New England Aquarium was a definite hit.

Hayden at the wheel during the Duck Tour

There are lots of great places to eat in Boston. One kid-friendly restaurant that sticks out in my mind is The Cheesecake Factory. Campbell (age 11) deemed The Cheesecake Factory his favourite restaurant ever. Great food, large portions, lots of options, family-friendly staff, and ambience to boot. Server Marco had us giggling throughout our entire meal.

It’s been two months since the horrific Boston bombing. We salute the strength and courage of the families affected whose lives have been forever changed by the events of that day.

If you were considering a trip to this friendly city that is brimming with heart and soul, don’t let the atrocities of that fateful day stop you. If you were thinking of making it a trip for the whole family, go for it!

~ Anita

Have you or would you like to visit Boston?

Photo courtesy of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/la-rene/4045867461/sizes/z/in/photolist-7aw8rx-7hS3bn-7nvczH-7pE5wZ-7uatuW-7x6yz4-eFz6cW-7W8bsT-ao5grz-enFycN-82YRfr-832Yu5-8xViXJ-dwVbGj-ed13m9-8tv2kB-eMbC4C-9R79ph-dyFoVo-dSyLdr-bUV9Yt-bUAAnW-d3jQ8u-cuTVmU-cLPcd5-ecgvnz-as4cHo-enFEK1-9CEJea-ed134s-ed15of-91tu3h-ebHcdo-91qmrH-b3xv24-e8W9yr-91qmhX-7UF3yo-d5moJS-ecjwSX-dCs6hE-a2tr4M-bPkHhK-8hyeyd-dwC1SQ-9LXJYq-eKJFGx-anyRGr-bc5qGa-ecmoPj-ekoZTf/

The idea to create a bucket list for the family this summer came to me while looking through Pinterest.  The pictures that people post are such eye-candy – it is hard to get off the site!  I came across a bucket list that a woman had made with her kids.  I loved the idea so we are planning on creating our own bucket list this next week once my daughter is out of school.  Granted, I have a journal that I write down ideas from time to time things I want to do in my lifetime, but this bucket version is a shorter one that you create with the kids so they can chime in their ideas and things that they want to do over the summer.

Here are some great ideas for your kids’ bucket list this summer:

1. White water rafting

2. Track wild (or domestic) animals

3. Climb a tree

4. Play Croquet

5. Build a Robot

6. Try rock climbing at a local camp for kids

7. Cook on a camp fire – S’mores are always a hit!

8. Zip-lining

9. Swing on a rope swing

10. Camp out in the living room or backyard

11.  Go deep sea fishing or fishing at your local river or beachside

12.  Make a lemonade stand and sell drinks and treats to the neighbors

13.  Release some ladybugs in your garden as they help get rid of the pests

14.  Go to a Drive-In movie

15.  Have a sprinkler party complete with a slip-n-slide

Healthy Snacks on-the-go:

The other day we were heading out the door to spend some time at the beach as that is always on our bucket list – and the UPS guy had dropped off a box from NatureBox.  I grabbed it on our way out and brought it in the car and couldn’t open it fast enough.  It felt a bit like Christmas and I loved opening up to see a box filled with healthy treats.  The family immediately grabbed their favorites.  I grabbed the lemon herb roasted pistachios, and my husband grabbed the barbeque flavored corn nuts and (of course) my six year old grabbed the lemon waffle chips.  I love this idea of healthy snacks on the go – ready to be enjoyed.  You know the feeling when you are out and about and realize you forgot to bring some snacks for the kids!  This has happened to me on several occasions and usually the only options for a snack are chips or candy from the vending machine.  That is the worst and I usually get on myself as I know how important healthy foods (or unhealthy foods) affect my daughter’s mood!  So I really appreciate that NatureBox has created a snack box you can take on the go and provides you with a way to provide snacks for your whole family they will enjoy.  This will especially be helpful now that the summer has started and we will be running around town quite a bit checking off our bucket list!

You can sign up with NatureBox and they will send out monthly boxes filled with healthy snacks to makes you life simpler with one less thing to worry about!  Plus, for every box sold the company donates one meal to help feed the over 14 million children in America who go hungry.

So while you are enjoying checking off your Summer Bucket List – grab some healthy goodies and have a great time!

To learn more about the healthy snacks they offer and read more about the company go to:  http://naturebox.linqiad.com/click/YJlQaGVndnJk

ENJOY!  And share your bucket list with us!

References:  Photo courtesy of: http://stagetecture.com/2012/05/guest-blogger-this-summers-top-ten-bucket-list-for-kids/#sthash.h7yI2aUv.OMpl1MPF.dpbs

Thanks to NatureBox for sponsoring today’s discussion

What better way to celebrate the start of summer (officially starts June 21st) than with a Facebook Party!  We have some wonderful sponsors that include WordPlay by PicPocket Books, My Ride with the Alien, SoGaBee, and Pixel Mouse House who will all be providing some fantastic door prizes!  Over $125 worth of gift cards will be handed out so you can buy some new apps or goodies from Amazon (your choice of cards) and loads of app codes!  We even have some toys to hand out as well!  See you there friends!

Facebook Party Details:

What:  Let’s Celebrate Summer Facebook Party

When: June 26th from 5-7pm PST

Where:  Just go to this Facebook Event Page on the night of the party and join in the fun! Click here to go directly to the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/201887169964298/?context=create

Who:  Our sponsors include My Ride with the Alien, SoGaBee, Pixel Mouse House and WordPlay from PicPocket Books.

Panelists:

Coming soon!  If you are interested in being a Panelist for the party please contact us!

Our Sponsors will be offering door prizes at the party!

WordPlay of PicPocket Books is offering loads of codes for:

Cary Snowden of The Day I Became a Pirate and My Ride with the Alien is offering:

Marcel Widarto of SoGaBee is offering:

Pixel Mouse House is providing:

Ask the Doctor:

Question: A friend has terrible leg and foot pain and she is wondering if aspartame is a contributing factor. What are your thoughts?

Thank you for your question!

Aspartame must be eliminated; however, something needs to be replaced otherwise other symptoms may arise (headaches). I suggest to all of my patients to avoid all processed, man-made sugar alternatives as research shows many side effects  – one being inflammation – and the long term effects can be much worse. Eating raw honey and maple syrup are perfect alternatives; they are sweet yet packed with nutrients that the body can use.

With her bursitis and pain, there are a few things that come to mind, mostly questions.

•  Has she ever been in an accident?

• Any idea what caused the bursitis?

• What type of pain is she feeling? Shooting, stabbing, is it isolated?

Blood work is always a great option and adds more clues; however, usually the best determinants are asking specific questions and palpating the areas affected ( plus above and below).

Here are my suggestions:

• Keep on an anti inflammatory diet (click here to learn more)

• Drink plenty of water

• Be active ( and swimming might be the best option)

• Visit an alternative doctor: osteopathic physician, chiropractor, acupuncturist and/or cranial sacral. They will be able to focus on the area affected and help relax muscles that might be pulling bones out of place and/or pressing on nerves ( the nerves might be the primary cause).

Supplements to Consider:

Essential fatty acids

Why? Your body cannot make them so you need to get them from your food or by taking a supplement. They are important for optimal function of the heart – think blood pressure, strokes – the nervous system and the skin. Cod liver oil, an essential fatty acid, has vitamin a and d which are supportive to the immune system… an added bonus.

Brand: Nordic Naturals is my favorite brand, by far. They conduct a great deal of 3rd party testing and quality control.

Tumeric: If you are not regularly eating turmeric, consider taking these in supplemental form. You can purchase it at any health food store.

Good multivitamin: One that contains a good amount of vitamin c and e. Your friend can email me for suggestions.

Naturopathic Treatments:

Hydrotherapy: When in a shower, spray hot water over affected area and then blast with cold water. With her feet, she can have 2 bowls: one with hot water and the other with cold. She can alternate back and forth, always ending with cold. Hydrotherapy will increase circulation to the area.  Click here to learn more.

Castor oil packs: I suggest castor oil packs to treat many of my patients symptoms ranging from bursitis in the shoulders or knees to constipation and digestive upsets. It is very powerful. Click here to learn more.

Be well,

dr. heather

Photo courtesy of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/newsusa/7131753047/sizes/z/in/photolist-bSd6Hr-ajMVBA-ajQwCN-ajQwBb-9e3X5Q-9a6RT2-dVocG6-dVocJ6-dVtMy7-dVtMPj-dVtMEL-dVtMJN-dVtMM1-dVocxc-dVocKv-dVtMC1-dbBvji-dbBvoF-bu2WhP-9FFiD7-9DmqxT-czVVZ1-e5XmiZ-e63ZhL-dbBxeA-dbBxjY-bDGqcM-emNGs8-dLEizd-cA2aqo-7VQJcE-dWiJJP-dWpo5J-dWiJAH-dWpo23-dWpo7d-dWiJDD-dWpnZN-dWpo3w-dWpo97-dWiLxe-7Qebw6-cURkpE-aorCXq-cNQVVW-bX63Yh-bX642U-bX646d-dNUekK-briExJ-boZ4H3/

Here is a thought worth contemplating.  It comes from a man named James Hollis in his book The Archetypal Imagination.

Hollis reminds us that the Greek word psyche, which is the root of words like psychology, means soul.

Today the word psyche is associated with our mental life, as in our thoughts and emotions–what’s going on in our head.  Meaning psyche as soul could be showing itself in whats running across our mind.

Soul is a funny thing to talk about.  It’s not something that can be counted or added up.  It has much more to do with quality.  So let’s call it quality of life.  Starting with the idea of soul showing itself by what runs across our mind suggests that a good way to know our soul is to measure what takes up most of the time in our head.

Feeling joy and vitality is one of the ways I mark my life as soulful.  But equally important are feelings of being attuned, attentive to what is going on right now.  That means even if something is challenging or mundane, experiencing it with as much life energy as I can give it translates as living authentically to me.  Which is one of the ways I count as being soulful.

My thought life runs scattered and willy-nilly when I pay it no attention.  Sometimes I’ll feel super funky and have no reason why, and try to ignore it because it’s something I don’t understand.

These are the ways I let soul escape me.

Don’t mistake me.  The remedy to this has nothing to do with trying to control my thoughts, to force positivity or rely on affirmations.  The remedy to this is to be alive with what is alive in our head.  To go to ourselves openly and gently, and hear what’s really going on up there.  It’s to greet our real life, imperfections and all, as the life going on right now.  The one we get to lead.

Once I do that, my next step is to be loving about it.  To practice love and tenderness with whatever runs across our mind screen, instead of stuffing it away or ignoring psyche’s–or soul’s–call.  This is called surrender.  If our soul life needs a lift or more vitality, our thoughts will tell us so.

When we are alive to ourselves, to what is happening within, then we can enlarge our experience.  We can make room for the real power that arises from our soul.   Starting with our minds is the easiest place, but it takes practice.

The practice is worth it, for who we are as mothers, wives, sisters, friends, coworkers and more all evolves out of this.  Who we are, either consciously or not, within.

In my practice I work with women to return to their power by beginning within.  I also try to have relationships with people that help me remember the importance for me of returning again and again within.  It is simple, but not easy.  I invite you to start by listening closer to your thoughts.  Try it today.

*image courtesy of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/philips_newscenter/6045677687/sizes/z/in/photolist-adeFmc-cz4YYh-8yhHfL-dZ1kWi-cz4YzY-8z8n2b-8hqdWV-cyQ42W-8tc8yk-btCppH-98GaKj-aYf65x-9JLRwP-9UjyWV-cMGY5W-8zLEa2-cz4Y7s-dLqVmx-bWAyPM-b8235v-95WyVL-7YU4RB-dp4MN9-b3J4Yn-9BpcpB-e4txGA-evDg77-89vMz4-b8Fosz-ehgmXU-ewZQx5-e48qfj-ehgmZb-b5k85V-8HQ9EK-b6Rh9k-8HQ9hM-dTsYRu-evy5WL-9fwirZ-81aWyv-8W7kwE-9NHLoF-9gqofC-db5veh-dc5Fzp-dytdWo-8CGBJC-8HQ9MD-dx6mou-bqDwVa/

Some super cool gadgets for the men in our lives who have everything this Father’s Day (and beyond).

That’s right mama’s, move over and get ready to let Dad/Brother/Father/Uncle [et al] become “King for the Day” where they can relax and have you wait on them hand and foot and even fan them while eating grapes (I jest; however, that sounds like a LOT of their days *lol*)! Seriously though, here’s some little sumtin’s that may be nifty enough to give the man/men in your life who say they have everything they need (or seriously DO have everything) that you wouldn’t find at your local square box store.

The Book of Love online

Not so much tech-cool but coming from the heart. A nifty little book that you create yourself. You can choose to use their examples and pictures or create it 100% on your own custom ~ or even mix and match from some of your own pages with some of theirs. There are numerous ways to make this and you’ll enjoy doing it. I did this a couple years back for my someone special and it was appreciated and made him feel extra-special since I took the time to do this and included things that were near and dear to him along to special events that had happened for us. You’ll get to choose your own cover (over 100 available and more added regularly) and even if you prefer hard or soft.
Soft Cover: $29.95+ s/h (20 page minimum) currently no extra cost for additional pages
Hard Cover: $39.95+ s/h (20 page minimum) currently no extra cost for additional pages
Current Promotion for Father’s Day: SAVE 20% now through June 13th use promo code LCDADS13
http://www.lovebookonline.com/

*Similar to the above is “12 Ways You Made a Difference” from Rag & Bone Bindery (prices vary): http://www.ragandbonebindery.com/12waysdifference.aspx
**You can even pick up “keepsake books/journals” from your local fine stationary shops or Barnes & Noble if you or your kids would like to do this and you’re pushed for time

Sony SmartWatch 

Hit the “SCHWEET” spot with the “SensoGlove” for the Golfer in your life

Get your GRILL on

Give a “SHAVE”

Daddy needs a drink

Look mom, NO HANDS!

Get your GEEK on

There’s more I could list; however, you get the idea. Have a little fun with DAD (no matter how that title falls into your life at this moment ~ again, spouse/dad/brother/uncle etc) and just let them know you love them and hey, it really is their day so pick up a back-scratcher for those hard to reach places (ewwww I know *lol*) hand over the remote and cater to them (just like you do all the other days of the year – only today they get presents and even a card and let the kids make a DIY one to get them involved in some of the fun). Have a wonderful Father’s Day, ladies (and men). May the force be with you; NANU NANU and any other thing that floats your rocket, boat or jets!

Photo (top) courtesy of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/66403250@N07/7336969510/sizes/z/in/photolist-cbkTqj-cBm6ZE-9deco9-ayTJJN-dMoX1E-dKAyEM-bgfL72-ayR4pr-ayR5RM-ayTKCS-ayTJCE-ayTK4N-ayR6c6-ayTKa9-ayTKfA-ayTKtG-9ca57m-9ca59W-9ca56b-9ca5co-9c6ZVX-9c6ZPe-9ca5dy-cK4XUC-cK4tx3-cK4XN7-cK4XGs-9eTK61-a1wHsb-8q6QXq-8HX8SJ-cBm3mL-b3giTR-9tNVAR-bnw591-bnw5Ky-bAqYoD-bnw6vw-bAqWRM-bAqWpa-bAqXJi-8WqEDH-czhSQs-8bFAKA-atMmvx-cBmai5/