Radical Raw Salad!

I wanted to share a great salad recipe and we can all obtain more produce from our gardens or on our travels to the store, all year round to fight off disease!

To make this salad, was not hard, I mean a salad is a salad right?  Not really, some are more nutritious and "raw" food eating is different, this is why I chose to make-up a dinner raw- style salad.  I also cooked wild rice and herbs for a small dish, but that is not raw.  It might be Vegetarian though.  Basically, no meat in this dinner and you may remember Bart and Homer, from The Simpson's, chiming "You can't make friends with salad!"  Well, I beg to differ! ;)
 
                                                           Radical Raw Salad

Salad:
3 organic carrots
1 Ambrose apple
1/2 a bundle of spinach
1vine ripened hot house tomato
1/8 cup of chopped, water soaked almonds (24 hours in the fridge)

Dressing:
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 small piece of peeled ginger, small amount finely grated
1/2 tsp of ground cumin
1/3 cup of regular yellow mustard
1 tablespoon unpasteurized honey
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar to mix
clean jar with lid to shake all dressing ingredients

Those are the ingredients; not everything was organic, some was local or very close to it.  The tomato and apple was not.  I tried to make using my garnishing secrets book and tools.  Nothing worked for me, like trying spirals, but I will attempt another time again.

So, all produce gets washed really well with water; carrots got peeled, washed and grated into my bowl, the spinach must be strained well. Then I chopped into smaller pieces and added it in the bowl, cut the tomato and added that into the bowl. 

I had  the almonds already soaked, 24 hours previously, so this is a step you will want to to do beforehand or skip it altogether and eat then normal and crunchy. It makes them easier to digest when they are soaked and it breaks down the phytic acids.  Then I cut them into slivers.  Make the dressing and cut the apple last so it doesn't brown so much; this is because my apple did brown but it was delicious anyways.

More on why soaking nuts is necessary: Soak Your Nuts

The dressing is everything on the list, put into the jar and shake very well.  Taste test!  I added more pepper, and I grate fresh pepper on top of my salad.  I will be showing you more ways to make recipes that are easy and raw..... or even organic on a budget! Enjoy!

Purity Products Review

The month isn't over yet and while I am not finished


I wanted to touch base about a free radio offer I tried out and so I have reviewed the free Purity Product I called in for when I heard about it listening to the AM country stations,...... yes, well while studying.  Purity Products Blueberry Detox- Daily Fibre Formula was offered for a free 15 Day Trial, and the catch was if you don't call to cancel prior to that 15 days,  you would be put on the Super Saver Auto shipment Program.  You know, a new shipment whether you need it or not, as you are subscribed to it and will be charged monthly on your credit card.

It was called "Blueberry Detox Advanced Daily Fibre Formula", Purity Products is said to provide superior quality "Evidence Based Nutritional Supplements". The doctor was on the radio program was on, being one of the doctor's from Purity Products panel, spoke about the benefits that are being revealed by science on the good health berries provide.

It turns out, especially blueberries, while this formula does contain other berries like Blackberry concentrate, Raspberries, and Goji Berries.  This formula they boasted would cleanse & detoxify, curb your appetite, give healthy regularity, healthy cholesterol, weight management and energy and vitality.  I thought it might be good to detox a bit after the winter and with my new health regime.  I had not been getting enough fibre, and thought this way may be convenient. Mix and drink.

It was also hassle free to enroll and get the radio show offer provided,  they only ask you pay shipping charges of $4.95.  Although, here was their chance to offer you  more (upsales) and hope you stay on each automatic shipment program for each product.  The Customer Service Representative recommended a 'Free 15 Day Ultimate H.A. Formula Pills', to go along with the Blueberry Detox.  It was supposed to support healthy, flexible joints and mobility, supports normal shock-absorbing capacity of joints, and promotes healthy youthful skin.  This would be an additional $2.95 making the total charge to my credit card $6.95.  I thought it might not be bad to try the Ultimate H.A. pills as recommended, because of the healthy youthful skin benefit.

I received everything within 5-7 days as promised, as well as a drink bottle that was provided to mix the powder and water. I tried the Blueberry Detox right away.  You measure a tablespoon of the blueberry looking powder (purple actually- due to berries combined color), and then you add 10 ounces of water.  The measurement lines are on the drink bottle they provided.  It comes with a separator screen for the fibrous powder (clogs up)  that the powder makes once you add water.  It almost drinks like a meal in that it's got a psyllium texture. 

To tell you the truth, I started to get the feeling I wasn't able to use the washroom, after using the Blueberry Detox it for a few days..... and my stomach hurt and cramped.  If anything I just felt like there was gas building in my stomach and nothing was leaving.  Maybe that is TMI and sorry, but it's the truth! I might have kept using it and something positive could have happened, or something that I might have been embarrassed about could have also happened.  I thought this was not the effect I should be getting, but I kept having the recommended helping for at least another day or two, to give it a chance but then I stopped completely as the tummy problems continued for me.  It could have been anything else I was eating too, but had no previous stomach objections to the food I eat. I had made no other changes to my body either.

I tried the Ultimate H.A. pills, it says adults should take 3 capsules with a meal but I decided to start and I would eat a meal and take only 1 capsule, because I wanted to take it easy the first time.  It's a good thing, as my stomach was very acid-like after, I actually got sick and needed tums to settle the acid in my stomach.  It was more in the morning that I was ill, and I had not eaten anything exotic so that it was not caused from a foreign food.  This just wasn't good for me.

So, nonetheless, it could have been just my reaction to it all, I called Purity Products and cancelled my "Super-Saver Program Membership".  That is one other thing, it seems quite expensive for the Blueberry Detox if you stay on the program.  You do save 30% off the retail price but they ship you 3 bottles of Blueberry Detox at $36.65 each bottle, every 3 months.  Also, the Ultimate H.A. ships out (if you don't cancel) 3 bottle at $22.00 each, every 3 months (+ shipping at $4.95).  I might have stayed trying the Blueberry Detox a bit longer, and it was offered to me by the C.S.R. to try it on a longer trial period of a month as recommended by their floor manager.  It still seemed so iffy to me since it had not done what I thought in a matter of 4-5 days, and prior my "system" was regular. 
The Customer Care was absolutely pleasant, and they do seem qualified as every time, first and last call they handle it all fairly efficiently and fast.  I would like to mention they do have a 60 day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, but you will have to provide the shipping fee back to the company for the bottles to be returned.  This is for items you purchase, not the free bottle offer.
Purity has also teamed up with "The Vitamin Angel Alliance".  Learn more at www.VitaminAngels.org as they are helping to to stop child blindness related to Vitamin A deficiency in under developed nations.
Well, not a bad company, although the products I have tried so far didn't sit well.  I am sure they do have people that cancel the "free radio offer" promotion, all the time but in this case, I just wasn't satisfied with how I felt after starting to try the products.  If there is anything else you may want to know, you can check out the website at www.purityproducts.com .
 Sorry, the quality of the pictures are not great, but here's the products. I mixed some Blueberry Detox power up too.
 Well, that's all for now~!  See you  next time with some healthy but tasty recipes to start off spring! 

Did you know? Health Matters!

This is my "Did You Know- Health Matters" post, which comes from an informative program I listened to.  I rushed at the chance when I had a moment to put up from great and helpful information.

I will be trying to help in at least the smallest ways I can to inform people, about things I come across about health and happiness.  They kind of go hand in hand, don't you think?
Don't forget to check out my other blog Illaqueen's Corner for more healthy recipes!

When I do watch television, I watch shows about health and helping the body.  I am interested in and learn a lot among my studies.  PBS (Public Television) has been my favorite channel, even with other channels I choose that one for the great programs and things to learn.

Getting right into it, I was watching about brain health today.  Living a long healthy life with a good brain can be done.  Apparently, some of the oldest people on Earth, eat sweet potatoes.  Taking on a Mediterranean diet could very well save your life in many ways, and make you more cognitive well into your older years.  There are some young 100 year old's there!

Vitamin E is super for you, and a handful of nuts gives you almost the recommended amount that is required in a day and from a non-pill form.  It's not recommended that you only get your nutrients from taking supplements. In fact, vitamin E is one of those.  It's essential to to get it from some real whole foods everyday.  Studies show that it will extend your life and your brain health.

What's super bad for you is aluminum and surprisingly it is put into our tap water at the treatment plants.  I really cannot re-explain why they put it in there, but it comes into our water.  If you want to remove it, it's not easily done with a regular water filter. Salt packets even contain it for the aluminium helps to de-coagulate the salt. To remove it from your drinking water one should get a reverse osmosis machine. Bottle water is recommended, which is scary because I don't like to use and promote lots of plastics, plus there is no guarantee of the quality of water in the bottles.  So that is something interesting, and one should probably opt for a natural spring water instead.

Aside from tonight's program, I learned a few things here and there along the way.  You must get your Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and there are supplements but also natural food sources to get that.  Another odd fact, is did you know that the water you are drinking may not be getting absorbed and hydrating your body unless you have sufficient amounts of Omega 3's?  I take Jamieson Natural Sources 3-6-9 Omega Fatty Acids now that I heard that and it does say it's naturally sourced.  I really have no idea for sure and if that means it's not synthetic which could be worse or not, I suppose that should be good unless you are a vegan.

You also need lots of antioxidants and as well as vitamin E.  Another wonderful antioxidant is Vitamin C.  Not only is this a well-known and taken vitamin, but it can really make a difference in skin, tone and youthfulness. You can find it in many fruits and vegetables, like plums, apples, onions and all berries.

Vitamin A is great for you as well, and found in basically in fruits too.   Beta- Carotene and carotenoids are needed and found in carrots. You also need Zinc and Selenium.  Here is some more information to come back to on those important minerals.  I do know that Brazil nuts have one of the highest amounts of Selenium.  Zinc and Selenium

 Don't forget if you are not eating right you are not giving your body what it needs!

Even scars are erased with a regimen of Vitamin C, E, K.   Taken topically, is beneficial and I must say if you can find Vitamin K face lotion or creme, it can help speed healing or at least it did for me.
It can dramatically help skin tone and lessen the look of wrinkles or fine lines.  Some sources are basically in the greens like kale, spinach, collard greens, and Swiss chard.  These are the top choices for greens with the most potent amount of vitamin K.  Actually, there are amazing things that Vitamin K can do for your health as well, see the group of links below this article.

For more skin beauty and nutrition try some of these vitamins in your homemade facials. You don't need to go shopping for a lot of exotic fruits they can be just ordinary, but preferably organic fruits. Keep your peels of apples and oranges,  you can put it areas that need a boost after your normal cleansing routine.

But the best way to have great health, brain, hair and skin  is to eat a BALANCED and real foods diet.  This promoted with exercise can ward off diseases.  Learn and search out more from health food stores and when you start to ask the questions, you'd be surprised what you can be learn.  You need lots of brain power to learn.

~It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows. (Epictetus)

Walking 3 times a week for 10 minutes each time, and working up to 45 minutes after a couple weeks is recommended.  It not only keeps your figure a little leaner but burns off toxins off of your brain! 
I have posted a link (in the group) below.

Some things that you can do that will help your brain health, is Sudoko puzzles, wordplay like crosswords and such, watch documentaries that are stimulating.... do some brain push ups and it starts connecting the dots really quickly.

Strengthening cells in your brain is how we must build up our brain stamina.  Luminosity.com is a site that help stimulate your brain and cognitive abilities.  I would say a cheaper and cozier way to trick you brain into flexing, is to curl up and do your favourite crossword puzzles.  I actually was doing one on my tablet, until my screen cracked mysteriously so it's back to the books.

 Also, I found a handy chart on Web MD to find out if you are eating all the minerals and vitamins you need.  I am probably not.  Add some things to your grocery list and then try to implement more nutrition into all your meals.  Breakfast should be the biggest and healthiest meal of the day, so perhaps try to add more smoothies or healthy breakfast drinks in there if you are in a rush or just not
used to eating a lot at other meals in the day.

Currently, I am in school and must finish up the evening with some more homework!  Good Luck!


Better Brain Health

Vitamin K

Food Sources for Vitamins and Minerals

Tributes and Sweet People

It's been a busy weekend!  I love it when I am accomplishing stuff. but it's nice to relax and give our nervous system a rest.  I have been saving up my shout outs. :)

I have to mention my neighbour tonight. She gave me a very nice gift from the heart, she brought me a box from Willow Tree, and in it was a statue of a angel holding a little grey cat. The wings of the angel are metal, and it's an original Willow Tree figure hand carved by Susan Lordi called "With Affection I love our friendship!".

I thought this was a very thoughtful token and she included a nice card, saying as she thought it was something to remember my cat by.  How sweet and I already thought she was nice before that but I was truly touched.  Now I put it on the mantle and it is so perfectly cute.  I have also purchased a Willow Tree figure with meaning to it, to give to someone else and I do love these works of art ny Willow Tree.

I picked up Kiki's paw imprints not long ago from McKnight Veterinary Clinic. I hung up the hand painted clay oval with his imprints on a small wall by the front door,  but decided to put it away in my keepsake tote later one.  I chose the option to match the paint to the colour his fur as they said they can match the white.  Does that sound strange?   They provide the fur that they cut off, quite a bit in a bag.  I was surprised. It was super sad to see.  Tears ran down my cheeks once I was in the car on the way home, but they did a nice job and I have something more to remember Kiki by.

After Kiki passed awat, a vendor I work with AllBobbleheads.com, from work offered to make a custom bobble head of my cat in tribute too, at no cost.  It takes about 9 -12 weeks, It was a gracious offer but it didn't pan out. I sent him 2 good pictures of Kiki and didn't hear back.  Too bad, as I thought it would be neat to see what they came up with to capture a view of my cat's personality, but again it was a nice thought.

There have been many people showing me support through this, and I really appreciate them too.  Since losing my cat Kiki, was and still is difficult for me it sure was nice to have a great colleague or two, who were there for me.  Some people I barely know but there are many actual animal lovers out there who know what I went through!  I mean to say, some pet owners are not really the best representatives of animal lovers.  I still have not put Kiki's things away, just into some boxes and given some things that can be used to a lady I knew who has a cat.  I thought the teeth wipes and some other toiletries for cats should be used before they dry out or expire.

Lately, it's just been hard and I am sometimes lazy and partly because I am still upset over Kiki's passing.  No one can tell others to get over it in a week or a month, if you have spent a long time with a pet.  I will work through it on my own time and terms.  Well, it's late but some milk and cookies are in order.  Kiki would approve especially the milk part. 

Have a great week!

                                                 

                                               Look at his little face. lol He was a cool kitty.
                                        

R.I.P. Kiki Bear

I am finally coming around to speaking about it and update you guys.  It's been the worst summer and the most sad one and I did end up losing my beloved cat Kiki Bear.  I posted you about his paw infection and what was going on in the past.

Well, my cat passed away on July 24th, after issues with his health.  I am not sure why as the paw infection was clearing up and then the vet said the paw should be healing quicker.  So she had to give Kiki Convenia, which is an injectable antibiotic.  She administered it to him after other antibiotics seemed to be resistant or not working.  However, once injected, Convenia is in the system and does not break down fast in fact it is believed to have killed some pets.  I had no idea and listened to the vet and I could have asked more questions or asked for more time to look into this drug myself.  I did not and accepted the care for Kiki.

If you look it up, Convenia can result in adverse affects in older cats.  I did not receive the support I
think that I needed from the vet when "shit was hitting the fan", as they didn't want to see him on an emergency when he was not breathing after the shot had been given to him.  It was literally that evening after the injectable shot took place, that he started to get weaker and have troubles eating, but I thought it was hot and put a fan on him.  Since we had left the vets office, I thought he might need time to relax as Kiki would get worked up easily when leaving the house.  He was a cat afterall and not all cats are comfortable moving or leaving their homes and they tend to get sketchy about it.  By Saturday, he seemed to be more tired and by Sunday he was heaving and having more troubles.  I was worried and I called a  24 hour emergency veterinarian hospital, and was hoping they could give me second opinion.  I took him there the next day after work, since I needed to make some more sales to afford more care for him.  So once at the emergency clinic, they needed to put him on oxygen and then it was too late.  He didn't make it onto oxygen.

I am devastated and actually at times I still look for him and I just don't believe he is gone.  It's been a month since he passed away, and I have no answers as to his final treatment of the lethal injection of Convenia given to him by the vet.  She sluffed it off as Kiki may have had underlying conditions and that could be right, however, I just don't think that causation by the lethal drug was addressed properly.  In fact, wouldn't a vet want to know more so she doesn't make any misdiagnoses on other's pets in the future?  I try to think about safety and how I failed my cat in that regard, and perhaps he would have lived longer but I hope he was not in pain when he left.  He gave me a kiss and he snuggled to me, as if his way of saying goodbye.  He was everything to me and I tried my best, but who doesn't think back and think about things they could have done for their pets, perhaps better or researched more or known more about what the vet would put into his body.  After all, we should take that same advice for ourselves as well.  I understand he is in heaven now and that puts my mind to ease.

I loved Kiki, one of the greatest pets I have had the honor of spending my time with.  Thank God for him and he and I were together though thick and thin.  I think of how much Kiki did for me, and I for him and how we built a close friendship, often not replaced by any humans that I have met.  When I was tired or sad, he always cheered me up.  At times he also bit my legs, and scratched for what I thought was no reason, but it's just that I didn't understand what he was trying to tell me.  Perhaps he had a toothache or something else.  I guess the point is he made me feel a sense of family and responsibility, so I always tried my best to take care of the both of us.  I felt like he depended on me and that drove me to doing better, at work, at home and everyday in life.  RIP my friend. Thank-you Kiki Bear.  You will be missed and always loved.