Friday, December 28, 2007

Norovirus...I loathe you...

I know that at some point in your life, you've had a stomach virus. In my mind, stomach viruses are the worst because they bring about so much discomfort and there's nearly nothing to do about it. Well, I have some bad news. There's a stomach virus going around called the norovirus. This virus is a vicious thing that is sending hundreds of people to the emergency room. Why?

The Norovirus attacks the stomach, bringing about numerous symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, horrific stomach pains, cold sweats, hot flashes, hives, fevers, etc. Not to get too personal here but I can tell you first hand that this virus is no joke. I was in more pain from this one virus than I have been during my numerous dairy allergy attacks, which have sent me to the hospital. Unfortunately, one of the only things that the hospitals can do is to insert an IV in order to help hydrate the patient. While that is extremely important to be hydrated and is a requirement once liquids can be kept down, I would leave the choice to go to the hospital up to the patient.

For anyone who is worried about this, do not fret. Stress will lower your immune system. By keeping yourself healthy, you will boost your immune system and thereby help to set your defenses against these illnesses.

If you do catch this stomach virus, don't worry. Even though at the time it may not feel like it, it WILL pass. The worst part of it lasts for 12 hours and the overall recovery varies per person. Just keep an optimistic mind and drink water and electrolytes.

Good luck stomachs!

Here are a few articles that explain a bit more about the virus:


Monday, December 17, 2007

A Year in Review

Another year down. Time is flying by way too quickly in my opinion. In honor of the upcoming transition to a new year that I have to remember when writing the current date, I've decided to come up with a list of my favorite things from this year (if I happen to talk about something that was around prior to 2007, let it go. Sometimes I'm a bit delayed.) Here goes nothing:


Favorite Movie: Shrek the 3rd!

Favorite TV Show: The Biggest Loser

Favorite Game: Dance Dance Revolution (Great Workout!)
Favorite Gift Idea: MyPublisher Photo Books

Favorite Home Good: Aromatic Oil Reed Diffusers

Favorite Shampoo/Conditioner: Herbal Essences Color Me Happy

Favorite Chap Stick: Un-Petrolatum-Vanilla

Favorite Face Product: SabonNYC - Mud Mask (I actually love all of their products)

Favorite Body Product: JR Watkins Vanilla Dry Oil Body Mist


Favorite Recipe: Wholefood's (in Atlanta) Vegan Chocolate Mousse


Favorite Ice Cream: Soli Organic's Dairy Free Ice Cream (any flavor!)


Favorite Bakery: Babycakes NYC

2007 MVP: My new doggy Muffin! :D


Those are some of my favorites. What are yours?!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Yogi Tea ... ommmm

Even though I wrote about tea last time, I feel inclined to share this new one that I've found. Yogi Tea. I'm currently drinking the Echinacea Immune Support flavor because I thought it would help boost my immune system during this crazy global warming winter weather we're having.
Here are the facts about this flavor of Yogi Tea:
  • It's an herbal supplement - it contains such immune boosters like Ginger Root, Astragalus, Echinacea Root
  • It's packed with so many different yet amazing flavors including Peppermint Leaf, Lemongrass, Cinnamon Bark, Licorice
  • It is made from mostly organic ingredients
I have been drinking this tea mainly in the afternoon, after lunch when I just want a little something. It's really smooth and calming and I don't know what it's doing to my immune system, but I'll take all of the added benefits. I just can't wait to try the other types!

Now - even if you aren't interested in trying their tea, you should check out their website. Yogitea.com is so cute! It's not just about tea. It's about the essence of what the tea is all about - nurturing your mind, body and spirit. There's a newsletter that you can sign up for, daily yoga suggestions, words / quotes of wisdom, and a place where you can "plant" your inspiration. When you are interested in learning more about their tea, there is a fun, interactive way to match your personality with the teas. By selecting your ambiance, mood and taste, you are presented with a various flavor to match. Trust me, it's worth checking out.

A really great tea, a really cool website and the mindset that I love.
Om...

Monday, October 22, 2007

Tea For Me

I went to one of my favorite places this weekend - Wegmans. I was in great need of some new green tea since I have used up all of the flavorful types that I have had. So I'm staring at the multiple boxes of tea on the tea wall at Wegmans - green, black, herbals - and I'm trying to figure out where to start. Ok I know that I want a green tea with some flavor, but which brand? Which combination of flavor, some caffeine and good old green tea antioxidants?

I hear a voice to the right of me say "Hey, come try this tea. You look like someone who enjoys a good cup of tea." I walked over to the table of tea samples and started talking to the tea rep - who by the way reminded me so much of my friend Cindy. So aside from meeting a super cool girl (thanks Cassandra!) I learned about a really cool new tea company. Here are the details:

Company Name: Ineeka
What it is: an environmentally and socially responsible producer of 100% Organic, whole leaf teas
Why it's cool: they get their tea leaves from the Himalayas and cultivate their products using the principles of Bio Dynamic agriculture, while ensuring that the people of the Himalayas are treated fairly and can support their families.
Why it's REALLY cool: the free leaf tea is packed in individual infusers, called Brew-Tache, which is a really cool tea sachet that grabs onto mugs by these extend able arms. So I definitely did not create a really good visual for that one so take a look at the picture I've included. Also, they pack all of the tea bags in recyclable containers - I'm all about recycling.
Flavors: Himalayan Green, Himalayan Black, Green Limon (my new favorite), Ma-Chai, Darjeeling, Mint, Chamomile. I'm told that there are other flavors in the West Coast market which I really hope are brought over to the East Coast markets!

Check the company out at www.ineeka.com. When I last tried, the website was a static picture so hopefully they'll update that soon.

So while I'm drinking the Green Limon and enjoying every minute of it, I'm thinking about the next flavor I'll have. At $8.99, however, I'm in no rush to buy all of them, but hey, it's healthy and good to the environment.

What's your favorite tea?




Monday, October 15, 2007

Happy Holidays to Me!


So it's a bit early for the holidays to be here, and by no means am I rushing them. However, I just received an email about a new book release by a chef and author whom I really respect. I learned of Myra Kornfeld when I took cooking classes at The Natural Gourmet school in NYC. She creates Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine using healthy and nutritious ingredients. I currently have her book titled The Voluptuous Vegan and just received a note that she has a brand new holiday cookbook, The Healthy Hedonist Holidays. Now I can honestly say that I have no idea what recipes she has put into this book, but I want it! If anyone has it, or if anyone is interested in trying out some of her recipes, let me know!

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

First Post

Wow am I excited! This is my very first post and I am ready to share away. I often come across exciting, interesting, new and unusual items, recipes or thoughts that I'd love to share, so I hope you find some value. Please provide comments, suggestions and any thoughts you may have! Remember everything is just an addition to what you already know, helping to create a HAPPY-MEDIUM in your life. A special hello to all my newsletter subscribers!