tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25517207462054499652024-02-06T21:12:09.831-05:00Finding A Happy MediumAs a Holistic Health Counselor and overall health and nature lover, I like to pass on news and tidbits that I find. While much of my focus will be of various ways to find a happy medium in our lives, I will also aim to focus on all things dairy-free; after all I am completely allergic to all things milk related. I hope that this finds you in good health and happiness :)Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-44558352116586423552008-09-19T08:48:00.001-04:002008-09-19T08:50:03.844-04:00Cookies I HAVE To TrySo as you can tell I've been sort of MIA. Things have been crazy and yep, they're still crazy.<br /><br />So this one will be short and sweet. I came across this recipe from one of my favorite places (101 Cookbooks - check her out) and I decided that as much as I want to try it, I want to share it as well.<br /><br />Let me know if you try it and what you think!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/nikkis-healthy-cookies-recipe.html">http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/nikkis-healthy-cookies-recipe.html</a><br /><br /><br />Ciao for now!Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-50865367425971055862008-06-05T13:55:00.003-04:002008-06-05T14:06:48.887-04:00Mmm Brownies :)<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >So this post isn't one of my usuals, but I am thrilled to write it. After all, how can I keep such a delicious recipe to myself?<br /><br />If you read my post from <a href="http://ahappy-medium.blogspot.com/2007/12/year-in-review.html">A Year in Review</a>, you'll know that my favorite bakery is <a href="http://babycakesnyc.com">BabycakesNYC</a>. Not only do they offer delicious pastries like cupcakes and brownies, but these desserts are tasty AND healthy. Catering to a food allergy population while ensuring good taste is not easy, but BabycakesNYC has done just that. They are now extremely popular and starting a shop on the west coast (though I can't wait for one in NJ with me as one of the best customers?)<br /><br /><a href="http://teaandcookies.blogspot.com/2007/02/dessert-for-everyone.html">Tea and Cookies blog</a> found and (thankfully) posted one of BabycakesNYC's recipes for brownies, as featured on the Martha Stewart show. I tested it out, ate most of the brownies, and am now sharing it with you. Enjoy!<br />Oh and for those of you who have a hard time stopping... don't worry it's healthy!<br /><br />1/2 cup canola oil, plus more for pans<br />3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons garbanzo and fava bean flour (Erin uses a garbanzo bean and fava bean flour made by <a href="http://www.bobsredmill.com/">Bob's Red Mill</a>; I used garbanzo bean flour from the bulk section of my health food store because I can't have fava beans, it worked fine).<br />1/4 cup potato starch<br />2 tablespoons arrowroot<br />1 cup unrefined sugar or 10 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons agave nectar<br />2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder<br />1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum<br />1 teaspoon salt<br />1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder<br />1/2 cup store-bought unsweetened applesauce<br />2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract<br />1/2 cup brewed coffee or hot water<br />2 cups vegan gluten-free chocolate chips, such as Tropical Source (don't skip the chocolate chips, they really make the brownies).</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://ahappy-medium.blogspot.com/2007/12/year-in-review.html"></a>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-32345471109347214482008-05-08T14:11:00.005-04:002008-05-08T17:30:41.762-04:00Organic: To Buy or Not To Buy?<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Now that Spring is here and Summer is soon to follow, we're all excited to buy lots of fruits and vegetables, and meats for the grill. With the big Organic movement, though, it's difficult to know what to buy Organic and what we can hold off on - after all, it can be expensive to eat well.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://thedailygreen.com/">The Daily Green</a>, one of my favorite online sources of information, has come out with a list of the foods that you MUST buy Organic and the fruits and vegetables that you can hold off on and buy conventional to save some cash.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Let's start with the <a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Save-on-Sustainable-Gallery-44032808">Organic must have list: </a></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">1. <strong><em>Meat:</em></strong> Ok anyone who knows me knows how I feel about Organic meat. If you've ever seen a video about how the animals are treated, you will quickly want to turn Vegan or at least to the more humane, Organic approaches.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Not only are the animals housed more humanely, but they are also not injected with hormones to speed up growth or antibiotics to resist disease, nor are they fed grains that have been treated with pesticides.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">To add my own ideas, I encourage organic meat as it is generally a requirement for the animals to be cage free, free roaming. I know this might sound weird to many of you, but think about this for just a second: if you were holed up in your room for days and days with only 1 hour of free time, you'd be pretty sad right? Imagine if you were holed up with enough people to fill the room without much movement. All that you could do for days is sit or stand in your space with your neighbors leaning on you. I think that would be pretty awful. That's how most of the animals are raised before being prepared as food. Everything that the animal endured in its miserable life is sitting in its meat and, upon digestion, is sitting in you. Remember "you are what you eat."</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">2. <strong><em>Milk:</em></strong> If you understand what happens with the meat, it shouldn't be a surprise that animal milk gets contaminated too. Afterall, the animals are being fed with hormones to ensure that they keep producing enough milk to satisfy the cravings of the human population. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Why can't animals simply produce enough for all of us? Aha - ever stop to think that humans are the only animals that drink milk after weaning? Do you think that's a coincidence? A facet of human living? Sorry to burst your bubble but it's not. We drink it because we can, not because we have to. So, farmers must accommodate to keep up with the demand the animals, well, they've gotta be made to mass produce with hormones and antibiotics. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Ever wonder why kids are developing at such young ages? Think about it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">3. <strong><em>Coffee:</em></strong> I must say that I was surprised to see coffee on this list. As it turns out, many of the coffee beans we buy are grown in other countries, where the use of chemicals and pesiticdes are not regulated. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd be quite mad if someone kept dousing the coffee beans I was using to make my drink with tons of chemicals. (Again, those of you who know me know that I don't drink coffee, but a lot of people close to me do. Plus I get mad on principle.) A lot of well known coffee makers are coming out with Organic coffee beans. Check to make sure that they are also Fair Trade Certified Organic, which indicates that pesticides and chemicals were NOT used and fair prices were paid in support of fair treatment of the farm and farm workers. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">For you skeptics, I've done the official taste test and switched the coffees when I made them for my dad and my grandpa and they didn't know the difference - you're good to go ;)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">4. <strong><em>Peaches*:</em></strong> Multiple (multiple!?!?) pesticides are applied to these delicious fruits. With such thin outer skins, the fruit stands no chance against the chemicals. *(See below for safe alternatives)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">5. <strong><em>Apples*: </em></strong>Apples are treated with pesticides as well but don't think you'll get rid of them by a simple wash and peel. Peeling the skin only removes some beneficial nutrients without getting rid of the chemicals. Now your hands are just dirty...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">6. <strong><em>Sweet Bell Peppers**:</em></strong> Ever roast a pepper and see how thin the skin was when it peeled off? You got it. Peppers have thin skins like apples and peaches and therefore, have little protection against pesticides. In fact, they don't stand a chance because they are heavily sprayed with pesticides to keep the bugs from eating these yummy veggies. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">7. <strong><em>Celery**:</em></strong> Celery has, well, no skin to protect it from pesticides so it's basically battling them with each stalk. Sorry celery. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">8: <strong><em>Strawberries*:</em></strong> I've always debated with myself if I should pay $5 for Organic strawberries when I could get the conventional ones for 2/$3. Well I'm glad that I've gone with my gut because like the others, they have no protective covering either. If bought when they're out of season, they're coming from those countries like the coffee beans where the chemical regulations are less stringent. I love my Organic strawberries.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">9: <strong><em>Lettuces**: </em></strong>Wondering where the most potent pesticides reside? Yep, on lettuce and other leafy greens! Better go Organic for these.</span><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></u></strong><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">10: <strong><em>Grapes*:</em></strong> As usual, those imported are more vulnerable to pesticides. Also, vineyards can be sprayed with different pesticides at various points in the grape's growing period, so you don't know what you're ingesting. Grapes have thick skins and therefore, there's no way to wash the pesticides off.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">11: <strong><em>Potatoes**:</em></strong> Poor potatoes - they rank high for pesticide residues and, in addition, get an added hit with having fungicides added to the soil to aid in growth. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">12: <strong><em>Tomatoes**:</em></strong> Tomatoes are another vegetable (or fruit?) with a thin skin. Therefore, pesticides can get through too easily. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">If you can't get the above fruits and vegetables Organically, here are some safe alternatives that you can get Conventionally:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">*Safe Fruit Alternatives: Watermelon, tangerines, oranges, grapefruit, bananas, blueberries, kiwi, pineappe</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">**Safe Veggie Alternatives: Green Peas, broccoli, cabbage, radishes, onions, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong><a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/Dirty-Dozen-Foods">Top 10 List of Conventional Foods</a></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">1. Asparagus</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">2. Avocados</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">3. Bananas</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">4. Broccoli</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">5. Cabbage</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">6. Kiwi</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">7. Mango</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">8. Onions</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">9. Papaya</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">10. Pineapple</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Whatever you decide to do, choose wisely. Eat well :)</span>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-42789368434697603112008-04-25T08:18:00.004-04:002008-04-25T08:21:15.929-04:00What's New?<span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:100%;" absz="12" >green </span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:100%;" absz="12" >guide!<br /><br />I've added a </span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:100%;" absz="12" >green </span><span absz="12" style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">guide to the site so please keep up to date on what's listed.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I didn't write it but I'm happy to answer questions if you have any!</span></span><br /></span>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-7686612277863584152008-04-06T17:21:00.005-04:002008-04-06T17:34:37.065-04:00Doggy's Day Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCTW6zzdne-od7e9BikiToJz9o3TmAJTEItYmkQiOMhKbpicUvSMQngekeUsfplPL2OR9SWdwYvwccr7t10oos3dR7ep1RDO2Z79LmJPfO7MjWqD1p5Jvnn5F0vLIpq5Bgao5XTh-hEc/s1600-h/100_0101.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCTW6zzdne-od7e9BikiToJz9o3TmAJTEItYmkQiOMhKbpicUvSMQngekeUsfplPL2OR9SWdwYvwccr7t10oos3dR7ep1RDO2Z79LmJPfO7MjWqD1p5Jvnn5F0vLIpq5Bgao5XTh-hEc/s200/100_0101.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186248823965838130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I recently met a woman while out shopping with my dog Muffin, when the woman stopped us to ask if Muffin was a Bichon Frise (yes) and to tell me how adorable she is (well yea!). The woman also provided me with some great information about a day set aside for dogs in a nearby town.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.yourdogisworthittoo.com/">Because your dog is worth it too day</a> is a L'Oreal sponsored event who, in conjunction with the <a href="http://komencsnj.org/">Central and South Jersey affiliate of the Susan G. Komen organization</a>, provides proceeds to the Race for the Cure (cost is only $10 per adult).<br /><br />The day, created for our beloved pals, includes a wide variety of Doggy contests such as a maze and puppy limbo, doggy fun like swimming pools and dog park and numerous special features.<br /><br />The fun happens on August 16, 2008 in Cranbury, NJ from 9am to 4pm. This day looks ridiculously fun and if I weren't going to be partying in a tropical locale, I'd definitely be there with Muffin. Maybe she'll still go and just tell me how it was ;)<br /></span></span>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-51246950067949351362008-03-25T10:00:00.003-04:002008-03-25T10:40:51.252-04:00There's Milk in my Beer?<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I know that many of you are avid beer drinkers or simply enjoy a pint or two, so you might find yourself saying,<span style="font-style: italic;"> "Excuse me bartender, there's milk in my beer."</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I know that beer sounds like an unusual place for milk to hide and I must say that I was quite surprised to learn this myself. For those 'no-moo'ers like myself, don't fret just yet. The milk sugar <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactose">lactose</a> is only thus far found in certain stouts such as Sweet Stout or the more obvious Cream Stout or Milk Stout. A list of "milk stouts" can be found at <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/82/">The Beer Advocate</a>.</span><br /><br />But why would they add milk to a beer?<br />Lactose is unfermentable, meaning that it cannot be broken down. Therefore, its sugar-sweet taste is added to the stout to contrast the flavor of the roasted malt or barley, making it sweeter on the palate.<br /><br />While that sounds like a nice idea from the beer makers, I can't say that I'll ever know what this stout tastes like. If you are dairy-free like me, make sure you know what you're drinking when you need a nice cold beer.<br /></span>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-47042622467653239412008-03-25T09:29:00.003-04:002008-03-25T09:42:17.729-04:00Common Body 'Oddities' Explained<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Ever wonder why your body does certain things like produce those fun hiccups or brain freeze after eating something cold? <a href="http://body.aol.com/health/mysteries-explained?icid=aimDBDL2_link1">AOL recently published</a> some brief explanations to some of those common, yet pesky, body 'oddities'.<br /><br />Here is what they have to say <span style="font-size:78%;">(Please note that this information is pulled directly from AOL and is not meant to be read as my own)</span>:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">SNEEZING</span><br />Achewww! Known as sternutation, the act of sneezing removes an irritant from the nose. When a particle or cluster of particles pass through nasal hairs and reach the nasal mucosa, they trigger histamine production. This reaches nerve cells in the nose which signals to the brain to initiate a sneeze. Particles such as dust may irritate the nose and result in a sneeze. Sneezing is more common for people with allergies when they're exposed to various allergens like animal dander and pollen.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">HICCUPS</span><br />Hiccups are the result of a spasm in the diaphragm, which contracts to pull air into the lungs causing a sudden rush of inhaled air. According to Dr. Michael Farber, Director, Executive Health Program, Hackensack University Medical Center, "This sets off a chain reaction causing the airway opening to close quickly which in turn halts the flow of air thus causing the vocal cords to react by closing quickly, creating the characteristic hic." Hiccups may be the result of eating a big meal, swallowing air, drinking carbonated beverages, tobacco use or sudden emotional excitement. He explains, "Hiccups may improve through basic maneuvers such as relaxation or distraction, eating and drinking, or techniques of altered breathing."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BLUSHING</span><br />Awwww, you're blushing. Turning red in the face is caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the face. In fact, this normal physiologic response allows the transfer of heat from our bodies to the skin's surface. Dr. Yael Halaas, board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York explains, "Several factors cause blushing such as a change of temperature, spicy foods, emotional responses and alcohol. Some medical conditions can also cause blushing such as Acne Rosacea." In this condition, there is an increase of vasculature and enlargement of blood vessels in the face. This condition can be treated by a dermatologist or qualified physician.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BRAIN FREEEEEEEEEEEZE!<br /></span>This almost instantaneous headache is a reaction to a cold substance coming into the roof of the mouth. Better known as brain freeze, Dr. Michael Farber says, "Typical onset is within seconds of exposure to a cold precipitant, as the body reacts by initially reducing blood flow to the region to conserve heat followed by enhanced blood flow return to the region." Nerves within the area sense this and transmit the sensation back to the nerve base as pain. His advice -- relieve pain by pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth to warm the area.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">EYE TTTTTWITCH</span><br />According to experts, eye twitching is essentially a spontaneous spasm of muscles surrounding the eye. The involuntary twitching of an eyelid muscle may last less than a minute, although twitching may occur in one eye or the other, in both or underneath the eye. Some experts attribute it to fatigue, stress or caffeine. If spasms persist a doctor should be consulted.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">YAWNING</span><br />Known as the act of opening the mouth by taking a deep breath, yawning is a reflex often associated with fatigue, stress or boredom. Some experts say the real reason why we yawn is a result of low oxygen levels in our lungs. As such, when we're resting we don't use our entire lung capacity and just use air sacs at the bottom of our lungs. If the air sacs don't get fresh air, they partially collapse and as a result our brain prompts the body to yawn or possibly sigh to get more air into the lungs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">LEG CRAMPS</span><br />Although painful sensations caused by contracting or over shortening of muscles, better known as leg cramps, may occur infrequently they may also be a sign of medical disorders. For instance, in a young athlete leg cramping may be associated with dehydration, especially after intense exercise. According to Dr. Sean McCance, Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon, Mount Sinai Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital, in the elderly population leg cramps is a common symptom of a condition called spinal stenosis. "Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which leads to compression of the nerves in the lower back. When people stand up and walk, the compression gets worse and that causes vague aching, cramping and sometimes pain and numbness in the legs." Plus, he says in general leg cramping can be a sign of poor blood supply to the legs. Typically when a patient complains of leg cramping; both a spinal exam and a vascular exam are performed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DOUBLE JOINTEDNESS</span><br />Double-jointedness, or the ability to have flexible joints that bend in unusual ways, is also known as hypermobility. Basically, joints and surrounding structures such as ligaments and tendons are abnormally flexible which enables people to bend or rotate them in various ways. For instance, if people can bend their thumbs backwards to their wrists, this is the result of misaligned joints, abnormally shaped ends of one or more bones at a joint. Essentially, joints that stretch more than what is considered normal. The extreme flexibility signifies a wide range of movement between the bones as the result of a shallow socket, extra stretchy ligaments or bone ends that are smoother than normal.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PINS & NEEDLES (OUCH!)</span><br />Oooh, ahhhh, owww....when it comes to the pins and needles sensation in your legs, there could be a variety of reasons why it's occurring. Dr. Sean McCance explains, "When pins and needles is in one leg only, it is more likely related to a mechanical problem, whereas if it is in both legs, it is more likely related to a metabolic problem such as a vitamin deficiency, excessive alcohol use, or diabetes." In the setting of lower back pain he says it could be a sign of a herniated disc. This could cause symptoms including pins and needles and numbness in the leg, as well as pain and weakness. He adds, "That is best assessed by physical examination by a spinal specialist followed by an MRI."</blockquote><br />Now we just need to find out where our socks go! :D<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><blockquote></blockquote><br /><blockquote></blockquote><br /></span>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-1184653370476983562008-01-27T17:16:00.000-05:002008-01-27T17:35:23.920-05:00A Greener Approach to a Girl's Best Friend<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5oDHIz-wQVg/R50GxAEaBPI/AAAAAAAABTY/mVIAUfJ4nao/s1600-h/tiff.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160288186938295538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5oDHIz-wQVg/R50GxAEaBPI/AAAAAAAABTY/mVIAUfJ4nao/s200/tiff.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">To all of my girls out there looking to help the environment while indulging in bling, or to my fellas looking to be mindful when buying for the woman you love, I have some good news.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Tiffany & Co has taken a stand for a healthier environment while remaining as one of the most popular jewelers out there. I may be slow on the info, but I still wanted to make sure that all of you were kept aware - Tiffany & Co has been selling only <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict-free_diamond">certified conflict-free diamonds</a> (aka no blood diamonds).</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The mega-jewelry store has also chosen to stick with one site in Utah to get their gold and silver, without using cyanide. The chemical is normally used to separate the metal from the rock, and as a result, can contaminate waterways. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">If that isn't enough, Tiffany & Co. have decided to ban the use of coral from its jewelry line in order to help preserve the fragile and dying reefs. If you don't agree with this choice, go check out the Great Barrier Reef and you'll thank the company for preserving such beauty.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">So go on and buy yourself something pretty :)</span></div>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-40358415054721635482008-01-09T12:21:00.000-05:002008-01-09T12:26:25.609-05:00Organic Coupons<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Finally - a site that gives me exactly what I want. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For those of you who know me well, you know that I love coupons. How can you not after all? They save you money if used correctly (i.e. not getting suckered into buying something you didn't need in the first place) and smartly (i.e. combining a coupon with a sale!). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Unfortunately, there are only a few coupons these days that I choose to clip because I would rather sacrifice a few extra dollars for the quality that I want. But no more! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/coupons/">Organic Consumers Association (OCA)</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> has published coupons to their site! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Check it out and happy shopping!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">If you have any questions about any particular product listed, please feel free to ask me about it.</span><br /> <blockquote style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"></blockquote>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-23851430750291431282008-01-09T12:17:00.000-05:002008-01-09T12:20:25.189-05:00Green Electronics<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I just came across this article, talking about green electronics that were debuted at the Consumer Electronics show. From a solar powered blue tooth headset to a corn based laptop, I'm impressed. I only hope some of these make their way to the greater public. </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/green-gadgets-ces-electronics-46010808?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr&kw=ist">Check it out!</a>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-78624099393000089762007-12-28T15:42:00.000-05:002007-12-28T15:59:19.920-05:00Norovirus...I loathe you...<span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >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 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norovirus">norovirus</a>. This virus is a vicious thing that is sending hundreds of people to the emergency room. Why?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Good luck stomachs!<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Here are a few articles that explain a bit more about the virus:<br /></span> <div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/sick-to-your-stomach-youre-not-alone/?hp" target="_blank">http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes<wbr>.com/2007/12/20/sick-to-your<wbr>-stomach-youre-not-alone/?hp</a></span></span></div> <div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div> <div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2007/12/20/dont-be-a-party-pooper/" target="_blank">http://blogs.wsj.com/health<wbr>/2007/12/20/dont-be-a-party<wbr>-pooper/</a></span></span></div> <div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div> <div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><a href="http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=21&id=17417" target="_blank">http://www.brooklyneagle.com<wbr>/categories/category.php<wbr>?category_id=21&id=17417</a></span></span></div> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-40831174955403032722007-12-17T21:53:00.001-05:002007-12-28T15:59:47.916-05:00A Year in Review<div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">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:</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Book: </strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Deathly-Hallows-Book/dp/0545010225/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197947958&sr=8-1">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows</a>; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Pray-Love-Everything-Indonesia/dp/0143038419/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197948000&sr=1-1">Eat Pray Love</a></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Movie: </strong><a href="http://www.shrek.com/main.php">Shrek the 3rd</a>!</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite TV Show:</strong> <a href="http://www.nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser/">The Biggest Loser</a></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Game:</strong> Dance Dance Revolution (Great Workout!)<br /><strong>Favorite Gift Idea: </strong><a href="http://mypublisher.com/">MyPublisher</a> Photo Books</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Home Good: </strong>Aromatic Oil Reed Diffusers</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Shampoo/Conditioner:</strong> <a href="http://herbalessences.com/us/collections/color_me_happy/">Herbal Essences Color Me Happy</a></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Chap Stick: </strong><a href="http://www.unpetroleum.com/?id=96&pid=496">Un-Petrolatum-Vanilla</a></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Face Product:</strong> <a href="http://www.sabonnyc.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=mud+face+mask">SabonNYC - Mud Mask</a> (I actually love all of their products)</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Body Product:</strong> <a href="http://www.jrwatkins.com/jrwatkins/productdetail.cfm?Store=E4C33ACF-2542-3708-4D6BFDC7F0F83A31&Family=E512118C-2B8E-FAD0-16ADEB995EC27B68&Product=D2DF89C0-22C2-6F49-FE715A155F517377&Country=Usa">JR Watkins Vanilla Dry Oil Body Mist</a> </span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Supplement:</strong> <a href="http://jarrowformulas.com/">JarrowFormulas JarroDophilus + FOS</a></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Recipe: </strong><a href="http://wholefoods.com/">Wholefood's </a>(in Atlanta) Vegan Chocolate Mousse</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Chocolate:</strong> <a href="http://www.chocolatebar.com/shop/p-24-dark-chocolate-with-deep-forest-mint.aspx">Endangered Species - Dark Chocolate with Deep Forest Mint</a><br /><strong>Favorite Smoothie:</strong> <a href="http://www.bolthouse.com/html/cs_cboost_n.html">Bolthouse Farms - C Boost</a></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Ice Cream: </strong><a href="http://soliorganic.com/">Soli Organic's</a> Dairy Free Ice Cream (any flavor!)</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Breakfast Food:</strong> <a href="http://applegatefarms.com/ORG_chik_appl.shtml">Applegate Farms - Chicken Apple Sausage</a></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>Favorite Bakery:</strong> <a href="http://babycakesnyc.com/">Babycakes NYC</a></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><strong>2007 MVP:</strong> My new doggy Muffin! :D</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Those are some of my favorites. What are yours?!</span></div>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-54030542990206324052007-11-29T15:18:00.000-05:002007-11-29T21:13:07.182-05:00Yogi Tea ... ommmm<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" >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. </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" >Here are the facts about this flavor of Yogi Tea: </span><br /><ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li>It's an herbal supplement - it contains such immune boosters like Ginger Root, Astragalus, Echinacea Root<br /></li><li>It's packed with so many different yet amazing flavors including Peppermint Leaf, Lemongrass, Cinnamon Bark, Licorice</li><li>It is made from mostly organic ingredients</li></ul><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" >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. </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" >I just can't wait to try the other types!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" >Now - even if you aren't interested in trying their tea, you should check out their website. </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://yogitea.com/">Yogitea.com</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" > 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.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" >A really great tea, a really cool website and the mindset that I love. </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" >Om...</span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;" ></span>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-75157988424231437652007-10-22T17:07:00.000-04:002007-10-22T18:19:58.738-04:00Tea For Me<div style="text-align: right; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><div style="text-align: left;">I went to one of my favorite places this weekend - <a href="http://www.wegmans.com/">Wegmans</a>. 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?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">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:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_5oDHIz-wQVg/Rx0h6DA_9nI/AAAAAAAAAy8/4tN1lmjzYNI/s1600-h/ineeka.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_5oDHIz-wQVg/Rx0h6DA_9nI/AAAAAAAAAy8/4tN1lmjzYNI/s200/ineeka.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124289232143119986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Company Name:</span> <a href="http://www.ineeka.com/">Ineeka</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What it is:</span> an environmentally and socially responsible producer of 100% Organic, whole leaf teas<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why it's cool:</span> 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.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why it's REALLY cool:</span> 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.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flavors:</span> 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!<br /><br />Check the company out at <a href="http://www.ineeka.com/">www.ineeka.com</a>. When I last tried, the website was a static picture so hopefully they'll update that soon.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />What's your favorite tea?<br /><br /></div></div><br /><br /><br /></div>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-23090840660931002592007-10-15T16:41:00.000-04:002007-10-15T16:57:16.069-04:00Happy Holidays to Me!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_5oDHIz-wQVg/RxPUEDA_9jI/AAAAAAAAAyI/oXgoGu7Q42g/s1600-h/healthyhedonist.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_5oDHIz-wQVg/RxPUEDA_9jI/AAAAAAAAAyI/oXgoGu7Q42g/s320/healthyhedonist.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121670367244449330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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 </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://naturalgourmetschool.com/">The Natural Gourmet</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> school in NYC. She creates Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine using healthy and nutritious ingredients. I currently have her book titled </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.myrakornfeld.com/the_voluptuous_vegan.php">The Voluptuous Vegan</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> and just received a note that she has a brand new holiday cookbook, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.myrakornfeld.com/the_healthy_hedonist_holidays.php">The Healthy Hedonist Holidays</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. 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! </span></span>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551720746205449965.post-24683213057572259772007-10-09T15:45:00.000-04:002007-10-09T15:53:30.267-04:00First Post<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">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! </span><br /></span>Stephanie, HHC, AADPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05698002186855062839noreply@blogger.com0