Money- it’s time to think differently
1:47 pm | No Comments » |
I’m all for quietly listening to people rather than talking..
You can absorb a lot of information by taking time to listen to people, family, friends, colleagues and the man in the street. One thing that strikes me as a re-occuring and significant problem is the struggle many people face just trying to make ends meet. I’m talking about the basic necessities of life here…
I’ve always been interested in many forms of alternative currency…. bartering etc. There are many official bartering exchanges world wide but many of these still work on a credit/debt (on paper) basis so although money does not exchange, there is still the debt of services there. Official bartering systems and exchanges have tax implications too..
I like to listen to peoples ideas on the web. I may not necessarily agree with some ideas or thoughts but nevertheless I think it’s important to listen and think.
This morning I listened to “Charles Eisenstein”
“The only true currency in life is a real authentic human connection. “…
He talked about how today everything has a monetary value attached to it. It made me think… He was right. Not so long ago, probably just a generation, we looked after each others kids (now we pay for childcare), our kids made their own free adventures from their imagination and some fallen tree wood (now we buy cable, buy games and gadgets and pay for all our entertainment) and if anything goes wrong and we can’t fix it ourselves we pay for someone to do that for us.
Not that this is wrong… some may say this creates a robust economy even. We need a robust economy right? Well kind of… yes and no. A robust economy creates wealth in some and poverty in others… a classic example is housing. Housing is a necessity of life but a boom in the housing market and a minimum basic wage never compliment one another…
Maybe it’s time to embrace some of the “real authentic human connections” our previous generations had and create an economy of community. Where we don’t necessarily expect something in return ..
Yes I’m an idealist (but with a good dose of realism) but maybe it’s time to create community co-operatives and make some changes.
I’ve noticed many of these seeds being planted, now it’s time to let them grow..
C xxxxx
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July 18, 2012
Natural crystal deodorant update…
9:21 am | No Comments » |
Back in February I bought three natural crystal deodorant sticks from the natural food section at Superstore. They had been reduced to $1.79 (50% off)… click here
I apply the natural crystal deodorant every morning. After I bathe I simply dip the end of the stick in water for a second, shake it, then rub it back and forth under my arm pit about 20 times… After 5 months it doesn’t look like I’ve used the crystal at all… and the best thing… IT IS THE BEST DEODORANT EVER! I’ve tested it walking, exercising and I even did the “Relay for Life” and it never let me down. You can’t see it, you can’t smell it (and that’s good because we have a scent free policy here at work)… it works so well it simply does not need any fragrance..
If I had been using conventional stick deodorant, I would have spent between $20-$30 dollars by now..
Added to that there are no added chemicals I feel quite pleased about that.
I am converted..
C xxxx
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June 25, 2012
Lemon and Poppy Seed Vegan Cheesecake
9:38 am | No Comments » |
I made the most delicious vegan cheesecake recipe on saturday… so lovely it was that of the 6 generous slices I cut it into, by the time it was all gone, I had eaten half of them. No wonder I put weight on this week..
The base was very tasty indeed with the walnut crumbs, lemon zest and coconut oil and I added a little extra agave and the zest of a whole lemon to the topping, above and beyond the original recipe which you can find on the terrific “Mouth Watering Vegan” website..
The good thing about this recipe, because it contains no dairy/animal fats it’s cholesterol free!
INGREDIENTS FOR BASE
* 17 vegan Digestive biscuits (You may use any plain, sweetened wholemeal biscuits that are vegan, if you are unable to find vegan Digestives) ** Presidents Choice do digestives biscuits/cookies that do not appear to have any animal fat or dairy in them
* ½ cup walnuts in small pieces
* ½ cup vegan butter, or coconut oil melted (I used coconut oil as it hardens up nicely when cold)
* zest of a lemon
* juice of half a lemon
* a pinch of salt
INGREDIENTS FOR TOPPING
* 1 packet (349g) Firm Silken Tofu
* 1 heaped tsp poppy seeds
* 2 tbsp agave syrup (I added an extra teaspoon or so)
* 1 tbsp icing sugar, or confectioner’s sugar
* ½ cup of soya cream or other vegan thin cream
* 2½ tablespoons of cornflower with ¾ cup water or vegan milk
* the juice of a large lemon (I added the zest of a lemon too)
* sliced kiwifruit for decoration
For the full recipe and method click here
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March 23, 2012
Hungry for Change
10:18 am | No Comments » |
As part of my journey to become a healthier and happier person, I’m trying very hard indeed to look after my body from the inside out. I figure I owe it to myself..
I’ve become very interested in nutrition and taking responsibility for my own health (it’s gonna be a long journey) and I really enjoy documentaries that tackle this topic… watching them has become cathartic, my own digital detox. It is hard weaning oneself off from the MSG’s and our modern diet of laboratory food but I feel so strongly about this, about the way we are heading, that I try my hardest to get back to basic foods and have spent the last 6 months “almost” MSG free..
Last night I took advantage of a FREE SCREENING of a fabulous documentary called “Hungry for Change”.. infact it is FREE to watch online until March 31st.
It’s 90 minutes of viewing food in the way we should be viewing it, as our medicine, as something that can keep us healthy and heal us….. I came away more determined than ever to keep going on my own journey. The documentary was totally inspiring…
CLICK HERE TO WATCH “HUNGRY FOR CHANGE”
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February 21, 2012
Frugal and healthy non-skunky armpits!
9:54 am | 2 Comments » |
I’ve been mildly concerned about Aluminum Chlorhydrate in under arm deodorants for many years now (there is non-conclusive concerns regarding Alzheimers and breast cancer) but had never tried an alternative product, mainly because it was hard to find such a product locally and also that they are quite expensive and being on such a tight budget means I cannot waste several dollars trying something out that possibly would not work for me. I did try going for one day without any deodorant on at all but I was traumatized by the awful smell radiating from under my arms that I immediately went back to applying the obligatory “school-glue-stick” to the pits..
If you live locally here in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, you are probably aware that Atlantic Superstore is being refurbished and many of their products are reduced to clear old stock. I use their natural food and products section quite frequently and a few days ago I found a product called Henry Barnards Crystal Deodorant marked down to just $1.79 in this section. I jumped at the opportunity to try it so bought one right away.
Yesterday I gave it a thorough test drive. Following the morning scrubathon, I applied the crystal to my damp pits (that is the trick- make sure your pits are lightly wetted and rub the crystal back and forth until your pits dry up- takes about 10-20 seconds per pit) and went to work. Periodically throughout the day I did the sniff test and was pleasantly surprised that all I could smell was clean soapy skin, nothing else. No squashed skunk aroma, nothing.. not even after I went for a brisk walk at lunch time. By the end of the day I just smelled clean and fresh.
So this morning I went straight back to Atlantic Superstore and purchased a few more I was so impressed. Whether regular deodorants cause any health issues or not, natural is surely better?
Now I have to try and convince my girls to use them too…
QUOTE:
Henri Bernard Natural Crystal Deodorant Stick is made from natural crystallized mineral salts. It contains no harmful chemicals, oils, perfumes or emulsifiers. It goes on clear and leaves no white residue.
Ideal for sensitive skin. A natural, effective alternative to chemically-made deodorants. Instead of preventing perspiration by blocking pores, it neutralizes any smell leaving you feeling shower fresh all day. Does not feel sticky or greasy and will not stain or leave white marks on clothing. After bath or shower, while skin is still moist, apply liberally to underarms. If skin is dry, moisten crystal first and then apply.
*Non-aerosol
*Aluminum Chlorhydrate Free
*Hypoallergenic
*Unscented
*Non-staining
*Alcohol free
*100% natural
*Kills odor causing bacteria.
NO ANIMAL TESTING OR ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS.
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January 23, 2012
How to magnetize a baby, cheese addiction and week 3 weigh in
9:58 am | 2 Comments » |
Things are going awfully well…
I’m eating lots of food and not obsessing with every single calorie (although I have a rough idea to ensure I eat enough which for me is 2000 cals ish )..
This week I lost 4lb. That makes 11lb since January 2nd. Overall, since 60 Day Fitness Challenge 1 started I’ve lost 41 lb. I’m happy with that!
I pretty much stopped craving most junk/processed foods and meat a couple of weeks into turning vegan and although I still love the smell of anything-that-once-had-a-pulse cooking, the thing I miss the most and still crave on occasions is cheese.
Why is this? Why do I still NEARLY put a cube of cheese in my mouth when making a meal for my daughter that contains cheese and why do I still remember those cheese highs with great fondness?
I began to do research on this… what was it about cheese? To me, pre-vegan, it was my biggest trigger food, I was well and truly addicted to it.
Who do I turn to when I need to find out scientifically researched and proven information to do with food and our bodies? Dr Neal Barnard of course! The one man on TV, is beyond a shadow of a doubt, a truthful and interesting man, passionate about sharing the information he knows..
This is one of the most fascinating lectures I’ve listened to about food and it solved my anxiety about why I had been so addicted to cheese..
And it starts with “How to magnetize a baby”…
ENJOY!
C xxxxx
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January 16, 2012
60 day fitness challenge 2- week 2
11:43 am | 2 Comments » |I’m down in the mouth today. I didn’t put weight on but I only lost 1 lb which considering the amount of effort put in has shocked me a little. I have to learn to cope with and move on from disappointment and harness the negatives into positives so next week I expect a decent weight loss… I’ll work even harder to achieve that.
And as if there was someone watching over me when I needed it, this morning I crawled into the Irving Gas Station, hard on empty. I went in to hand over my $20 and one of the ladies there grinned at me and said “congratulations”. We chatted and she told me she had clipped last weeks 60 Day Fitness Challenge article in the Progress Bulletin for inspiration. “I used to be 450 lb” she told me. “I had my stomach stapled and went down to a size 8″…..”but over the years some of the weight has crept back on and I need to lose 100 lb”. She told me that “today” the ladies at the Irving were on the first day of their own 60 day fitness challenge.. “no creme eggs now” were her parting words (last year everytime I fell off the weight loss wagon I’d head to that Irving gas station and scoff Cadbury’s creme eggs!)
That was a hugely positive re-enforcement this morning and I am sooo grateful it came 
Thank you Irving gas station lady!
2 Comments »
January 10, 2012
Kicking and screaming into the 21st century- frugally of course
4:40 pm | No Comments » |
iPod communication device- finally I am one of you...
I’m not a person who has to have a lot of things… I don’t have an MP3 player, cell phone, cable, satellite, fine furnishings or lots of shoes.
Saying that I will be envious of your clean and tidy house and car, your neatly mowed lawn and your well behaved dog.
I will also be envious of your iPod Touch..
For years now I’ll admit that my eyes have become greener when at the bottom of your e-mail it is signed off with “sent from my iPod”. When I’ve seen you giggling at the gadget in your sweaty palm I’ve wanted to rush over and tear it from your hand and say, what… WHAT? And then of course those funny little digi-squeaks as you catapult yet another Angry Bird and that on Facebook the word “mobile” appears at the bottom of your status updates..
I’m envious of YOU… you being a significant percentage of the population.
FACETIME IS AWESOME!!!
And to make matters worse multiple iPods inhabited my house over the Christmas holidays when my Hobbits generously received a shiny new IPod Touch each from their Dad. Copious amounts of fun apps were shoved under my nose at every possible opportunity and usually at my expense. This was when I discovered a wonderful app built into the IPod Touch called Facetime. It was a real-life Star Trek communicator (only higher-tech) in disguise… anyone else who has an iPod, iPad, MacBook etc can communicate by voice and video freely wherever there is an available wi-fi connection.
And then my wish came true..
My birthday arrived and so did an iPod communicator (grin) from a wonderfully special friend.
I’m now one of YOU! And I’m loving it!!
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January 9, 2012
60 Day Fitness Challenge 2- Week 1
11:04 am | No Comments » |
Paula Levy did an article on our 60 Day Fitness Challenge here at Lighthouse Publishing
in this weeks Lunenburg County Progress Bulletin
Well whadda-u-know…. first week back at it and I lost 6 lb… I’m rather pleased with that! That means I lost the 5 lb that accumulated around my person over Christmas (I did indeed eat 10 mince pies in 2 days, drank like a fish and ate huge quantities of vegan cookies that my friend Jana made me) + an extra 1 lb which makes my weight loss journey back on track!
It was difficult not eating turkey or ham over Christmas especially as I cooked this for my girls who were really looking forward to it. BUT it wasn’t that bad, really…. I had a delicious plate full (OK 2 platefuls) of sweet potato, sage stuffing, vegan gravy, asparagus, roasted parsnips, julienne carrots, brussel sprouts, portabello mushrooms, cranberry and mandarin sauce and a fairly tasty grain alternative to turkey!
I was glad to see that my employer, Lighthouse Media Group, started the second 60 Day Fitness Challenge again as soon as we went back to work on January 2, 2012! Lots of people participating again which makes it fun… It’s all done on an honour system and we do not have to share our weight/weight losses as it’s not a contest. It’s more a way to be inspired by the successes other people have. Tina Hennigar once again is brave enough to be the person who stands up in front of us and motivates us with weekly challenges… last week she brought in a great idea for salad in a jar!
We’ve set up a Facebook Group for anyone who wishes to join in from home, anywhere in the world. Click here!
All time heaviest 345 lbs
Weight at 1st 60 Day Challenge 312 lb
Weight at 2nd 60 Day Challenge 282 lb
Weight today 276 lb
C xxxxx
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January 3, 2012
Big girls can belly dance
10:06 am | No Comments » |
I’m putting this up to motivate me- it’s a photo that I dislike immensely. Bleh!
I’m hoping that after losing another 25 lbs these jeans will fit…
We’ve started another 60 day fitness challenge at work and having lost 32 lbs the last time around of course I want to keep on losing the weight… after all there is still WAY over 100 lbs to lose
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAY FITNESS CHALLENGE BOOKLET
There is one thing I really hate about my body…. my big belly. After 3 kids (2 of which were 10 lbs when born) and a huge weight gain after the third which saw my weight rise at it’s highest to 345 lb, I’ll never have a pretty belly, even when I’ve lost another 100lb. I’ve accepted it and am coming to terms with it….
BUT being big and wobbly should NEVER stop people doing what makes them happy and now that I’m feeling more positive and getting healthier I’d like to embrace my belly-ness and wobble away the inches, having fun to achieve my next goal rather than telling myself “when I’ve lost another 50 lb I’ll start doing that…”
My goals over the next 60 days will be
a) To lose 25 lbs
b) To walk 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week (it’s just $20 for a months pass at HB Studios Sports Centre)
c) To begin toning waist, abdominal, thigh and arm muscles and improve coordination while having fun and feeling liberated (2-3 times a week)
d) To fit into a pair of jeans again (last time I could wear jeans was over 15 years ago) I bought size 20W jeans back in September and I THINK these may fit after losing 25 lbs..!
I’ve given much thought to how I can start to tone my abdominal muscles. Should I try and do some crunches but the constant repetition of regular exercise would leave me cold.. it has to be fun!
And then I remembered one form of exercise that embraces belly-ness, where soft belly-ness is rather more preferred than sculpted abs, that people of all ages seem to have great fun with and I’m gonna do it..
I’m gonna learn to BIG belly dance…. my goal will be to learn some basic moves in the privacy of my home, using free lessons on YouTube, start whittling away at my big belly and have some damn fun!
REMEMBER…
“Dance like nobody is watching…” WOO HOO!
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