2. 15 WAYS TO EAT HEALTHY WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK PAMELA SALZMAN  I am very committed to eating really healthfully and feeding my family as much nutritious food as possible. Many people complain to me that they can’t buy fresh, organic food because it’s too expensive. It’s interesting to me that 100 years ago we spent twenty-five percent of our disposable income on food and now we only spend ten percent. Furthermore, we’re actually consuming more food than before, while getting fatter and sicker. But I do think we’re starting to make the connection that we have a lot of cheap food in this country, and that cheap food has hidden costs—to our physical bodies, as well as the environment.  How can we eat healthfully without breaking the bank? Although they may not work for everyone, here are the strategies I have used over the years to allow me to eat the way I want and stay within my budget: 1. Cook from Scratch: Fast food and convenience food come with a hefty price tag. Someone’s got to pay for all that packaging and marketing! We have got to get back in the kitchen and learn how to cook some simple basic meals and staples. Making a pot of soup with vegetables and beans, homemade salad dressing or an omelet are not only easy and inexpensive, but they will almost always be higher in quality than what you get from outside your kitchen. Even if you just swap out ridiculously expensive boxed cereals with steel cut oats or homemade muesli, over time you’ll save more than you think. 2. Have a Plan:  Americans waste about 25% of the food they buy. Not only are we piling more into our landfills, but we are throwing money in the garbage. The most important thing I do every week to help make sure I am organized to actually cook every night is to make a menu for the week and shop accordingly. This means everything I buy has a purpose and I rarely put anything into my cart that’s not on my list. This cuts waste dramatically. If you do nothing else, shopping with a meal plan in mind will save you tons of time and money. 3. Bulk Bins: The bulk bins at my supermarket sometimes offer savings over buying the same item in a package. This is also a good idea if you want to try out a food and you’re unsure of buying a whole bag of it which could end up going to waste. 4. Case Discounts: My local Whole Foods will offer a discount of 10-20% when buying a case of an item, typically in quantities of 12. This is great for things that I go through quickly like olive oil, or for non-perishables such as packets of frozen acai puree. However, this isn’t a great strategy for foods with a short shelf life like nuts or cheese. 5. Shop the Salad Bar: Don’t supermarkets mark up items on the salad bar? Not everything! Normally, there is a flat price for all the items at the salad bar, for example $6.99 pound, so there are deals to be found. Foods like grilled chicken, nuts, seeds and cheeses are usually cheaper at the salad bar than if you bought them separately on their own. 6. Eat Seasonally: You’ve heard it a million times, but there’s a reason for that! Produce purchased in season is almost always less expensive than out of season because it’s usually locally grown and also fresher and tastes better, too. Sometimes you can even stock up during the season and freeze it for later. We use a lot of berries in smoothies, pancakes and muffins, so at the end of the summer, I will buy many flats of them and freeze them for the “off-season.” 7. Great Deals on the Web: Everyone knows that warehouse clubs like Costco and BJ’s offer great deals on bulk items and many of them are starting to carry foods like organic quinoa and wild fish. But also think about websites like www.amazon.com and www.mountainrose.com  for great deals on many more items – and you don’t need to leave your house to do it! I save lots of money on Amazon buying everything from cases of Eden Organic canned beans to Celtic sea salt to seaweed. 8. Farmers Markets: Buying directly from the farmer can offer lower prices than the supermarkets on locally grown, seasonal produce, eggs and meat. This certainly depends on where you live, but I also find that farmers sometimes cut their prices a little half an hour before the market closes. 9. Cut Back on Meat: We all need protein (although many of us consume more than necessary), but animal protein is usually the highest ticket item on the grocery bill. And organic or pastured meat is even more expensive than non-organic, but it’s an area where I am not willing to compromise. The key is to have enough high-quality protein, while staying on budget. When I do buy meat, I plan for 3-4 ounces per person, 3-4 days per week. The rest of the week we eat vegetarian meals that rely on quinoa, eggs, beans and lentils which are a nutritional bargain especially if you cook them from scratch. 10. Prioritize What is Important to Buy Organic: Very few people can afford to buy everything organic, so prioritize. In this order due to higher amounts of pesticide contamination, I focus on organic meats and wild fish, butter, dairy, foods we eat a lot of (oats, eggs, olive oil, nut butters) and then I follow the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen for produce. 11. Nutritional Bangs for the Buck: Just because $5/bunch purple heirloom carrots and at $12/pound shiitake mushrooms are out of my budget, doesn’t mean I have to throw in the towel. There are nutritional bargains to be found. Try canned wild fish instead of fresh, dried beans, free-range eggs, bananas, Russet potatoes, cabbage, carrots, rolled oats, brown rice, and frozen vegetables which all pack a lot of nutrients for less money. 12. Skip Prewashed Salad, Precut Vegetables: Again, these come with a price for the convenience of having someone else do the prep work. If finding time to prep vegetables before dinner is an issue, try doing this work in the morning before you leave for the office or the night before. 13. Drop the Canned and Bottled Beverages: It goes without saying that sodas and sweetened beverages offer you nothing in the way of health benefits, and all that plastic and glass don’t do the environment any good either. But these drinks are just wildly expensive for no nutrition. Water is all you really need, so invest in a water filter if you can and BPA-free water bottles for everyone in your house. 14. Ethnic Markets: Local, ethnic markets can offer an amazing array of affordable produce and specialty items. In my area, I have been to Japanese markets with incredibly fresh fish at a fraction of the price at my supermarket. The same is true for produce that I have found at local Middle Eastern markets. I’ve also found some really cool, inexpensive spices and condiments that I’ve never seen in my local supermarket. 15. Purchase Store Brands: Many supermarkets carry their own brands which are of comparable quality to name brands and offer a big discount. Look to see if the store has calculated the unit price on the display so you can make a educated decision about which brand is a better value.

    15 WAYS TO EAT HEALTHY WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

    PAMELA SALZMAN 

    I am very committed to eating really healthfully and feeding my family as much nutritious food as possible. Many people complain to me that they can’t buy fresh, organic food because it’s too expensive. It’s interesting to me that 100 years ago we spent twenty-five percent of our disposable income on food and now we only spend ten percent. Furthermore, we’re actually consuming more food than before, while getting fatter and sicker. But I do think we’re starting to make the connection that we have a lot of cheap food in this country, and that cheap food has hidden costs—to our physical bodies, as well as the environment.  How can we eat healthfully without breaking the bank? Although they may not work for everyone, here are the strategies I have used over the years to allow me to eat the way I want and stay within my budget:

    1. Cook from Scratch: Fast food and convenience food come with a hefty price tag. Someone’s got to pay for all that packaging and marketing! We have got to get back in the kitchen and learn how to cook some simple basic meals and staples. Making a pot of soup with vegetables and beans, homemade salad dressing or an omelet are not only easy and inexpensive, but they will almost always be higher in quality than what you get from outside your kitchen. Even if you just swap out ridiculously expensive boxed cereals with steel cut oats or homemade muesli, over time you’ll save more than you think.

    2. Have a Plan:  Americans waste about 25% of the food they buy. Not only are we piling more into our landfills, but we are throwing money in the garbage. The most important thing I do every week to help make sure I am organized to actually cook every night is to make a menu for the week and shop accordingly. This means everything I buy has a purpose and I rarely put anything into my cart that’s not on my list. This cuts waste dramatically. If you do nothing else, shopping with a meal plan in mind will save you tons of time and money.

    3. Bulk Bins: The bulk bins at my supermarket sometimes offer savings over buying the same item in a package. This is also a good idea if you want to try out a food and you’re unsure of buying a whole bag of it which could end up going to waste.

    4. Case Discounts: My local Whole Foods will offer a discount of 10-20% when buying a case of an item, typically in quantities of 12. This is great for things that I go through quickly like olive oil, or for non-perishables such as packets of frozen acai puree. However, this isn’t a great strategy for foods with a short shelf life like nuts or cheese.

    5. Shop the Salad Bar: Don’t supermarkets mark up items on the salad bar? Not everything! Normally, there is a flat price for all the items at the salad bar, for example $6.99 pound, so there are deals to be found. Foods like grilled chicken, nuts, seeds and cheeses are usually cheaper at the salad bar than if you bought them separately on their own.

    6. Eat Seasonally: You’ve heard it a million times, but there’s a reason for that! Produce purchased in season is almost always less expensive than out of season because it’s usually locally grown and also fresher and tastes better, too. Sometimes you can even stock up during the season and freeze it for later. We use a lot of berries in smoothies, pancakes and muffins, so at the end of the summer, I will buy many flats of them and freeze them for the “off-season.”

    7. Great Deals on the Web: Everyone knows that warehouse clubs like Costco and BJ’s offer great deals on bulk items and many of them are starting to carry foods like organic quinoa and wild fish. But also think about websites like www.amazon.com and www.mountainrose.com  for great deals on many more items – and you don’t need to leave your house to do it! I save lots of money on Amazon buying everything from cases of Eden Organic canned beans to Celtic sea salt to seaweed.

    8. Farmers Markets: Buying directly from the farmer can offer lower prices than the supermarkets on locally grown, seasonal produce, eggs and meat. This certainly depends on where you live, but I also find that farmers sometimes cut their prices a little half an hour before the market closes.

    9. Cut Back on Meat: We all need protein (although many of us consume more than necessary), but animal protein is usually the highest ticket item on the grocery bill. And organic or pastured meat is even more expensive than non-organic, but it’s an area where I am not willing to compromise. The key is to have enough high-quality protein, while staying on budget. When I do buy meat, I plan for 3-4 ounces per person, 3-4 days per week. The rest of the week we eat vegetarian meals that rely on quinoa, eggs, beans and lentils which are a nutritional bargain especially if you cook them from scratch.

    10. Prioritize What is Important to Buy Organic: Very few people can afford to buy everything organic, so prioritize. In this order due to higher amounts of pesticide contamination, I focus on organic meats and wild fish, butter, dairy, foods we eat a lot of (oats, eggs, olive oil, nut butters) and then I follow the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen for produce.

    11. Nutritional Bangs for the Buck: Just because $5/bunch purple heirloom carrots and at $12/pound shiitake mushrooms are out of my budget, doesn’t mean I have to throw in the towel. There are nutritional bargains to be found. Try canned wild fish instead of fresh, dried beans, free-range eggs, bananas, Russet potatoes, cabbage, carrots, rolled oats, brown rice, and frozen vegetables which all pack a lot of nutrients for less money.

    12. Skip Prewashed Salad, Precut Vegetables: Again, these come with a price for the convenience of having someone else do the prep work. If finding time to prep vegetables before dinner is an issue, try doing this work in the morning before you leave for the office or the night before.

    13. Drop the Canned and Bottled Beverages: It goes without saying that sodas and sweetened beverages offer you nothing in the way of health benefits, and all that plastic and glass don’t do the environment any good either. But these drinks are just wildly expensive for no nutrition. Water is all you really need, so invest in a water filter if you can and BPA-free water bottles for everyone in your house.

    14. Ethnic Markets: Local, ethnic markets can offer an amazing array of affordable produce and specialty items. In my area, I have been to Japanese markets with incredibly fresh fish at a fraction of the price at my supermarket. The same is true for produce that I have found at local Middle Eastern markets. I’ve also found some really cool, inexpensive spices and condiments that I’ve never seen in my local supermarket.

    15. Purchase Store Brands: Many supermarkets carry their own brands which are of comparable quality to name brands and offer a big discount. Look to see if the store has calculated the unit price on the display so you can make a educated decision about which brand is a better value.

  3. Not All Eggs Are Created Equal Did you know that factory farmed eggs contain drug residues, pesticides, hormones and other harmful chemicals? That innocent looking egg may be doing more to harm your health than helping it… Nutrient Differences in Conventional Eggs Compared to Free Range Eggs The comparison between conventional battery-raised eggs and free ranges eggs are stunning. Mother Earth News had free range eggs tested to see what their nutrient levels were and compared the results to the official USDA data for commercial eggs. The results varied from farm to farm, but the average free range egg results showed: 1⁄3 less cholesterol 1⁄4 less saturated fat 2⁄3 more vitamin A 3 times more vitamin E 7 times more beta carotene 21 times more omega-3 fatty acid Meat, eggs, and dairy products from pastured, free range animals that are treated humanely are ideal for your health. Compared with commercial products, they offer you more “good” fats, and fewer “bad” fats. They are richer in antioxidants; including vitamins E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Furthermore, they do not contain traces of added hormones, antibiotics or other drugs. This shouldn’t be a surprise but we are so removed from what actually happens in factory farms these days that it is an important reminder to be mindful about where our food comes from. There are continual food recalls being issued —many that we might miss—for example, there have been 12 recalls just since Jan 13th! Bookmark http://foodsafety.gov/recalls/recent/index.html and whenever possible buy local, organic food! The Abingdon Farmer’s Market and Whole Health Center Natural Foods sell free range, local, organic eggs. Taste the difference! This article was submitted by Sean Bossie, owner of Whole Health Center in Abingdon (Main Street).  Visit their website at www.wholehealthcenter.net.

    Not All Eggs Are Created Equal

    Did you know that factory farmed eggs contain drug residues, pesticides, hormones and other harmful chemicals? That innocent looking egg may be doing more to harm your health than helping it…

    Nutrient Differences in Conventional Eggs Compared to Free Range Eggs

    The comparison between conventional battery-raised eggs and free ranges eggs are stunning. Mother Earth News had free range eggs tested to see what their nutrient levels were and compared the results to the official USDA data for commercial eggs.

    The results varied from farm to farm, but the average free range egg results showed:

    1⁄3 less cholesterol

    1⁄4 less saturated fat

    2⁄3 more vitamin A

    3 times more vitamin E

    7 times more beta carotene

    21 times more omega-3 fatty acid

    Meat, eggs, and dairy products from pastured, free range animals that are treated humanely are ideal for your health. Compared with commercial products, they offer you more “good” fats, and fewer “bad” fats. They are richer in antioxidants; including vitamins E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Furthermore, they do not contain traces of added hormones, antibiotics or other drugs.

    This shouldn’t be a surprise but we are so removed from what actually happens in factory farms these days that it is an important reminder to be mindful about where our food comes from. There are continual food recalls being issued —many that we might miss—for example, there have been 12 recalls just since Jan 13th! Bookmark http://foodsafety.gov/recalls/recent/index.html and whenever possible buy local, organic food!

    The Abingdon Farmer’s Market and Whole Health Center Natural Foods sell free range, local, organic eggs. Taste the difference!

    This article was submitted by Sean Bossie, owner of Whole Health Center in Abingdon (Main Street).  Visit their website at www.wholehealthcenter.net.

  4. 10 DIET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS: STAY ON TRACK WHEN YOU ARE ON-THE-GO Harris Interactive recently conducted a survey on behalf of Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grillto gain information about food-related New Year’s resolutions. They surveyed U.S. adults at the end of 2011 and found that 83 percent of those interviewed would like to eat better in the New Year but don’t want to feel they are sacrificing to do it. Eighty-one percent of respondents also say that lower-calorie meal options when dining away from home would help them keep their food-related resolutions. Since nine in ten Americans that make food-related resolutions end up breaking them, help with finding lower calorie meal options is needed to point people in the right direction when they dine away from home.   Over the years, we have highlighted many healthier options in our Diet Friendly Dining series. Since many of you made food-related New Year’s resolutions or goals for this year, here are 10 restaurants with calorie conscience menus to keep in mind when eating away from home. Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill  - Applebee’s resolves to let patrons have it all this year with their Great Tasting Under 550 Calorie and Weight Watchers endorsed menu items. Caution is necessary especially related to overall sodium content. The Asiago Peppercorn Steak with sides (380 calories/14 g fat/1,520 mg sodium) is your healthiest meal choice. The Weight Watchers Paradise Chicken Salad (340 calories/4 g fat/2,060 mg sodium) is a good entrée salad choice as well. FOR THE OTHER 9 RESULTS -READ MORE….

    10 DIET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS:

    STAY ON TRACK WHEN YOU ARE ON-THE-GO

    Harris Interactive recently conducted a survey on behalf of Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grillto gain information about food-related New Year’s resolutions. They surveyed U.S. adults at the end of 2011 and found that 83 percent of those interviewed would like to eat better in the New Year but don’t want to feel they are sacrificing to do it. Eighty-one percent of respondents also say that lower-calorie meal options when dining away from home would help them keep their food-related resolutions. Since nine in ten Americans that make food-related resolutions end up breaking them, help with finding lower calorie meal options is needed to point people in the right direction when they dine away from home.

     
    Over the years, we have highlighted many healthier options in our Diet Friendly Dining series. Since many of you made food-related New Year’s resolutions or goals for this year, here are 10 restaurants with calorie conscience menus to keep in mind when eating away from home.

    1. Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill  - Applebee’s resolves to let patrons have it all this year with their Great Tasting Under 550 Calorie and Weight Watchers endorsed menu items. Caution is necessary especially related to overall sodium content. The Asiago Peppercorn Steak with sides (380 calories/14 g fat/1,520 mg sodium) is your healthiest meal choice. The Weight Watchers Paradise Chicken Salad (340 calories/4 g fat/2,060 mg sodium) is a good entrée salad choice as well.

    FOR THE OTHER 9 RESULTS -READ MORE….

    1. REFERENCE GUIDE TO AEROBIC EXERCISE  What is Aerobic Exercise?  The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines aerobic exercise as “any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmic in nature.” It is also defined as exercise that increases the need for oxygen. Aerobic exercise is used interchangeably with the terms: cardiovascular exercise, cardio-respiratory exercise and cardio. Some examples of aerobic exercise include: walking, jogging, running, dancing, rollerblading, bicycling, swimming, aerobics classes (both land and water), rowing, stair climbing, etc. What are the Benefits of Aerobic Exercise? Aerobic exercise strengthens your heart and lungs (which make up the cardiovascular system). During exercise, your muscles demand more oxygen-rich blood and give off more carbon dioxide and other waste products. As a result, your heart has to beat faster to keep up. When you follow a consistent aerobic exercise plan, your heart grows stronger so it can meet the muscles’ demands without as much effort. Everyone, regardless of their weight, age, or gender, can benefit from aerobic exercise.  READ MORE…

      REFERENCE GUIDE TO AEROBIC EXERCISE

       What is Aerobic Exercise? 

      The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines aerobic exercise as “any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmic in nature.” It is also defined as exercise that increases the need for oxygen. Aerobic exercise is used interchangeably with the terms: cardiovascular exercise, cardio-respiratory exercise and cardio. Some examples of aerobic exercise include: walking, jogging, running, dancing, rollerblading, bicycling, swimming, aerobics classes (both land and water), rowing, stair climbing, etc. 

      What are the Benefits of Aerobic Exercise? 
      Aerobic exercise strengthens your heart and lungs (which make up the cardiovascular system). During exercise, your muscles demand more oxygen-rich blood and give off more carbon dioxide and other waste products. As a result, your heart has to beat faster to keep up. When you follow a consistent aerobic exercise plan, your heart grows stronger so it can meet the muscles’ demands without as much effort. Everyone, regardless of their weight, age, or gender, can benefit from aerobic exercise.  READ MORE…

    2. WHAT IS CHUCHUHUASI  BARK TEA?????  The bark of the chuchuhuasi tree is a famous ethnomedicine in western Amazonia. It is most commonly used to treat rheumatism, tuberculosis, bronchitis, stomach ache, and fever. Chewing the bark is considered to be an effective treatment for diarrhea, arthritis, a menstrual irregularities, and upset stomach. It is used as a muscle relaxant, effectively breaking up and dispersing lactic actid.  It enhances virility.  The bark is extremely bitter which is why it is usually taken as an alcoholic decoction, often mixed with bee honey. Chuchuhuasi strengthens the immune system and gives adrenal support. & as well as enhancing the immunological system, it has revitalising and antioxidant activities. It is a muscle relaxant, effectively breaking up and dispersing lactic acid. It is helpful for those with arthritis. Chuchuhuasi helps fight pain due to its analgesic properties. It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, helps relieve rheumatic conditions and is valuable in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, MS and alcoholism.  If it helps to rejuvenate the system and revitalise the nervous tissue. Chuchuhuasi bark is considered to be an effective treatment for diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, and upset stomach. Principal effects include libido enhancement, adrenal support, and fortification of the immune system. Traditional guidelines for use of chuchuhuasi require it to be taken before breakfast for at least a month to be effective.  In Colombia, the Siona Indians boil (5 cm) of Chuchuhuasi bark in two liters of water until the decoction reduces to half. This extraction is regarded as a stimulant and aphrodisiac.  In the lowland rain forest of eastern Ecuador, the Quijos Quichua Indians use a decoction of chuchuhuasi for rheumatism, aching muscles, menstrual aches, stomach aches, and general aching.  In Perú, chuchuhuasi is prepared by macerating root bark and letting it steep for eight days in aguardiente (sugar cane liquor).  The resulting infusion is reputed to be an aphrodisiac. Dosage:  Traditional guidelines for use of chuchuhuasi require it to be taken before breakfast for at least a month to be effective. Drink 250 ml 3 times a day between meals. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage. The preparation cannot substitute a balanced and varied diet. Instructions for use:  (Use as a dietary supplement.) Boil 1 tablespoon of ground chuchuhuasi in 1 litre of water for 20 minutes. Strain and chill overnight. Storage:  Store chuchuhuasi in a dark and dry place at room temperature. Keep out of the reach of children. For more information on teas or of any other organic food, natural & environmentally friendly products, visit Whole Health Center in Abingdon. Their webiste link is: http://www.wholehealthcenter.net.  VERY nice and helpful folks.  BTW…Sean is the new owner.   Tell Sean that Cynthia from inourneighborhood.com sent you.   

      WHAT IS CHUCHUHUASI  BARK TEA????? 

      The bark of the chuchuhuasi tree is a famous ethnomedicine in western Amazonia. It is most commonly used to treat rheumatism, tuberculosis, bronchitis, stomach ache, and fever. Chewing the bark is considered to be an effective treatment for diarrhea, arthritis, a menstrual irregularities, and upset stomach. It is used as a muscle relaxant, effectively breaking up and dispersing lactic actid.  It enhances virility.  The bark is extremely bitter which is why it is usually taken as an alcoholic decoction, often mixed with bee honey.

      Chuchuhuasi strengthens the immune system and gives adrenal support. & as well as enhancing the immunological system, it has revitalising and antioxidant activities. It is a muscle relaxant, effectively breaking up and dispersing lactic acid. It is helpful for those with arthritis. Chuchuhuasi helps fight pain due to its analgesic properties. It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, helps relieve rheumatic conditions and is valuable in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, MS and alcoholism.  If it helps to rejuvenate the system and revitalise the nervous tissue. Chuchuhuasi bark is considered to be an effective treatment for diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, and upset stomach.

      Principal effects include libido enhancement, adrenal support, and fortification of the immune system. Traditional guidelines for use of chuchuhuasi require it to be taken before breakfast for at least a month to be effective.  In Colombia, the Siona Indians boil (5 cm) of Chuchuhuasi bark in two liters of water until the decoction reduces to half. This extraction is regarded as a stimulant and aphrodisiac.  In the lowland rain forest of eastern Ecuador, the Quijos Quichua Indians use a decoction of chuchuhuasi for rheumatism, aching muscles, menstrual aches, stomach aches, and general aching.  In Perú, chuchuhuasi is prepared by macerating root bark and letting it steep for eight days in aguardiente (sugar cane liquor).  The resulting infusion is reputed to be an aphrodisiac.

      Dosage:  Traditional guidelines for use of chuchuhuasi require it to be taken before breakfast for at least a month to be effective. Drink 250 ml 3 times a day between meals. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage. The preparation cannot substitute a balanced and varied diet.

      Instructions for use:  (Use as a dietary supplement.) Boil 1 tablespoon of ground chuchuhuasi in 1 litre of water for 20 minutes. Strain and chill overnight.

      Storage:  Store chuchuhuasi in a dark and dry place at room temperature. Keep out of the reach of children.

      For more information on teas or of any other organic food, natural & environmentally friendly products, visit Whole Health Center in Abingdon. Their webiste link is: http://www.wholehealthcenter.net.  VERY nice and helpful folks.  BTW…Sean is the new owner.  

      Tell Sean that Cynthia from inourneighborhood.com sent you. 


       

    3. You can’t control others’ acts, but you can control your reaction to their acts, and that is what counts most to you. No one can make you feel any negative emotion — fear, anger, or inferiority — without your express permission. There will always be people who find perverse enjoyment in upsetting others, or who simply play upon your emotions so that they can use you for their own selfish purposes. Whether or not they are successful depends entirely upon you and how you react to their negative behaviors. When you are forced to deal with such people, recognize from the outset that they are trying to upset you, not because of something you may have done to them, but because of some problem they have with themselves. Tell yourself, “This isn’t about me. I will not allow this person to upset me. I am in control of my emotions and my life.” (from The Napoeon Hill Foundation/www.naphill.org)  

      You can’t control others’ acts, but you can control your reaction to their acts, and that is what counts most to you.

      No one can make you feel any negative emotion — fear, anger, or inferiority — without your express permission. There will always be people who find perverse enjoyment in upsetting others, or who simply play upon your emotions so that they can use you for their own selfish purposes. Whether or not they are successful depends entirely upon you and how you react to their negative behaviors. When you are forced to deal with such people, recognize from the outset that they are trying to upset you, not because of something you may have done to them, but because of some problem they have with themselves. Tell yourself, “This isn’t about me. I will not allow this person to upset me. I am in control of my emotions and my life.”

      (from The Napoeon Hill Foundation/www.naphill.org)  

    4. Here’s how to BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH MASSAGE!!!  Click to learn how!   Okay…now you need to schedule your massage. SUGGESTION: Massage Essentials (one of inourneighborhood’s advertisers) is offering a one-hour massage for ONLY $40. Click on “secret code” to obtain code in order to make your reservation for this BIG DEAL!!! …And one more thing.….tell Massage Essentials you saw this BIG DEAL on inourneighborhood.com.   ENJOY……I promise you will.

      Here’s how to BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH MASSAGE!!!  Click to learn how!  

      Okay…now you need to schedule your massage. SUGGESTION: Massage Essentials (one of inourneighborhood’s advertisers) is offering a one-hour massage for ONLY $40.

      Click on “secret code” to obtain code in order to make your reservation for this BIG DEAL!!!

      …And one more thing.….tell Massage Essentials you saw this BIG DEAL on inourneighborhood.com.  

      ENJOY……I promise you will.

    5. HOW NOT TO KILL A HOUSEPLANT Can’t keep a houseplant alive? No matter what botanical nightmares may have haunted your past, making a plant thrive is easy if you follow these simple tips from William Moss, master gardener and author of Any Size, Anywhere Edible Gardening: Know thyself.   To give your plant a fighting chance, select one that matches your habits. Be honest with yourself — are you really going to remember to water it? If not, stick with a succulent variety, such as cactus or aloe, which can go weeks without attention.  Reduce chances of neglect.   Place the plant near a place you visit several times a day, like the bathroom or kitchen sink, which will remind you it’s there and might be thirsty.  Watch the water.  Surprisingly, the No. 1 killer of plants is too much water, so use Moss’ trick: Dip a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle joint, and if the tip of your finger is wet when you pull it out, then there’s no need to water. When you need to water, soak the soil until you see water running out the bottom of the pot.  Check the light.  A plant’s light requirements are typically listed on the tag, but if it’s not there, eastern exposure is the safest choice.  Feed your plants well.  Proper nutrients are essential, so use potting soil mix, which has the structure to hold in water. Your local nursery is always the best resource for helping you match a soil to your plant’s needs.  Go with the indestructible.  If you discover that you’re truly a lost cause, try a cast-iron plant that can survive under low light conditions and irregular watering.

      HOW NOT TO KILL A HOUSEPLANT

      Can’t keep a houseplant alive? No matter what botanical nightmares may have haunted your past, making a plant thrive is easy if you follow these simple tips from William Moss, master gardener and author of Any Size, Anywhere Edible Gardening:

      Know thyself.   To give your plant a fighting chance, select one that matches your habits. Be honest with yourself — are you really going to remember to water it? If not, stick with a succulent variety, such as cactus or aloe, which can go weeks without attention.

       Reduce chances of neglect.   Place the plant near a place you visit several times a day, like the bathroom or kitchen sink, which will remind you it’s there and might be thirsty.

       Watch the water.  Surprisingly, the No. 1 killer of plants is too much water, so use Moss’ trick: Dip a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle joint, and if the tip of your finger is wet when you pull it out, then there’s no need to water. When you need to water, soak the soil until you see water running out the bottom of the pot.

       Check the light.  A plant’s light requirements are typically listed on the tag, but if it’s not there, eastern exposure is the safest choice.

       Feed your plants well.  Proper nutrients are essential, so use potting soil mix, which has the structure to hold in water. Your local nursery is always the best resource for helping you match a soil to your plant’s needs.

       Go with the indestructible.  If you discover that you’re truly a lost cause, try a cast-iron plant that can survive under low light conditions and irregular watering.

    6. WINTER:   CAR EMERGENCY KIT  Winter weather is here, and as any driver who has been stranded on a cold night knows, a few pieces of equipment can make a huge difference in safety and comfort. We’ve found that some ready-made emergency kits have a fraction of what’s needed, and some of their items are of low quality, so we recommend putting together your own kit. Start with a cell phone, which is the most important safeguard. If you don’t have one, consider a pay-as-you-go plan for emergencies. Here’s what else you’ll need: Hazard triangles (or flares):  Use three, and put them 50, 75, and 100 feet behind a disabled car. Jumper cables:  Make sure they’re at least 12 feet long. A 6-gauge rating is fine for most cars. Flashlight:   Plus spare batteries and bulb. Roadside-assistance membership:  There’s AAA, of course; others include Better World Club and GM Motor Club. Tow rope:  Buy one that can pull at least your car’s gross vehicle weight (see the owner’s manual). Use it only to get out of harm’s way, not for long hauls. Duct tape: For emergency repairs. Small shovel and bag of sand:  Dig out around tires, if needed; place sand in front of and behind tires for better traction. Windshield scraper, emergency blanket, and hand warmers:  If you’re in a cold climate.

      WINTER:   CAR EMERGENCY KIT 

      Winter weather is here, and as any driver who has been stranded on a cold night knows, a few pieces of equipment can make a huge difference in safety and comfort. We’ve found that some ready-made emergency kits have a fraction of what’s needed, and some of their items are of low quality, so we recommend putting together your own kit. Start with a cell phone, which is the most important safeguard. If you don’t have one, consider a pay-as-you-go plan for emergencies. Here’s what else you’ll need:

      Hazard triangles (or flares):  Use three, and put them 50, 75, and 100 feet behind a disabled car.

      Jumper cables:  Make sure they’re at least 12 feet long. A 6-gauge rating is fine for most cars.

      Flashlight:   Plus spare batteries and bulb.

      Roadside-assistance membership:  There’s AAA, of course; others include Better World Club and GM Motor Club.

      Tow rope:  Buy one that can pull at least your car’s gross vehicle weight (see the owner’s manual). Use it only to get out of harm’s way, not for long hauls.

      Duct tape: For emergency repairs.

      Small shovel and bag of sand:  Dig out around tires, if needed; place sand in front of and behind tires for better traction.

      Windshield scraper, emergency blanket, and hand warmers:  If you’re in a cold climate.

    Our Blog

    Welcome to the official blog of InOurNeighborhood.com