1.28.2009

Posting Two in a Row

This post is not about posting two in a row. 
:)
It's about recent wellness issues and what I've successfully done to ameliorate them. So, you can skip to the post below (also posted today) about a coffee alternative if you wish. 
A few recurring health issues have popped up recently. Let me go through them one by one since I have so much time (ah, the life of working from home part time = no money but lots of flexible / free time).
Number one: Difficulty Breathing
YES I'M EATING DAIRY. Geez. But I've recently reduced my intake, especially since I've reduced my coffee intake and I like half and half in it. And I do only eat / drink organic dairy. I can't find raw dairy here. Is there some food law that prohibits it in Arizona? 
Anyway, I've been drinking an herbal, medicinal tea by Traditional Medicinals called Breathe Easy. I like it... I love black licorice and the licorice root in it leaves that flavor lingering in the back of my throat. Also, and more importantly, it seems to be helping. I woke up several nights last week because of my respiratory unrest (get it?) but so far, no night terrors this week. 

This is all to say, I love Traditional Medicinals tea! You should try them if you haven't. I'm going to buy a few more for overall wellness next week. If only they made a tea for migraines, which brings me to 
Number two: Migraines
This blog is totally no fun. I'm sorry. I'm going to keep writing though. 
Yes, last week I had 4 migraines!!! It was awful I tell you, just miserable (do you like the dramatics?). 
Again, yes I'm eating dairy, though it's recently been reduced. I'm also doing yoga quite often and sitting outside to get more Vitamin D. It seems to perhaps be helping, as I cross my fingers.
Number three: Hip Dysplasia or Some Such Thing
I'm 25 and a human, not a dog. But apparently, according to Becka's massage therapist, I have hip dysplasia or it's homo sapien equivalent. So, I've been adamant on paying close attention to the way I'm sitting, walking, and resting while standing. I've been moving my glute and hip to counteract it's ill placement. Also, I've been doing a lot of yoga and a bit of pilates and it feels so much better! Really, almost no pain now. 

Amazing what taking care of yourself can do, right? Finally. 

I'm a Coffee Girl in a Coffee World

So, as some of you may know, I am a coffee fiend / fanatic / lover... addict. 
Seriously.
I'll drink a whole pot of richly colored coffee or several macchienettas (stove-top espresso maker) full of espresso if it's there (i.e. if I make it). I've been drinking it since second grade, and watched Mom through the years scavenge several pots relentlessly while studying or working at home. It's in my blood - likely!
Well Friends, the time has come for me to face my demons, and I'm on a path to a caffeine-free life. Or, at least a less caffeine rich diet. This week I've been drinking 1 macchienetta of coffee a day. :) That's rough for me, I must say. I think I'm also going to try a brand of natural coffee alternative called Teecino. Have you heard of it? I picked up a brochure by the company at Whole Foods yesterday. It's designed for coffee lovers who can not have or are trying to reduce or eliminate their caffeine intake. I'm super excited about it - because I'm a dork who gets excited about things like this. 
Here are the ingredients:
(all organic) carob; barley; chicory; ramon nuts or dates and almonds; and other spices and fruit, nut, or bean derived flavors. 

I'll let you know if it's any good! www.teecino.com.

1.13.2009

Hairy Potter

I start a pottery class tonight and I'm super stoked!  I bought an old bike last week and I've been riding it around town. Yesterday I went to the art store to buy supplies for tonight's class. Among the essentials - a 25 lb bag of clay. I have a single speed cruiser with a small rack so I strapped it on with some string I asked for from the grocer next door. It was a difficult ride because the bike wobbled quite a bit but I'm looking forward to hauling my clay to class tonight, strapped to the back of my Free Spirit. 
Plans so far: to make molds for my vegan soaps and bath fizzers, and to make beads so that I can string a few necklaces for myself and friends (and sisters)... and pots and bowls, of course.
We have 6 hours of open studio (studio time set aside separate from class for ceramics students to use free of charge) 2 days a week, so I'll take advantage of that. 
I'll post a picture of my first project when it's complete... no matter what it looks like! And hopefully I'll be able to afford the ingredients and equipment to get some soaps and fizzers to you all soon. 

1.04.2009

Gonna Make Some Bath Stuff


It's super late and my computer is going to die... and I don't want to step out of my warm bed and onto the cold concrete to get the plug. So, I'll make this short.
My friend sent a package with this wonderful bath sud ball and lip balm by a company called Lush. They make handmade, vegan bath products and cosmetics. Love love love! They make a solid shampoo, which I will try this week - one bar saves 3 150 mL bottles. Ultimately, I will make the products I like such as the sud ball and possibly the solid shampoo. I'll send them to you ladies I know will enjoy them. Hopefully by the end of the month.