Although the FDA classifies purslane as a broad-leaved weed, it's a popular vegetable and herb in many other countries, including China, Mexico, and Greece.
Why it's healthy: Purslane has the highest amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fats of any edible plant, according to researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The scientists also report that this herb has 10 to 20 times more melatonin—an antioxidant that may inhibit cancer growth—than any other fruit or vegetable tested. (Video: Another omega-3-packed food you aren’t eating)
How to eat it: In a salad. Think of purslane as a great alternative or addition to lettuce: The leaves and stems are crisp, chewy, and succulent, and they have a mild lemony taste. Look for it at your local farmer's market, or Chinese or Mexican market. It's also available at some Whole Foods stores, as an individual leafy green or in premade salad mixes.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Beautiful Tips
Use Essential oil.
Sleep on Silk
Sleep on a silk pillow. It’s gentle on your skin and won’t tug on it while you sleep. Think less sleep lines!
Keep Eye Cream on Hand
I keep a small dram of my favorite eye cream in my purse and over the course of the day dab a small amount onto my eye area, especially on the crow's-feet. By dabbing it (not rubbing) I can apply it over makeup. And as an extra bonus it gives the area a sheen, much like a illuminating product, but with anti-aging benefits!
Protect Your Hands
Your hands are a telltale sign of your age. Keep them well-moisturized! Use gloves when doing dishes or household work, and put SPF on them!
Help Your Lotion Do More
After you wash your face, before putting on moisturizer or any anti-aging lotions, run an ice cube over your face for a minute (or splash with some very cold water). It helps the skin absorb more of what is in these lotions, helping them become more effective. It does make a difference after a few nights of doing so! Give it a try!
Up Your Antioxidants
Use foods with antioxidants and good fats as beauty products (e.g., blueberries, avocados). You can not only eat them, but use them in facial masks and hair treatments!
Try Emu Oil
I use Emu Oil on my face and hands morning and night. It's a thick pad of fat from a bird back. I live by it, plus it's easy on the wallet.
Ionize Your Water
Improve your immune system and detox at the same time when you drink ionized alkaline water!
Apply Your Face Cream with a Brush
Use a (synthetic) foundation brush to put on face cream using upward strokes. Not only will you avoid the skin-pulling that is common when applying cream with your hands, but the upward strokes will help to keep skin from sagging long-term.
Take Care of Your Hands
Buy a less expensive night cream and use it on your hands.
Wash with Your Cloth
Use a rough, nubby washcloth to bathe. It is the most inexpensive yet effective way to slough off the dead skin!
Improve Your Posture
In order to avoid getting hunched over and losing height, I sit on my sitz bones and stand with my weight in my heels — this also reduces back pain!
Take Your Vitamins
Take a serving of flaxseed, cod liver, and organic olive oil daily.
Get Your Blood Flowing
I stand on my head every day for five minutes to engorge my face and head withblood and keep a youthful look.
Maintain Your Lip Color
Our lips lose color as we get older, so always use a lip stain under gloss or lip glaze. A beautiful gloss will give lips pop, but when it wears off, you may be left with a low-watt lip line. I prep my clients' lips with my Dr. KISS satin finish lip balm. It gives a small lift of color that will 'stain' the lips and give a flush of pink. This 'sets the stage' for your favorite lip color while making sure you'll have baby-hued lips between touch-ups.
Use a Tinted Sunscreen
The esthetician in me screams a tinted sunscreen is one product every woman should have and use! Sunscreen is the single most important thing we can put on our face to fight wrinkles and brown spots (uneven tone). The tint is because we all want a natural glow to our skin, and most tinted sunscreens provide this. If we like the way the sunscreen makes us look, the more likely we are to use it! DermaQuest ZinClear SPF 30 comes in clear or tinted forms, so that's one I always like to recommend.
Drink Green Tea
I drink green tea for its powerful antioxidant properties for staying youthful. Plus, you can wake up tired, puffy eyes with cotton pads soaked in it.
Always Use Sunscreen
Use sunscreen even on days you don't think the sun is out: Skin cancer is a silent killer. Know the difference between UVA and UVB. And remember, it takes 30 minutes for the sunscreen to activate. Fewer wrinkles and sun spots, and less of a risk of cancer!
Treat Hands and Neck
Apply facial serums or lotions to the back of your hands and then "roll" the back of your hands up your neck. Now you've treated your neck and hands at the same time. These are the two telltale areas often forgotten that show signs of aging.
Sleep on Your Back
I always sleep on my back. Doing so prevents wrinkles and keeps my boobs from sagging.
Moisturize Naturally
The best moisturizer for your skin should be loaded with antioxidants, will not clog pores, and will help protect against skin cancer. Dab a little extra virgin olive oil on a cotton ball and use it as a nighttime moisturizer for your face and neck (and anywhere else you want to be soft!).
Use Honey as a Moisturizer
As soon as the weather turns cold, I put ordinary honey on the back of my hands for 3-6 days or nights. This stops red, scaly, bleeding hands from starting and keeps them smooth all winter.
Avoid Drinking Out of Straws
The pursing of the lips causes unnecessary wrinkles. Save that expression for kissing!
Extend the Reach of Your Eye Cream
I never put eye cream just on my eyes — I always extend it all the way out to the hairline. The skin between the eyes and the hairline is more like that of the eyes than the rest of your face. So far my eyes have been good to me!
Just Breathe
I take 10 breaths, three times per day (in through nose, out through mouth), at a 2-to-3 ratio. For example, breath in four seconds, then breath out six seconds. Focusing on your exhale releases more toxins, and allows more oxygen in cells. And when you're working out, do two to three all-out bursts for 12 seconds each during cardio...this can strengthen the inner membrane of mitochondria, which slows or prevents deterioration of cells.
Eat Your Antioxidants
Find them in foods such as blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, kale, beans, prunes, raisins, tea, and whole grains.
Start Your Days with Lemons
Juice one Meyer lemon into a cup of water every morning to begin the day chasing free radicals (which are harmful and aging) out of your body.
Take Care of Your Lips
After I apply my eye cream, I rub the remainder that is on my finger around my lips. The skin is very similar.
Use Tea as More Than Just a Beverage
Wet (but don't drain) caffeinated tea bags and freeze. Use the frozen tea bags on closed eyes for 20 minutes three times a week to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and discoloration. Tea bags can be any brand but MUST have caffeine, which does the work.
Cool Down
Take cooler showers to combat dry skin. You'll notice the difference in less than a week. Especially on colder, windy days when you're tight on time and skip your body creams.
Sleep on Silk
Sleep on a silk pillow. It’s gentle on your skin and won’t tug on it while you sleep. Think less sleep lines!
Keep Eye Cream on Hand
I keep a small dram of my favorite eye cream in my purse and over the course of the day dab a small amount onto my eye area, especially on the crow's-feet. By dabbing it (not rubbing) I can apply it over makeup. And as an extra bonus it gives the area a sheen, much like a illuminating product, but with anti-aging benefits!
Protect Your Hands
Your hands are a telltale sign of your age. Keep them well-moisturized! Use gloves when doing dishes or household work, and put SPF on them!
Help Your Lotion Do More
After you wash your face, before putting on moisturizer or any anti-aging lotions, run an ice cube over your face for a minute (or splash with some very cold water). It helps the skin absorb more of what is in these lotions, helping them become more effective. It does make a difference after a few nights of doing so! Give it a try!
Up Your Antioxidants
Use foods with antioxidants and good fats as beauty products (e.g., blueberries, avocados). You can not only eat them, but use them in facial masks and hair treatments!
Try Emu Oil
I use Emu Oil on my face and hands morning and night. It's a thick pad of fat from a bird back. I live by it, plus it's easy on the wallet.
Ionize Your Water
Improve your immune system and detox at the same time when you drink ionized alkaline water!
Apply Your Face Cream with a Brush
Use a (synthetic) foundation brush to put on face cream using upward strokes. Not only will you avoid the skin-pulling that is common when applying cream with your hands, but the upward strokes will help to keep skin from sagging long-term.
Take Care of Your Hands
Buy a less expensive night cream and use it on your hands.
Wash with Your Cloth
Use a rough, nubby washcloth to bathe. It is the most inexpensive yet effective way to slough off the dead skin!
Improve Your Posture
In order to avoid getting hunched over and losing height, I sit on my sitz bones and stand with my weight in my heels — this also reduces back pain!
Take Your Vitamins
Take a serving of flaxseed, cod liver, and organic olive oil daily.
Get Your Blood Flowing
I stand on my head every day for five minutes to engorge my face and head withblood and keep a youthful look.
Maintain Your Lip Color
Our lips lose color as we get older, so always use a lip stain under gloss or lip glaze. A beautiful gloss will give lips pop, but when it wears off, you may be left with a low-watt lip line. I prep my clients' lips with my Dr. KISS satin finish lip balm. It gives a small lift of color that will 'stain' the lips and give a flush of pink. This 'sets the stage' for your favorite lip color while making sure you'll have baby-hued lips between touch-ups.
Use a Tinted Sunscreen
The esthetician in me screams a tinted sunscreen is one product every woman should have and use! Sunscreen is the single most important thing we can put on our face to fight wrinkles and brown spots (uneven tone). The tint is because we all want a natural glow to our skin, and most tinted sunscreens provide this. If we like the way the sunscreen makes us look, the more likely we are to use it! DermaQuest ZinClear SPF 30 comes in clear or tinted forms, so that's one I always like to recommend.
Drink Green Tea
I drink green tea for its powerful antioxidant properties for staying youthful. Plus, you can wake up tired, puffy eyes with cotton pads soaked in it.
Always Use Sunscreen
Use sunscreen even on days you don't think the sun is out: Skin cancer is a silent killer. Know the difference between UVA and UVB. And remember, it takes 30 minutes for the sunscreen to activate. Fewer wrinkles and sun spots, and less of a risk of cancer!
Treat Hands and Neck
Apply facial serums or lotions to the back of your hands and then "roll" the back of your hands up your neck. Now you've treated your neck and hands at the same time. These are the two telltale areas often forgotten that show signs of aging.
Sleep on Your Back
I always sleep on my back. Doing so prevents wrinkles and keeps my boobs from sagging.
Moisturize Naturally
The best moisturizer for your skin should be loaded with antioxidants, will not clog pores, and will help protect against skin cancer. Dab a little extra virgin olive oil on a cotton ball and use it as a nighttime moisturizer for your face and neck (and anywhere else you want to be soft!).
Use Honey as a Moisturizer
As soon as the weather turns cold, I put ordinary honey on the back of my hands for 3-6 days or nights. This stops red, scaly, bleeding hands from starting and keeps them smooth all winter.
Avoid Drinking Out of Straws
The pursing of the lips causes unnecessary wrinkles. Save that expression for kissing!
Extend the Reach of Your Eye Cream
I never put eye cream just on my eyes — I always extend it all the way out to the hairline. The skin between the eyes and the hairline is more like that of the eyes than the rest of your face. So far my eyes have been good to me!
Just Breathe
I take 10 breaths, three times per day (in through nose, out through mouth), at a 2-to-3 ratio. For example, breath in four seconds, then breath out six seconds. Focusing on your exhale releases more toxins, and allows more oxygen in cells. And when you're working out, do two to three all-out bursts for 12 seconds each during cardio...this can strengthen the inner membrane of mitochondria, which slows or prevents deterioration of cells.
Eat Your Antioxidants
Find them in foods such as blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, kale, beans, prunes, raisins, tea, and whole grains.
Start Your Days with Lemons
Juice one Meyer lemon into a cup of water every morning to begin the day chasing free radicals (which are harmful and aging) out of your body.
Take Care of Your Lips
After I apply my eye cream, I rub the remainder that is on my finger around my lips. The skin is very similar.
Use Tea as More Than Just a Beverage
Wet (but don't drain) caffeinated tea bags and freeze. Use the frozen tea bags on closed eyes for 20 minutes three times a week to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and discoloration. Tea bags can be any brand but MUST have caffeine, which does the work.
Cool Down
Take cooler showers to combat dry skin. You'll notice the difference in less than a week. Especially on colder, windy days when you're tight on time and skip your body creams.
Angel's trumpet
Angel's trumpet is a heat-loving tropical or subtropical shrub that likes warm (80 -85 degrees F) days and cool nights. In cold-winter regions, you can grow it in a container and take it indoors over winter or simply treat it as an exotic, amazing annual. Grow it in moist, well-drained soil. Its fragrant, trumpet-shape flowers dangle from upright stems and appear in shades of white, yellow, pink, orange, and cream.
Note: All parts of the plant are poisonous if eaten, and the plant has been banned in some communities. Check local restrictions before planting it.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Yogurt-Zucchini Bread with Walnuts
This moist, nutty bread is a terrific way to use up late-summer zucchini. The walnuts in the bread are super-heart-healthy, and the yogurt adds moisture without any fat.
Ingredients:
1 cup(s) walnut halves, 4 ounces
2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
3/4 cup(s) plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup(s) vegetable oil
1/2 cup(s) fat-free plain Greek yogurt
1 cup(s) coarsely grated zucchini, from about 1 medium zucchini
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325°. Butter and flour a 9-by-4 1/2-inch metal loaf pan. Spread the walnut halves in a pie plate and toast them for about 8 minutes, until they are fragrant. Transfer the toasted walnuts to a cutting board and coarsely chop them, then freeze for 5 minutes to cool.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, mix the sugar with the eggs, vegetable oil, and fat-free yogurt. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients along with the grated zucchini and toasted walnuts and stir until the batter is evenly moistened. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, until the loaf is risen and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool on a rack for 30 minutes before unmolding and serving.
Copied from Food & Wine
Ingredients:
1 cup(s) walnut halves, 4 ounces
2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
3/4 cup(s) plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup(s) vegetable oil
1/2 cup(s) fat-free plain Greek yogurt
1 cup(s) coarsely grated zucchini, from about 1 medium zucchini
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325°. Butter and flour a 9-by-4 1/2-inch metal loaf pan. Spread the walnut halves in a pie plate and toast them for about 8 minutes, until they are fragrant. Transfer the toasted walnuts to a cutting board and coarsely chop them, then freeze for 5 minutes to cool.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, mix the sugar with the eggs, vegetable oil, and fat-free yogurt. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients along with the grated zucchini and toasted walnuts and stir until the batter is evenly moistened. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, until the loaf is risen and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool on a rack for 30 minutes before unmolding and serving.
Copied from Food & Wine
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Make Greek yogurt at home
The advantage of Greek yogurt is that it is high in protein. But the problem with Greek yogurt is that it tends to be really expensive. The easiest way to cut the cost is to make it yourself.
What you need:
Milk (whole milk is better, at least 2% fat milk)
One 6 oz container of plain yogurt
Blanket
Pot
Steps:
1. Heat the milk with a pot to just before boiling -- keep stirring to avoid burn.
2. Let the milk cool to 110F. If you don't have thermometer, use your finger, insert your finger to milk no more 10 seconds. if more than that, it is too cold. if longer than that it is too hot.
3. Add the yogurt to milk, stir well.
4. Cover the pot with blanket for overnight on the counter top.
5. On second morning, when you open the pot, you will see the some water (whey) on the top of the yogurt. You can pour the water, or you can keep the water. Then put the pot in refrigerator for whole day (24 hour). You can see more whey. Pour the whey*. Your Greek yogurt is ready for enjoying.
* You can keep the whey for cooking.
What you need:
Milk (whole milk is better, at least 2% fat milk)
One 6 oz container of plain yogurt
Blanket
Pot
Steps:
1. Heat the milk with a pot to just before boiling -- keep stirring to avoid burn.
2. Let the milk cool to 110F. If you don't have thermometer, use your finger, insert your finger to milk no more 10 seconds. if more than that, it is too cold. if longer than that it is too hot.
3. Add the yogurt to milk, stir well.
4. Cover the pot with blanket for overnight on the counter top.
5. On second morning, when you open the pot, you will see the some water (whey) on the top of the yogurt. You can pour the water, or you can keep the water. Then put the pot in refrigerator for whole day (24 hour). You can see more whey. Pour the whey*. Your Greek yogurt is ready for enjoying.
* You can keep the whey for cooking.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Looking good from behind
Remember, your buttocks leave the room last. Make a great impression by looking good from behind!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
7 Habits for Healthy Skin
1. Practice Deep Breathing
Shift your body's balance of oxygen versus carbon dioxide in favor of energizing, stress-squashing oxygen by doing slow, controlled breathing exercises. Here are three good ones.
How often? Aim for twice a day.
2. Get Active
Release the repressed anxiety trapped inside you by putting your body in motion for 30 minutes or more.
How often? Do something -- anything -- every day, because exercise only tames stress for a maximum of 24 hours. So to reap the most benefits, you need to do it daily. If you prefer, tuck 10-minute pockets of activity into your day -- at lunch, after dinner, right after you get up and the house is still quiet. Find ways to sneak fitness into your schedule.
3. Beat the Foods That Beat You
Reduce the allure of sugary, fatty foods -- which are as bad for your skin as they are for the rest of you -- by eating more lean protein: fish, eggs, poultry, low-fat dairy foods, and even walnuts. Use this list of good-for-your-skin foods that can help lower stress and fight wrinkles, too. Also, try to be more aware of what you reach for -- and how much you consume -- when you're stressed.
How often? All day, but especially early on -- morning protein helps curb afternoon cravings.
4. Focus on the Good Things
Pick up a notebook you particularly like, and at the end of each day, make a list of things for which you are truly grateful. Or write down three things that went well, and why.
How often? Nightly, as part of your winding-down routine.
5. Stretch Out Your Sleep
Make it a goal to sleep as many hours as you need to feel alive and productive the next day -- all day.
How often? Every night.
6. Take a Time-Out
For most of us, life is so hyperscheduled and speedy that we never do absolutely nothing. It's rare to set aside time to simply be -- no agenda, no demands, no plan. (Just like a real vacation. See if you're due for one.) Find a comfortable, quiet spot to sit for 10 to 15 minutes every day, stop all your hustling and bustling . . . and simply, by yourself, be still.
How often? Try for once a day.
7. Cuddle
Enjoy a little intimacy.
How often? At least once a week.
Shift your body's balance of oxygen versus carbon dioxide in favor of energizing, stress-squashing oxygen by doing slow, controlled breathing exercises. Here are three good ones.
How often? Aim for twice a day.
2. Get Active
Release the repressed anxiety trapped inside you by putting your body in motion for 30 minutes or more.
How often? Do something -- anything -- every day, because exercise only tames stress for a maximum of 24 hours. So to reap the most benefits, you need to do it daily. If you prefer, tuck 10-minute pockets of activity into your day -- at lunch, after dinner, right after you get up and the house is still quiet. Find ways to sneak fitness into your schedule.
3. Beat the Foods That Beat You
Reduce the allure of sugary, fatty foods -- which are as bad for your skin as they are for the rest of you -- by eating more lean protein: fish, eggs, poultry, low-fat dairy foods, and even walnuts. Use this list of good-for-your-skin foods that can help lower stress and fight wrinkles, too. Also, try to be more aware of what you reach for -- and how much you consume -- when you're stressed.
How often? All day, but especially early on -- morning protein helps curb afternoon cravings.
4. Focus on the Good Things
Pick up a notebook you particularly like, and at the end of each day, make a list of things for which you are truly grateful. Or write down three things that went well, and why.
How often? Nightly, as part of your winding-down routine.
5. Stretch Out Your Sleep
Make it a goal to sleep as many hours as you need to feel alive and productive the next day -- all day.
How often? Every night.
6. Take a Time-Out
For most of us, life is so hyperscheduled and speedy that we never do absolutely nothing. It's rare to set aside time to simply be -- no agenda, no demands, no plan. (Just like a real vacation. See if you're due for one.) Find a comfortable, quiet spot to sit for 10 to 15 minutes every day, stop all your hustling and bustling . . . and simply, by yourself, be still.
How often? Try for once a day.
7. Cuddle
Enjoy a little intimacy.
How often? At least once a week.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Best time
Don't stop moving — the best time of your life is just around the corner!
My version:
Don't stop moving — the best time of your life is just around the now!
My version:
Don't stop moving — the best time of your life is just around the now!
Friendship
Friendship, love, health, energy, enthusiasm, and joy are the things that make life worth living and exploring!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Foot spa
End of Day Foot Spa
•1/2 cup Epsom salts
•Essential oils of your choice
Fill either a foot bath or your bathtub to ankle height with warm water. Dissolve Epsom salts in the warm water and add the essential oil of your choice, either the relaxing oils of lavender, rosewood, patchouli, and sandalwood, etc., or the uplifting oils of lemongrass, eucalyptus, etc.
•1/2 cup Epsom salts
•Essential oils of your choice
Fill either a foot bath or your bathtub to ankle height with warm water. Dissolve Epsom salts in the warm water and add the essential oil of your choice, either the relaxing oils of lavender, rosewood, patchouli, and sandalwood, etc., or the uplifting oils of lemongrass, eucalyptus, etc.
Mask 2
Spa Peach Firming Mask
Makes 1 application
•1 ripe peach, peeled and stoned
•1 egg white
Whip peach and egg white together in a blender till smooth. Gently pat mixture over face.
Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
Makes 1 application
•1 ripe peach, peeled and stoned
•1 egg white
Whip peach and egg white together in a blender till smooth. Gently pat mixture over face.
Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
Hand softening
Immediate Luxurious Hand Softening and Conditioning Treatment
Makes 1 treatment
•1/4 cup coarse brown sugar
•Baby oil to make into a paste
Mix together. Using a hand-washing motion, apply the mixture to the hands.
Continue the washing motion for a minute, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
Makes 1 treatment
•1/4 cup coarse brown sugar
•Baby oil to make into a paste
Mix together. Using a hand-washing motion, apply the mixture to the hands.
Continue the washing motion for a minute, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
Mask
Revitalizing Mask
Makes 1 application
•1/2 cup chopped cucumber
•1/2 cup chopped avocado
•1 egg white
•2 teapoons powdered milk
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender until they form a smooth paste. Apply the mask to your face and neck using circular upward movements.
Leave the mask on for 30 minutes, or until dry. Rinse your face and neck with warm water and finish with a cold-water rinse.
This mask will keep up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator if you need to prepare it slightly in advance.
Makes 1 application
•1/2 cup chopped cucumber
•1/2 cup chopped avocado
•1 egg white
•2 teapoons powdered milk
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender until they form a smooth paste. Apply the mask to your face and neck using circular upward movements.
Leave the mask on for 30 minutes, or until dry. Rinse your face and neck with warm water and finish with a cold-water rinse.
This mask will keep up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator if you need to prepare it slightly in advance.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Lips
Honey Lip Balm
Makes 100 applications
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•1/2 teaspoon honey
•3/4 teaspoon beeswax, grated
•1/2 teaspoon pure cocoa butter
•Flavored oil of your choice
•1 vitamin E capsule
In a small saucepan, heat oil, honey, wax, and butter over a low heat until just melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in flavoring and contents of vitamin E capsule. Pour into containers of your choice.
Makes 100 applications
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•1/2 teaspoon honey
•3/4 teaspoon beeswax, grated
•1/2 teaspoon pure cocoa butter
•Flavored oil of your choice
•1 vitamin E capsule
In a small saucepan, heat oil, honey, wax, and butter over a low heat until just melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in flavoring and contents of vitamin E capsule. Pour into containers of your choice.
Nail
Nail-Strengthening Solution
Makes 20-30 applications
•2 teaspoons castor oil
•2 teaspoons salt
•1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
Pour all ingredients into a sealable bottle. Before each use, shake well.
Rub a small amount of the mixture onto your nails. Leave on for 3-5 minutes. Wipe off with a cotton pad.
Makes 20-30 applications
•2 teaspoons castor oil
•2 teaspoons salt
•1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
Pour all ingredients into a sealable bottle. Before each use, shake well.
Rub a small amount of the mixture onto your nails. Leave on for 3-5 minutes. Wipe off with a cotton pad.
Tightening/Toning
Tightening/Toning Lemon Egg-White Mask
Makes 1 application
•Juice from 1/2 lemon (strained)
•1 egg white
Beat together the egg white and lemon juice for 3 minutes. Apply directly to your face, avoiding the eyes.
Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Makes 1 application
•Juice from 1/2 lemon (strained)
•1 egg white
Beat together the egg white and lemon juice for 3 minutes. Apply directly to your face, avoiding the eyes.
Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Hair Treatment
Invigorating and Revitalizing Avocado Hair Treatment
Makes 1 application
•1 medium avocado — peeled and stoned
•2 tablespoons honey
Mash together the ingredients in a small bowl. Massage into hair.
Leave for 20-30 minutes. Wash hair as usual.
Makes 1 application
•1 medium avocado — peeled and stoned
•2 tablespoons honey
Mash together the ingredients in a small bowl. Massage into hair.
Leave for 20-30 minutes. Wash hair as usual.
Dry Skin Treatment
Makes 1 application
•2 tablespoons real mayonnaise
•1 teaspoon baby oil
Combine both ingredients. Smooth onto face, neck, rough elbows and knees, or anywhere else you feel might benefit from it.
Leave for 20 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly with tepid water.
•2 tablespoons real mayonnaise
•1 teaspoon baby oil
Combine both ingredients. Smooth onto face, neck, rough elbows and knees, or anywhere else you feel might benefit from it.
Leave for 20 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly with tepid water.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Breakfast Burritos
One of the best things about these breakfast burritos is that they can be made to order! People who like spicy food can ramp up the flavor with some hot sauce, people who aren't dieting can add a little low-fat cheese, and people who are following my plan can have a breakfast with plenty of zip but not a lot of calories!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup firm red and/or yellow cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 ripe avocado, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch of salt
4 whole-wheat tortillas (7 1/2–inch diameter)
1/2 cup fat-free refried beans
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
To make the salsa:
In a small bowl, gently mix the tomatoes, avocado, lime juice, cumin, and pinch of salt. Cover and set aside.
To make the burritos:
Warm the tortillas in the microwave or a conventional oven according to the package directions. Cover with foil and keep warm. Place the beans in a small microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave on high power for 45 seconds, or until hot. Keep warm.
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, water, salt, and pepper until well blended. Coat a medium nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Add the eggs and scramble until cooked but still moist.
One at a time, spread each warm tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of the beans and 1/4 of the eggs. Top each with about 2 tablespoons of salsa, reserving the rest to serve at the table. Roll up the tortillas, folding in the sides. Serve right away, with the remaining salsa.
Makes 4 servings
Per burrito: 290 calories, 32 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein, 12 g total fat, 210 mg cholesterol, 6 g dietary fiber, 480 mg sodium
Ingredients:
1/2 cup firm red and/or yellow cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 ripe avocado, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch of salt
4 whole-wheat tortillas (7 1/2–inch diameter)
1/2 cup fat-free refried beans
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
To make the salsa:
In a small bowl, gently mix the tomatoes, avocado, lime juice, cumin, and pinch of salt. Cover and set aside.
To make the burritos:
Warm the tortillas in the microwave or a conventional oven according to the package directions. Cover with foil and keep warm. Place the beans in a small microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave on high power for 45 seconds, or until hot. Keep warm.
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, water, salt, and pepper until well blended. Coat a medium nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Add the eggs and scramble until cooked but still moist.
One at a time, spread each warm tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of the beans and 1/4 of the eggs. Top each with about 2 tablespoons of salsa, reserving the rest to serve at the table. Roll up the tortillas, folding in the sides. Serve right away, with the remaining salsa.
Makes 4 servings
Per burrito: 290 calories, 32 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein, 12 g total fat, 210 mg cholesterol, 6 g dietary fiber, 480 mg sodium
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
New chapter
Think of your body as your autobiography: How do you want yours to read? Start a new chapter today!
Monday, April 4, 2011
四川泡菜的做法
四川泡菜的制作方法
四川泡菜开胃、下饭，可直接食用也可作调料，制作方便、快捷、廉价，何不自己动手腌一坛呢？
制作方法十分简单，介绍如下：
所需材料：
泡菜坛子一个（上边有沿，可装水，坛子的上沿口是装水的，且平常水不能缺，才能起到密封的作用）、高粱白酒、花椒、辣椒、大料（就是八角茴香，也叫大茴香）、冰糖、盐。
具体制作方法如下：
一、培养泡菜发酵菌
（1）首先在冷水里放入一些花椒，适量的盐，然后把水烧开。水量在坛子容量的10%-20%左右，不要太多。
盐比平时做菜时多放一点，感觉很咸即止。
花椒放大约20到30粒左右，尽量多放些，那样可以泡出很香的菜。
（2）待水完全冷却后，灌入坛子内，然后加一两高粱酒（大坛子可以适当多加）。
其它酒不行，泡菜菌其实就是从高粱酒麹来的，酒也是经常要添加的。
（3）放青椒( 是那种长的很结实的深绿色辣椒，很辣，调味用的)、生姜可多放些，增加菜的味道。而且这两种菜要保持坛子内一直有，它们有提味的作用。
2－3天后可注意仔细观察，看青椒周围是否有气泡形成，开始的时候是一到两个十分细小的气泡，不注意观察几乎看不见。如果有气泡，哪怕是一个气泡，就说明发酵正常，待青椒完全变黄后，再放2至3天，就成了!
（4）泡菜的原汁就这样做好了（泡菜菌培养好了）。
泡菜菌属于厌氧菌，注意坛口的密封十分重要。泡菜随着发酵，产生抗菌作用。在发酵过程中产生乳酸菌，且在随着发酵的成熟产生酸味，不仅使泡菜更具美味，还能抑制坛内的其它菌，防止不正常的发酵。
注意事项：
坛子内壁必须洗干净，然后把生水擦干，或干脆用开水烫一下也行。
绝对不能有生水。青椒洗过后，也要晾干，绝对不能带生水。
为什么不能有生水呢？道理很简单，自来水（生水）含有杂菌，而且里面的氯气会杀死泡菜菌。
二、泡制
先加入大料、冰糖适量。
（1）常用泡菜原料：萝卜，豇豆，盖菜，子姜（紫红的的嫩姜）、辣椒等。 注意：胡萝卜和黄瓜最好即泡即吃，过一晚上就拿出来，不然会引起坛子里生花（泡菜汤里出现泡沫，表面出现灰皮）。
（2）蔬菜洗干净后，切成大块或条（不要太小），晾干水分。
（3）放入培养好的泡菜原汁在坛内，蔬菜必须完全淹没在水里，然后密封坛口。
（4）每加入一次新的菜要加入相应的盐，要适量，做几次后会把握好的。如果盐多了，会咸，少了，菜酸，泡菜汤容易变质。
每次加入新菜后，根据不同的菜，泡制时间不一样，最长时间一周。
三、食用
（1）泡菜洗一下可直接吃，吃粥时就泡菜，一会儿就能吃上几碗粥。
（2）也可切成小块然后煸炒一下，泡菜特有的风味更显突出。入锅最多2分钟。口味可根据自己的习惯用干辣椒炝锅，放盐和糖。
（3）可以拌着吃。因为泡菜较咸，可以将黄瓜丝与泡菜丝混拌后，腌一会儿挤掉水分，加入香油、味精、香菜等，也是一份很不错的凉拌菜。
四、原汁的维护
每泡制3到4次后最好补充一次高梁酒（半两左右）、冰糖。
用过的原汁可反复使用，越老越好，不放菜的时候注意在里面加上盐，注意坛子上沿的水不要干了，放在凉爽的地方，只要保管的好，泡菜原汁用5年没问题。
用过半年以后的原汁发酵能力十分强大，一般的蔬菜只需浸泡一天左右就能食用。
特别提醒：
一、坛子一定要密封，最好选用土烧制的带沿口的那种。坛子的上沿口是装水的，且平常水不能缺，才能起到密封的作用。取泡菜时注意不要把生水滴到坛子里。
二、坛子里不要沾油，沾了油会生花，严重的整个坛子里的菜会腐烂。
最后祝大家身体健康，用含乳酸菌的中式泡菜调理胃肠道。
四川泡菜开胃、下饭，可直接食用也可作调料，制作方便、快捷、廉价，何不自己动手腌一坛呢？
制作方法十分简单，介绍如下：
所需材料：
泡菜坛子一个（上边有沿，可装水，坛子的上沿口是装水的，且平常水不能缺，才能起到密封的作用）、高粱白酒、花椒、辣椒、大料（就是八角茴香，也叫大茴香）、冰糖、盐。
具体制作方法如下：
一、培养泡菜发酵菌
（1）首先在冷水里放入一些花椒，适量的盐，然后把水烧开。水量在坛子容量的10%-20%左右，不要太多。
盐比平时做菜时多放一点，感觉很咸即止。
花椒放大约20到30粒左右，尽量多放些，那样可以泡出很香的菜。
（2）待水完全冷却后，灌入坛子内，然后加一两高粱酒（大坛子可以适当多加）。
其它酒不行，泡菜菌其实就是从高粱酒麹来的，酒也是经常要添加的。
（3）放青椒( 是那种长的很结实的深绿色辣椒，很辣，调味用的)、生姜可多放些，增加菜的味道。而且这两种菜要保持坛子内一直有，它们有提味的作用。
2－3天后可注意仔细观察，看青椒周围是否有气泡形成，开始的时候是一到两个十分细小的气泡，不注意观察几乎看不见。如果有气泡，哪怕是一个气泡，就说明发酵正常，待青椒完全变黄后，再放2至3天，就成了!
（4）泡菜的原汁就这样做好了（泡菜菌培养好了）。
泡菜菌属于厌氧菌，注意坛口的密封十分重要。泡菜随着发酵，产生抗菌作用。在发酵过程中产生乳酸菌，且在随着发酵的成熟产生酸味，不仅使泡菜更具美味，还能抑制坛内的其它菌，防止不正常的发酵。
注意事项：
坛子内壁必须洗干净，然后把生水擦干，或干脆用开水烫一下也行。
绝对不能有生水。青椒洗过后，也要晾干，绝对不能带生水。
为什么不能有生水呢？道理很简单，自来水（生水）含有杂菌，而且里面的氯气会杀死泡菜菌。
二、泡制
先加入大料、冰糖适量。
（1）常用泡菜原料：萝卜，豇豆，盖菜，子姜（紫红的的嫩姜）、辣椒等。 注意：胡萝卜和黄瓜最好即泡即吃，过一晚上就拿出来，不然会引起坛子里生花（泡菜汤里出现泡沫，表面出现灰皮）。
（2）蔬菜洗干净后，切成大块或条（不要太小），晾干水分。
（3）放入培养好的泡菜原汁在坛内，蔬菜必须完全淹没在水里，然后密封坛口。
（4）每加入一次新的菜要加入相应的盐，要适量，做几次后会把握好的。如果盐多了，会咸，少了，菜酸，泡菜汤容易变质。
每次加入新菜后，根据不同的菜，泡制时间不一样，最长时间一周。
三、食用
（1）泡菜洗一下可直接吃，吃粥时就泡菜，一会儿就能吃上几碗粥。
（2）也可切成小块然后煸炒一下，泡菜特有的风味更显突出。入锅最多2分钟。口味可根据自己的习惯用干辣椒炝锅，放盐和糖。
（3）可以拌着吃。因为泡菜较咸，可以将黄瓜丝与泡菜丝混拌后，腌一会儿挤掉水分，加入香油、味精、香菜等，也是一份很不错的凉拌菜。
四、原汁的维护
每泡制3到4次后最好补充一次高梁酒（半两左右）、冰糖。
用过的原汁可反复使用，越老越好，不放菜的时候注意在里面加上盐，注意坛子上沿的水不要干了，放在凉爽的地方，只要保管的好，泡菜原汁用5年没问题。
用过半年以后的原汁发酵能力十分强大，一般的蔬菜只需浸泡一天左右就能食用。
特别提醒：
一、坛子一定要密封，最好选用土烧制的带沿口的那种。坛子的上沿口是装水的，且平常水不能缺，才能起到密封的作用。取泡菜时注意不要把生水滴到坛子里。
二、坛子里不要沾油，沾了油会生花，严重的整个坛子里的菜会腐烂。
最后祝大家身体健康，用含乳酸菌的中式泡菜调理胃肠道。
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Go green
Have you "gone green" yet? There are many steps you can take to give back to the environment so we can all continue to enjoy our beautiful planet! Doing something positive for the environment is not as hard as it may seem. Here are a few simple ways you can show our planet your love — and save money and calories too!Carry your own bags. Invest in solid canvas bags you can take with you on your weekly shopping trip so you don't have to use paper or plastic. Some stores even offer a discount if you bring your own bags.
Bring your own bottle. Instead of shelling out a buck or more for a bottle of water at the gym, fill up an aluminum water bottle at the fountain. Keep a mug or glass on your desk at work to refill at the cooler.
Pack your lunch. Cut down on restaurant take-out packaging by bringing last night's leftovers for lunch in a washable container. You'll save on calories, fat, and sodium, too!
Ride your bike — or walk! Save on gas and reduce emissions by biking or walking to work or to run errands. Public transportation is an environmentally friendly option as well. If you must drive, at least combine your errands so you can do them all in one trip. You'll save time too!
Wear a sweater. Turn the heat a few degrees lower in the winter — and a few degrees higher in the summer — to save energy. Stay warm — or cool — by dressing for the season.
Sort your garbage. Set aside paper, magazines, aluminum cans, and plastic and glass bottles for recycling. Contact your sanitation department to find out about pickup options or where to drop the recycling off. In many states, you can recycle bottles and cans at local supermarkets — and get back a deposit for each one!
Make your own gifts. For birthdays, holidays, and other occasions, create unique gifts at home instead of buying something (typically with disposable packaging) at the store. Bake or cook a special treat, give a nice piece of clothing or jewelry that you haven't worn in a long time, or write a poem on a homemade card — it's really the thought that counts!
Make it an Earth-friendly week! Try one of these suggestions on two days in the week ahead — or come up with more ideas of your own to protect the environment. The possibilities are endless!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Be your own best friend
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Be your own best friend and stand up for yourself!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Drink
Water is important on days when you exercise and on days when you don't. Drink up — stay hydrated!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
后溪穴—统治一切颈肩腰椎病的神奇大穴
后溪最早见于《黄帝内经•灵枢•本输》篇，为手太阳小肠经的输穴，又为八脉交会之一，通于督脉小肠经。有舒经利窍、宁神之功。适合经常坐在电脑前的上班族、发育中的孩子，可预防驼背、颈椎、腰部、腿部疼痛，也有保护视力、缓解疲劳、补精益气的功效。有位治疗腰间盘突出的中医名家，每次给病人治疗时，都会在在病人腰部疼痛的部位扎上几针，然后贴上一种特制的膏药，最后在后溪穴上扎上一针。有些经年不愈的重症患者，经过这番治疗，短时间内就恢复健康了。他觉得很老先生的膏药很神奇，准备拜老先生为师，学这个治疗腰间盘突出的绝招。
其实在腰部局部扎针、贴膏药都是老先生使用的辅助疗法，真正管用的是扎在后溪穴上的那一针。扎针有个小窍门，进针之后边捻转边提插，同时让病人活动腰部。”
道家医学里是非常注重后溪穴的。它可以直接通到督脉上去，属于八脉交汇穴里面很重要的一个穴位。督脉主一身阳气，阳气旺，则全身旺。针灸是比较专业的治病手段，如果大家只作养生保健时则只需用按揉后溪穴的方法就可以，一般按揉几分钟后就可振奋全身的阳气，身体就会像熊熊燃烧的火炉一样，暖彻心扉。点揉此穴，对小肠经有热、腿疼有很好的治疗功效。
后溪穴怎么找呢？把手握成拳，在第5掌指关节后的远侧掌横纹头赤白肉际处即是（即把手握拳，掌指关节后横纹的尽头就是该穴）。如果你坐在电脑面前，可以把双手后溪穴的这个部位放在桌子沿上，用腕关节带动双手，轻松地来回滚动，即可达到刺激效果。在滚动当中，它会有一种轻微的酸痛。这个动作不需要有意识的去做，每天只用抽出三五分钟的时间来，随手动一下，这个简单的治颈肩腰椎病的方法，我把它叫作滚揉后溪穴。坚持下来则对颈椎、腰椎确实有着非常非常好的疗效，对保护视力也很好。以前工作繁忙时，我每天在电脑前的工作时间也有十一、二个小时，但多么多年来我的视力、颈椎都没有问题，靠的也正是这个方法。
二十多年前，颈椎病是四十岁以后的人的专利，但现在不是了，二三十岁的颈椎病患者到处都是，甚至见过的颈椎病的小学生！原因很简单：伏案久了，压力大了，自己又不懂得怎么调理，所以颈椎病提前光临了。不仅仅得颈椎病，长期伏案的白领、职员或者搞文字工作的，老早就腰也弯了，背也驼了，眼睛也花了，脾气也糟了，未老先衰，没有足够的阳刚之气。这是当今多数人面临的一个严重的问题。
看到这些问题，很多人都说，这是脑力劳动的结果，脑力劳动也是很消耗人的；人们以为近视仅仅是由于眼睛离书本或电脑屏幕太近所致。其实不尽然，当长期保持同一姿势伏案工作或学习的时候，上体前倾，颈椎紧张了，首先压抑了督脉，督脉总督一身的阳气，压抑了督脉也就是压抑了全身的阳气，于是，久而久之，整个脊柱就弯了，人的精神也没了。人体的精神，不是被脑力劳动所消耗掉的，而是被错误的姿势消耗掉的。眼睛也需要靠阳气来温煦，仅仅是眼睛疲劳，可能不能导致近视；真正导致近视的，是眼睛在缺少阳气温煦的情况下过度疲劳。
这一系列问题，出于同一原因，那么，通过一个穴，也就可以全部解决，这个穴就是我们说的后溪。这是小肠经上的一个穴，奇经八脉的交会穴，通督脉，能泻心火、壮阳气，调颈椎，利眼目，正脊柱。临床上，颈椎出问题了，腰椎出问题了，眼睛出问题了，都要用到这个穴，效果非常明显。它可以调整长期伏案或在电脑前学习和工作对身体带来的一切不利影响，只要坚持，百用百灵。
我们想想，当我们坐在电脑旁阅读文件的时候，手是怎么放的？肯定是一手不离标，一手仍在键盘上吧！保持这个姿势不动，人都变僵了。这时，不妨灵活一点，把手解放出来，让双手的后溪穴抵在桌沿或键盘上，来回滚动，揉一揉，每次刺激三到五分钟，每个小时刺激一次就足够了。这是毫不耽误时间的，因为这时候，眼睛该看什么还可以看什么，不耽误。
大家可以试一下，坚持一天这样做下来，肯定到了下班的时候腰不会酸、脖子不会累，视力疲劳会很大程度上的缓解。每天坚持这么做下去，首先是腰椎颈椎轻松挺直，同时，你会发现眼睛也比以前好使了。如果因为忙，总是忘记做这个动作怎么办呢？我建议，可以定个闹钟，每隔一个小时提醒我们揉动一下后溪穴。不管忙到什么程度，我想这么一点时间还是能抽出来吧。何况，每小时这短短的三分钟，拯救的是我们的健康！
要特别把这个方法介绍给正在读书的小孩子。这些孩子很可怜，从小学到高中，小小年纪就承受这么沉重的学习压力，我们可不希望他们一辈子戴上近视眼镜，更不能让他们在沉重的压力下失去朝气，成为小驼背。作为一个被人称作养生治病的大夫，我想这是我能做到的。
养成揉后溪的习惯，随时随地，有空就揉一揉。比如，开车的时候，如果碰见路上堵车，或是红灯亮了，也会把后溪放在方向盘上来回滚揉几次，很舒服，甚至很潇洒。这时候，别人在着急上火，而在通督脉、泻心火、壮阳气、调颈椎、正脊柱、利眼目，受用无穷。一不起急，二不发火，精神振奋。这么一来，有时候居然觉得堵车也堵得很值！
Shared from Lisa Luo.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
