My Grandmother's Cookbook

My mom's mom, Irene, was quite a lady - the daughter of Dutch immigrants, Irene was the perfect combination of hard-working, wise, and loving. Having 9 children of her own, Irene never wasted a single ingredient in the kitchen - her children testify that she could make "something out of nothing" and was well-known as an excellent cook in her town. Irene passed away when I was in high school, and I begged my mom to have her cookbook.

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Your Acne Hates Probiotics

You are probably by now familiar with probiotics and their digestive benefits (see my previous post HERE about probiotics). Probiotics are extremely powerful - in fact, their benefits extend far beyond digestion. Probiotics can help to normalize cholesterol, relieve anxiety, and improve immunity. This is great news; however, if you suffer from breakouts there's even better news.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, probiotics are the "next big thing" in treating acne and rosacea. Emerging research shows that in persons prone to acne and rosacea, daily use of probiotics reduces severity and frequency of breakouts. ...

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Stop Doing This. Right NOW.

Most of us are aware of unhealthy habits. We are constantly bombarded with messages about not smoking, not drinking too much, drinking enough water, and getting enough exercise.  So, you think - I don't smoke, I drink water, and I exercise - I'm the picture of health!  Unfortunately that's not always the case.  There are little things we do every single day that can either be a boon or a bust to your health.  These little habits can add up to a major health impact. Ready to make a small tweak to your habits? Learn more about the top daily habits that are wrecking your health: 

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I Might Make You Fall In Love With Me...

Crunchy rice. Until I met my husband, I had never heard of such food. I always thought the browned rice left on the bottom of the pan was burned rice, due to my lack of rice cooking know-how. But crunchy rice is much, much different than burned rice. My husband made me crunchy rice when we were dating … and let me tell you, it changed my world (and, perhaps made me fall in love with him!)  Known by different names in various parts of the world -  socarrat in Spain, nurungji in Korea, rasguño in Latin America, and tahdig in the Middle East - the toasty and golden layer at the bottom of the pan is an intensely flavored treat (think corner sides on a brownie pan or crunchy edges of a baked casserole). Crunchy rice only requires the same ingredients you would use to make regular rice - the true alchemy is in the technique.  Allow me to change your world and teach you how to make crunchy rice….no promises that you won’t fall in love with me! 

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5 Things Your Skin Is Telling You

Our skin is a very important organ that serves a variety of functions. Skin is also our largest organ - we have about 22 square meters on our bodies and the skin of an average adult weighs about 8 pounds! No wonder skin is so important. Our skin acts as a barrier to protect us from elements that would otherwise harm our body; it is our first line of defense. But defense isn't the only function of skin! The health of skin is inextricably linked to the health of the body and because the skin is such a large, visible organ, the internal health of our body is constantly on display. Skin gives us very important clues as to what is happening inside of our body; if you are paying attention, you will have more insight into the health and wellness of your entire body. Ready to find out more about what your skin is trying to tell you? Read on to discover 5 common skin conditions that can have underlying causes. For a personalized look at your skin, click HERE to take our quiz - "What Is Your Skin Trying To Tell You"

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Acupuncture Is A Yogi's Best Friend

When it comes to improving our yoga practice there is nothing more important than actually practicing. Asana requires determination, courage, patience, faith, and perseverance.  There are fewer things in life more gratifying and beneficial than progressing physically and emotionally as one does with a dedicated yoga practice. Along the way injuries happen, muscles get sore, we hit setbacks, we face difficulty, we change, we grow.

Acupuncture and associated modalities of cupping, bodywork, and herbal medicine may be the most powerful tool for any yogi along their journey. Here are five reasons why regular acupuncture treatments are the Yogi’s best friend.

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PTSD is a Real Thing. And There's Help.

PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - can originate from various causes. Any situation that causes emotional or physical trauma such as violence, aggression, a car accident, or sexual assault can result in PTSD.  Symptoms of PTSD can include anxiety, insomnia, depression, flashbacks, as well as physical pain; such symptoms may not show up immediately after the triggering event. In fact, it’s not unusual for PTSD symptoms to appear several weeks or month after the trauma.

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Stop Putting Butt Cream On Your Face

...and other home remedies that are wrecking your skin.

If you know me, you know I'm all about the home remedy. I slather castor oil on sore muscles, I drop vinegar in my ears when I get swimmer's ear, and coconut oil is my home-remedy panacea. But, there's a limit to this, especially when it comes to your skincare routine. You want to use caution when it comes to what you slather on your face because, well, your face is different than the skin on the rest of your body. The epidermis of facial skin – the top layer of skin – is made of smaller cells than the epidermis on the rest of the body. Facial skin is therefore thinner and has less of a natural barrier than skin on the rest of your body.  This is why it’s so important to nourish and protect facial skin and avoid irritating ingredients.  Read on and discover the Top 3 Home Remedy Products You Should NEVER Put On Your Face.

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