I have just finished crying on my couch.
A good friend handed me a copy of the documentary Pray The Devil Back To Hell and I’ve just watched the entire film.
This documentary reveals the story of how women in Liberia shook the foundations of a corrupt government and ended a war. If you need inspiration, or want to be reminded of how much POWER a small group of women can have watch this movie. 
Be well,
Alexandra
Since many of the hand santizers found in stores contain toxic chemicals that I don’t want on my body, I decided to make my own. It was easy and cheap – one bottle cost about $4 to make, and I have enough supplies to make at least 10 more bottles for pennies more. Here’s how it worked:
1. Buy a small spray pump bottle at your local pharmacy or drug store (cost: about $1)
2. Buy a combination of essential oils: grapefruit seed extract, geranium, Young Living Theives,thyme, oregano oil, cinnamon, lavender, etc.
3. Combine 20-30 drops of each oil (I used grapefruit seed and geranium in one, Theives in another) and fill the rest of the bottle with water.
4. Stick a bottle in your purse, diaper bag, stroller, car, etc. Spray 2-4 times on one hand and rub together to disinfect.
5. Refill when empty.
What’s the number one concern for passionate, goal-driven women?
Energy – or lack thereof.
Improving your energy reserves is like safeguarding America’s oil reserves – as important as national security, your energy reserves as a woman (care taker, professional, bringer of bacon, agent of change) can make or break your dreams and goals.
Peggy Lee’s famous song “I’m A Woman” sang the trials of sisters everywhere:
“I can rub & scrub this old house til it’s shinin like a dime
Feed the baby, grease the car, & powder my face at the same time
Get all dressed up, go out and swing til 4 a.m. and then
Lay down at 5, jump up at 6, and start all over again
‘Cause I’m a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I’ll say it again”
Even though our days are filled with projects, lists and work, we still need to put ourselves on that list of things to take care of – every day. Small steps towards improved energy can be cheap, easy and deeply rewarding. For simple energy boosts try the following:
- During your morning shower, alternate between 10 seconds of hot and then cold water for 1 minute. Be sure to get your armpits and groin area hot and then cold – this will not only wake you up better than coffee, it will help flush out your lymphatic system and increase your circulation.
- Add cayenne to your day. A natural energy booster, cayenne also protects your body from colds and sinus problems and improves circulation.
- Find an acupuncturist. Chronic fatigue and sleeplessness are both improved by this ancient, inexpensive therapy.
- YAWN: The simple act of making 10 exaggerated yawns in a row will wake up and re-focus your brain.
By integrating one or more natural energy builders during your day, your body will respond and wake up better than if it’s dosed with another caffeinated beverage.
Here’s to your health,
Alexandra
Cooler weather brings on cravings for warming chili – and this recipe will help you use up end-of-season corn and tomatoes too! **This chili goes great with the cornbread muffin recipe from last week! (for more great recipes just like this, get your copy of The Great American Detox)
(Yield: 5 cups)
2 TB olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 ears fresh corn, husks and silk removed
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp sea salt
1 TB chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained, or 1 1/2 cup fresh cooked kidney beans
1 can (24 oz) crushed tomatoes, or 3 cups diced fresh tomatoes
Join the best parenting organization in the nation and learn ways to improve your life and the health of your family:
Many of my clients have asked me to help them prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season. Besides eating a healthy, whole-foods diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, (and avoiding too much sugar, alcohol and junk food) there are a few products that I keep on hand to help my family stay well.
I feel safer already knowing that I have a full homeopathic flu kit at home. If you’ve never used homeopathic remedies before, you’ll be happy to know that they’re inexpensive, natural, non-invasive, and cause no dangerous side-effects.
Homeopathic medicines act by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms. Because they are not acting chemically, they do not have the potential to cause any sustained damage. Therefore, homeopathic medicines are a great choice for mothers, adults, babies and animals. Generally very safe to use with other medication, homeopathy can be used for emotional and physical trauma, acute illness and long-standing health problems.
Dr. Jacob Mirman is a homeopathic medical doctor and author of “Demystifying Homeopathy”:
(http://www.bookonhealing.com/the-book.html).
His book is the perfect guide for anyone interested in using this safe, effective form of medicine at home.
Along with Sally Tamplin, Dr. Mirman has created the Homeopathy Flu Kit that includes 46 homeopathic remedies including the most used flu remedies, that address 95% of influenza cases. A Flu Remedy Guide is included with the kit:
http://www.homeopathyworks.com/jshop/product.php?xProd=8308
**Dr. Mirman is offering a special gift to some of my lucky readers! Go to his website to learn something new about homeopathy: http://flusolution.net/index.htm
Write a comment about what you learned here on my blog to enter to win a Flu Kit!
CORNBREAD MUFFINS
Yield: 9-12 muffins
2 Tbsp. ground flax seed
6 Tbsp. water
1 C soy milk
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1 C whole spelt flour
1 C cornmeal
1/4 C rapadura or sucanat sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. table salt
1/4 C canola oil
CORNBREAD MUFFINS
Yield: 9-12 muffins
2 Tbsp. ground flax seed
6 Tbsp. water
1 C soy milk
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1 C whole spelt flour
1 C cornmeal
1/4 C rapadura or sucanat sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. table salt
1/4 C canola oil
The book is on its way to the printer – you could be one of the first to receive a copy of my new book! A perfect present for that vegan-curious spouse or teen in your life.
Order your copy here!
Read what a past tele-group member said about her experience in my 8 Week Reboot Detox…
“I have more energy…I eat better…and am conscious of what I consume at all times.
I was stagnant in my health & wellness achievements, so I joined Alex’s 8 Week Detox Group.
Alex’s approach was very gentle and kind. She informed us, yet in the same manner did not talk down to us. I found her approach very unique with not just “nutrition” but also with positive affirmations from the very first call. That took me by surprise and yet made the most impact.
I answered Alex’s question: What am I hungering for? That has been a catalyst for me. I no longer am hungering for other people’s approval of me. What a relief that is…after 40+ years of holding onto that….whew! That answer has allowed me to give up a lot; my time now is for me and is now more valuable.
I have more energy to wake up at 5am and run without having to worry about what the expectations are of me at work that day. I eat better because I take the time to sit down and am conscious of what I consume at all times. My concern with health and wellness is my own not how I think others should perceive me or classify me as healthy
Alex’s simple grace and genuine kindness is far reaching. Thank you for opening it up to me.”
~ Kate, New Jersey, Mom and working professional
