Category: Health

Health, Health and Beauty, Mind, Soul, Body

I Wore a Face Mask and I Liked It

Mary

Renewing Regimen

I don’t normally use facial masks but a sample facial mask packet arrived in the package of an online order for a different product. I gave it a try and I liked it. I don’t remember the brand but it was a light-weight mask and my skin felt truly luxurious after I applied it and rinsed it off. It reminded me of applying mud masks when I was a teenager. I think it was a fad then–at least for teenagers. There is a benefit to taking care of our skin as we age.

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”; amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “newwellspri09-20”; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = “bottom”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “search”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_title = “Shop Related Products”; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = “yonka lotion”; amzn_assoc_default_category = “All”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “89eb27aceede08b9b6aa43ee7731f661”;

Masks aside, my absolute favorite skin care product is Yon-ka which I have used for a number of years. The Yon-ka toner which the company calls lotion is what I live for in the morning! The toner is infused with essential oils and paired with the Yon-ka moisturizer for my skin type keeps my skin feeling its best. Occasionally, I get a Yon-ka facial that includes a hydrating mask. If any men are reading this wondering what a great gift for their wives might be, look no further than an esthetician’s chair. I don’t get a facial as often as I would like but when I do, I go for a Yon-ka facial. The essential oils in the products take me away and the deep hydration is pure heaven! Plus, the facial uses steam to help deep-clean pores. If you are interested in using steam look for a classic European facial and better yet a Yon-ka European facial.

The tried and true

A new year skin care ritual that is easy to perform at home and that I take great comfort in is my skin sloughing regimen. Whenever I tell anyone about it, they get a big kick out of the word sloughing, but honestly, when one takes a bath to soften the skin, the dead skin cells come off more easily, especially if using a towel that is a little on the “rough” side. Towels that are line-dried have this quality or not using fabric softener also works. Since the weather is dismal and the flurry of activity before, during and after the holidays has me feeling a little spent, this ritual gets me revitalized to take on the new year in all its’ newness. Time to clear the old skin away, the old clothes, old papers, old mindsets. etc.

If you purchase a product by clicking on it on this website you will be routed to Amazon to purchase it. As an Amazon Associates affiliate marketer I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you in advance if you link to Amazon through this page. Thank you in advance if you purchase it here.

Health, Humor, Travel

Getting Caught in the Rain and Encountering Bigfoot

Mary

When is the last time you deliberately got caught in the rain? We were at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, Washington. The weekend we were there proved to be more like “Raincadia” vs. “Suncadia.” All in all it was a pretty good weekend weather-wise.

The mornings were peaceful and our room was on the ground level so we could just walk out of our room and overlook the hills streaming with wisps of fog that were so beautiful. Also, out our back door were the 1000 steps to the river below. It wasn’t actually 1000 steps like the sign indicated but it was a good number seeing as we were panting on our way back up.

Right out the back door of our hotel room at Suncadia Resort
“1000 steps”

At the resort, there are many activities–hiking, swimming, golf. We chose to take a walk. When we started out the weather was decent, even sunny, and the fall colors were starting to come on. An hour into it, dark clouds spelled impending rain was rolling in but we chose to forge onward. It began to rain and we were getting soaked. We eventually took shelter under a pine tree for about 1/2 hour. Time seemed to stop then.

The rain stopped and we headed to the golf course lodge for a glass of wine by the warm fire and then eventually back to our room. The same day we headed into Roslynn, WA. You may remember the television show “Northern Exposure” which was supposed to be based in Alaska. It was actually shot in Roslynn, Washingon and I immediately recognized the signature mural on the town wall and a quick google search confirmed that this was the town. There were other people also taking photos in front of the wall but the town and show, I believe, have been forgotten. There wasn’t too much else going on. I suppose it was that way in the show, too.

We carefully walked down the steps that led to the river and on the way at each landing were interesting facts about local wildlife and a casting of their footprints in the cement. They even had a casting of “Bigfoot’s” footprint. What a hoot!

Bigfoot print

I would definitely recommend this resort, especially being so close to Seattle. It is comfortable, clean, and close to nature. It is a good place to relax and catch up on life.

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”; amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “newwellspri09-20”; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = “bottom”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “search”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_title = “Shop Related Products”; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = “ski gear women”; amzn_assoc_default_category = “All”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “56bf95002e2302e67f24ed12beb4ed76”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”; amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “newwellspri09-20”; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = “bottom”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “search”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_title = “Shop Related Products”; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = “prime wardrobe”; amzn_assoc_default_category = “All”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “79ab5b6b681a53287210199e34c75887”;
Food, Health

Super Sorghum

Mary

Many Health Benefits

This little miniature-sized kernel is packed with health benefits and is believed to prevent certain types of cancer, can help control diabetes, is gluten-free, offering a dietary option to people with celiac disease. It improves digestive health, builds strong bones, promotes red blood cell development, and boosts energy and fuel production.  What’s not to love?

Sorghum is mineral-rich, and contributes 10g of protein and 6g fiber per 1/2 cup to the diet. It is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. You can pop it like popcorn or use it as a replacement for rice or barley in your favorite dishes or soups.

Sorghum is a drought tolerant cereal grass native to Africa, but is widely cultivated throughout the world, including the U.S, Central and South American and India.

If quinoa and millet are just not doing it for you, why not give sorghum a try. You can even buy it as flour and as beer and in packaged foods like crackers.

I especially love popcorn and this is a good alternative to popcorn. It is oh, so flavorful, especially when you pop the kernels in ghee. Another benefit to eating sorghum is that there are no annoying hulls that get stuck in your gums and teeth. They are a bit small to pick up with your fingers so it does take some getting used to. Also, not all of the kernels pop, but they are also edible but I tend not to eat the un-popped ones.

1/3 cup sorghum
2 tablespoons melted ghee
medium high heat, put a lid on it when it begins to pop and shake the pan a bit
add a little salt and enjoy!
Food, Health

Avocado and Toast Best Friends Forever

Mary

Lately, it’s all things avocado. Avocado toast, avocado colored shoes, guacamole. There are even giant avocados grown in Florida that measure three feet long and cost around $45. That is some serious green there!

Avocado is incredibly nutritious: Vitamin K, folate, Vitamin C, potassium, Vitamin B5 and B6, Vitamin E. It also contains small amounts of magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorous and vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin).

Benefits of Avocado

Contains more potassium than bananas

Loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids

Loaded with fiber

Eating avocados can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Avocados weigh in at around 160 calories, 2 grams of protein and 15 grams of healthy fats.  They do not contain any cholesterol or sodium and are low in saturated fat.

Avocados are considered a high-fat food but the fat content is oleic acid—a monounsaturated fatty acid that is also in olive oil.

You can get as creative as you want to with avocado. Of course, there is avocado toast where you spread avocado on toast and top with an egg. Add some arugula to the top with a sprinkle of lime juice and celery salt. I’ve had avocado in breakfast bowls comprised of brown rice, egg and slices of avocado with a sprinkle of soy sauce. There are a myriad of ways to prepare it.

Seriously, you can’t go wrong with eating avocado in any way, shape, or form. They taste good and are good for you. My favorite way to eat them is mashed with a clove of pressed garlic, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to prevent oxidization and to add flavor, a sprinkle of sea salt, a hint of tabasco and then I dig in with some tortilla chips. Yum!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IV7F4JQ/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=newwellspring-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00IV7F4JQ&linkId=ee825cfcf08c3ea5cacf4dfc148a8300

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DWAK3LQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DWAK3LQ&linkCode=as2&tag=newwellspring-20&linkId=19d8a4a18655724c0f4c086385274c8e

Health, Inspiration

Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine…

Mary
Sweet days of summer, the jasmine’s in bloom
July is dressed up and playing her tune

I love the sweet scent of jasmine on a hot summer evening as I sit on the porch and drink an ice-cold glass of water and listen to the breeze gently blowing and rustling the tree leaves. It’s one of my favorite pastimes. The jasmine sits in a comfortable spot in a container on my porch and runs up a small trellis. Every time I think of jasmine, I think of the Seals and Crofts song with some of the lyrics evident in the blog title and photo caption.

Not only is the sweet scent pleasant on a summer evening but scientists have discovered that the fragrance of jasmine could potentially help replace medication for sleep, anxiety, stress, and a host of other modern day illnesses.

It has been determined that jasmine can

-Reduce anxiety and nervous tension

-Boost mood and improve cognitive performance and alertness

-Improve sleep quality

-Balance hormones

-Treat hot flashes and mood swings

-Increase libido

Scientists who conducted tests on laboratory mice discovered that the fragrance of jasmine augments the effects of a chemical named GABA on nerve cells.  This chemical reaction is what helps relieve anxiety and stirs up the desire to be still and at rest.

Being in nature naturally reduces anxiety and stress and it has been found that there is a correlation between stress and oxygen levels.  Adding the soothing aroma of jasmine can positively impact mental health and improve your mood in general.

Now if only my bedroom window was closer to the jasmine.