Home brewed cold remedy

I had been burning the candle at both ends recently even though I know it never bodes well.  But I was juggling a few part time gigs, and commissions, and they dovetailed and all came due in the same week, so I did what I had to.

And got it done.

Unfortunately, sleep and self care lost priority.

And, then Easter arrived, hosting the families, and the party of 20+ was a lovely, fun and happy day!  But the cold that my hubby had at the start of weekend took hold - quickly!

I have never done well with cold medicines and such so I rely on natural methods.  Like water (lots of it!), sleep, hot tea, my nettie pot, essential oils - and my new favorite...

home brewed cold remedy!

Easy to make, soothing to sip, and very 'fragrant' (to say the least).

Ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, lemon and honey brew.

Each packing a punch in what they bring to the immune boosting table.

I totally recommend trying this the next time you have a cold or sore throat.

Celebrating 6 years Gluten-Free!

6 years ago today I had the most significant ah ha moment of my life!  The moment when I knew in my heart of hearts - and yes, in my gut, that it was time to live gluten-free.  If it didn't work, so be it - but I had to give it a try because I could no longer stand the constant pain and dragging my way through each day.  

The first few weeks - and months - were an enormous struggle, but I stumbled through it (and it got easier) I made a conscious choice to focus on what was working. I focused on the good moments, new food finds, connections, knowledge gleaned - and the slowly decreasing headaches. I put my focus on the successes, and celebrated the abundance and joy that it was bringing, and not the deprivation or what (I thought) I was missing.
That choice made all the difference.

Flash forward 6 years, I am running regularly, getting out of bed with energy, thinking clearly, am relatively pain free... headaches on occasion, migraines are rare, bone pain is gone!  This is worth repeating - the bone pain is gone and migraines are rare!!  I am no longer a just list of aches, pains, problems and auto-immune disorders.  It is a wonderful place to be. 

Today I stand strong in a place of deep gratitude, and tonight we feast in celebration! The abundant menu includes: butternut squash soup, garlic and cheese pizza bites, and sausage with peppers and onions.
Looking forward to many healthy, vibrant years to come!

Choice and Taking Control with Gluten-Free Living

My Gluten-Free Adapted Irish Blessing, printable download

Seems to be a new expression around... "I am gluten-free, but not by choice."  I keep hearing and reading that phrase and it irks me.

It sounds like an apology. Like, "it's not my fault so don't blame me for being gluten-free." Understandable to a certain degree as I read the never ending stream of articles written criticizing gluten-free people... "fad diets, trendy, picky eaters, blah blah blah." The problem is the person who says "not my choice" has handed control of their body over to an outside source and given in to the naysayers.  In essence they have given away their power. 
Their power to heal. 
And they could end up missing the opporutnity to take positive control of their health.

Think about it... if you choose gluten-free based on tests, reactions, recommendations, etc you will keep making good choices because you are in control, and you know what ingesting the wrong thing can do to you. And, so you find good substitutes, get creative, and maybe start cooking and experimenting... and as a result you feel SO much better and can do the things you dream of doing!
But, if someone is telling you that you must eat a restricted, difficult diet (their words, not mine!) then it may be approached begrudgingly and cheating can happen - and then you are cheated of healing and vitality!

The point is none of us chose ill health, gluten intolerance or celiac disease. I sure didn't.  But, I did choose gluten-free eating (against recommendations).  And, it turned my health around.
Completely turned my health around!  and rid me of 30+ years of agonizing migraines. 

So if that is what you are working/dealing/struggling with, then gluten free living is the answer. And it should never be an apology.  No one should be denied good, vibrant health. 

And, certainly no one should have to apologize for wanting and striving for good health and quality of life.

"I choose it, and by choosing it I have power and control over my body."