This is an excerpt from Kathleen Barnes’ book, Our Toxic World: A Survivor’s Guide What is it about the early parts of the year when I want to clean out clutter, sweep away old papers and cobwebs and get the house good and clean? Whatever it is, any time is a great time to have … Read more
Most of us think of sage as a savory addition to the kitchen spice rack. But now researchers say this herb’s silvery little leaf can help you stay healthy throughout your life by sharpening your memory, preventing heart disease and strengthening your immune system. Sage has been used for centuries to treat everything from snake bites … Read more
Here in the mountains of Western North Carolina, autumn has arrived. There’s a blush of gold across the mountainsides and the reds of the maples flare along the ridge lines. Fall always means apple time with a visit to the sweetly scented farm store and a bite into the freshest, crispest tangy Gala apple, juice … Read more
If you’ve never dry brushed your body, you’re missing out on a sensual delight as well as an opportunity to do your body a big favor. Skin tightening As most of you know, I recently got rid of 100 unwanted pounds of fat with a modified version of the HCG diet. (For more info on … Read more
I planted a couple of elderberry bushes in my yard more than a decade ago, every year I harvest a crop of delicious sweet purple berries that are powerful immune system boosters. I just have to fight off the birds or net the bushes so I get my share to put up for next winter’s … Read more
Life today often moves at a speed that leaves us feeling disconnected and worn out. Our routines revolve around screens, schedules, and deadlines instead of the natural flow of the world around us. But what if the secret to balance has been right outside our window all along? Living with the seasons invites us to … Read more
My mother died of Alzheimer’s disease 12 years ago, although I have to say that the mom I knew died several years earlier when her cognitive function faltered, she was unable to perform the simplest tasks, her personality changed and the light went out in her eyes. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease. It is devastating to … Read more
If the news has got you down, undoubtedly you’re having trouble sleeping. I know I am. These are stressful times. Tired of being tired? You’re not alone — 82 million American have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep and 40% of the adult population reports having insomnia at least once a week. We all need … Read more
My regular readers know that my husband and I recently returned from a delightful trip to Spain and France. Among the challenges was dealing with language. My husband speaks a smattering of Spanish and I speak a smattering of French, so basic communication was possible. Actually, I took several years of French in elementary school, … Read more
Mood Magic: 7 Everyday Things That Secretly Mess With Your Emotions Have you ever woken up in a decent mood, only to feel irritated or unmotivated by lunchtime for no clear reason? It is easy to blame stress, lack of sleep, or a bad day at work, but often the truth is more subtle. Your … Read more