November 2, 2011

Book Review: Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine

Amazon Link
Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
By: Tori Hudson, N.D.
I have to say that I really like this as a reference book. I will admit I didn’t thoroughly read the entire book. Rather I read the part that pertained to me and skimmed the rest.
But what I did read (and skim) was great detailed information on how to take care of common woman health concerns.
This is a book I will definitely be purchasing for my reference shelf! I also believe it is a book that all women, particularly those interested in natural woman’s healthcare should have.

September 16, 2011

Book Review: The Healing Echo- Discovering homeopathic cell salt remedies

Amazon Link
The Healing Echo- Discovering homeopathic cell salt remedies
By: Vinton McCabe
Part of a three book series:
The healing enigma- demystifying homeopathy
The healing bouquet- exploring Bach flower remedies
I read this book primarily because I am really interested in alternative health treatments. It started when I saw my family’s natural health therapist and was recommended a few of these remedies. I have to say I was taking them (until I recently ran out) and I felt better taking them, more balanced, my skin was better, and my digestion as well. So naturally I am looking to study everything I can get my hands on pertaining to the cell salts.
This book gives you a great history of how cell salts came to be, very detailed Materia Medica (details on the salts and what they treat- or are best suited for), as well as a detailed “First aid” overview of symptoms/illnesses and the cell salts you can utilize to treat them.
It is a lot more involved than “Oh, I have a cold. I’ll take some Dayquil.” The cell salt you choose depends on the characteristics of your cold. Such as the color of the discharge/mucus (I know gross! But an important factor), If you are hot or feeling chilly, running a fever but cold, you are starving but food upsets your stomach, and various other factors and options that determine what remedy is best suited for you as an individual. After all we don’t always react the same way when we get a cold; the symptoms usually vary person to person.
I love that this treatment is based on who you are as an individual. I also like the way it is SO much safer than the conventional forms of treating these ailments. And in my opinion more curative in the long run. It does not just suppress the symptoms (as with conventional medicine-never allowing the body to adapt); it helps the body fight and build a strong immunity structure for the future.
The one thing I did not agree with is the authors view on not taking the cell salts in combination or as a nutritional supplement. I do have to say he does ultimately leave it up to the reader and does not push his opinion, which I appreciate. But I myself do not see the harm in taking them in combination. Although if you are judging the effectiveness of a particular cell salt you might want to take them one at a time (to be able to judge effectiveness individually).
But I will also want to say that I am not a studied professional like out author- that is just my opinion. I hope to one day in the near future study the cell salts and other forms of naturopathic care and may learn more to change my opinion- but for now I will stay with what I can feel in my own body in using the salts.
I would recommend this book for people who are interested in alternative therapies particularly cells salts. This is one of those books that has so much information for me to take notes on that I am going to have to buy it. If I were to take notes I would basically being typing out the entire last half of the book! I think it will make a great reference book to have on hand for utilizing the call salts in all aspects of health- and treating illness in the home.

September 1, 2011

First Book Post :)


Hello everyone,
So the other day I was talking to my mom about the latest book I was reading and she suggested I post a quick review on my blog. I figure I currently don’t have a lot to post about and I read A LOT! (I get all these books from my local library.) Some people melt their credit cards with overuse- I would melt my library card :P
So here you are my first book review…..
 

Amazon Link
  
Living off the Grid: A Simple Guide to Creating and Maintaining a Self-reliant Supply of Energy, Water, Shelter and More
BY: David Black
I chose this book because some day I would like to live in a more rural area off the grid. So being the type of person I am- I am researching it as much as possible. (I take notes as well and usually get asked around work what I am studying - I guess I could easily say my future.)
This book is a great read for anyone interested in living off grid, or people who want to know what they can do now to conserve in their homes. Although it is more geared to people interested in off grid living. It also cautions the few with a passing interest that living off grid is a serious change in life style and should not be taken lightly.
It covers topics like: Shelter, Energy, Water, and Waste. (Even some suggestions on off grid jobs.)
It is not a complete how to book but a great book to start with to know what you are getting into.
For me there was not a lot in it to take notes on, but I have done a lot of research on the various off grid topics already. But like I said, it would be perfect for those who have heard about off grid living and would like to learn more.
One thing I did not agree with was using a microwave in place of a convection oven to save energy. Although it might save energy it also emits microwaves that are bad for your health. (I am currently working mine out of my kitchen and into a dumpster.)
What I did like about it was it was easy to read. I also liked that it listed options on each topic that I plan to implement in my set up. Such as: Shelter-earth dome/earth bags; Water- well & rainwater collection; Energy- solar & wind; Waste- Gray water, composting, and composting toilets. I felt that it covered most if not all of the options usually available in off grid living. (Although there are new option always developing.)
Over all worth the read if you know much about off grid or are interested in off grid living.
I think that I might do a post at a later time with a more detailed look at what I would like for myself for a self sustaining future home.
Till later…..

August 17, 2011

It’s been ages….

Ok, so it has been way too long since my last post. Not that I didn’t have every good intention of posting before now- but life carries me away- and I tend to procrastinate :P
So I took a weeklong trip to Michigan to see the family and celebrate my little sister’s graduation. Of course she is taller than me know- so not so little I guess. I had a lot of fun while I was there- despite being awake over 24 hours after I got there- that is what I get for taking the red eye I guess. I can’t seem to sleep in the uncomfortable airplane chairs. But it was worth it to see the family. Of course then I miss them all the more when I have to leave…but I am always thankful for the time that we do get to spend together. Of course I am always happy to come back to LA and see Nick and Major : )
Here are a few photos from a photo shoot my sister and I did before I left. That was full of giggles!
I was a pirate- she is the Mad Hatter

You should have seen the "outtakes"


We had a bit of a scare with Major last month (July 16th). On The 16th I had to take him to the vet- luckily I found one open on Saturday so I didn’t have to pay emergency vet prices. Anyways, I had to take him in because he kept getting sick and couldn’t keep anything down. So after x-rays, blood work, fluids, and about $700 we found out it was pancreatitis. Luckily his case was mild- although we don’t know what caused it. (And most people never find out) So he is on a special diet the rest of this month and is taking a herbal tonic for the pancreas as well as digestive enzyme/probiotics. I am really happy that he is ok- and pretty much 3-4 days after the attack he was 100% back to normal. Of course my goal is just to make sure it does not happen again. But I think we are on the right track and I look forward to switching him back to him normal food.
I have also decided that I think I need to buy a pair of these.

Not quite sure where I will wear them too- but I will find something!
HALFWAY through the work week! I am so looking forward to the weekend (as always). I think I might meander down to Little Tokyo and try to catch the end of the festival- at least I will grab some pink berry ;)
‘Till later!

April 28, 2011

Beautiful LA!

Artist/Photographer Link
Well it has been far to long since I last wrote....
Mostly I have been meaning to start writing and then can't decide on what to post.

Some AWSOME news! I Signed with Natural Model Management LA!
I am really excited to work with them! Not only do they promote healthy models but also promote a healthy body image to women and young girls- through Healthy is the new skinny.
I think everything they are doing is fantastic and it is precisely the kind of people I have always wanted to work with.

Also a friend of mine is producing a short film and asked me to take part. I am so excited! I believe that is shooting some time in August. The project name is Piper. 
Check out the Kickstarter Page HERE!

Another friend also contacted me regarding participation in a film he is working on that I might be good for!

I tell you things are just wonderful right now.
But it is also giving me some motivation to really get things going for myself as well. (like going to the gym more often :P)
So I am going to be working on all that- I am so happy to finally be moving forward!

More details coming soon!