This piece, Felt leaves centerpiece, is from her blog. So if you would love to learn how to make it then rush to http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Get Creative
I consider myself a creative person. I love to make new things. So my favorite hobby is blog hopping. And sometimes I find blogs which are awesome. One ofhte blog which I frequent is Alisa Burke. She is one very creative girl. I especially love her recycled crafts. I have learned so much from her blog.
This piece, Felt leaves centerpiece, is from her blog. So if you would love to learn how to make it then rush to http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/
This piece, Felt leaves centerpiece, is from her blog. So if you would love to learn how to make it then rush to http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/
Monday, November 29, 2010
Recycle yarn: Rip out a sweater and reuse it by Ronnie Citron-Fink
Have you ever had a thread of yarn dangle off a sweater and start to unravel the garment? If you have a perfectly good sweater in your closet that hasn't seen the light of day for a while, why not grab a tread and start to pull?
I've been going through my closets to free up precious storage space. My closet weeding dug up a pile of old wool sweaters and unfinished knitting projects. One of the sweaters had a hole peeking off the cuff. I started to pull, and soon found it immensely satisfying to keep ripping.
As I watched the yarn mount up, I realized I could reuse the yarn to knit a new sweater! Once the sweater was transformed back to its original material -- a skein of yarn -- I've been reusing the yarn to make small knitted projects like hats, socks, scarves, and bags.
How to rip out a sweater and reuse the yarn:
1. Unravel
Snip the bottom of the sweater. It will unravel as you pull. When you rip out a knitted garment, the yarn may be stretched out and kinky. The yarn will need to be wound around something. The easiest way to do this is to use a yarn swift or a wool winder. If you don't have either of those, tie an end to the side of a chair and wind the yarn around the chair as it unravels.
2. Wash
After you've enjoyed the liberating feeling of pulling apart a sweater, soak the sweater in cool water (don't agitate in washing machine or the yarn will felt) with a small amount of mild eco-detergent.
3. Dry
Hang the hank of yarn to drip-dry on a towel or clothes rack, or even place it over a showerhead (keep your floors dry). If the yarn is still kinky, when it is almost dry, wrap the yarn around a chair with a little tension.
4. Rewind
Wind yarn into balls, grab your needles, and start knitting!
Check this out: Here is one of the most incredible videos I have ever seen on the subject of unraveling yarn!
Ronnie Citron-Fink is a writer and educator. Ronnie regularly writes about sustainable living for online sites and magazines. Along with being the creator of http://www.econesting.com/, Ronnie has contributed to numerous books about green home design, DIY, children, and humor. Ronnie lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her family.
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I've been going through my closets to free up precious storage space. My closet weeding dug up a pile of old wool sweaters and unfinished knitting projects. One of the sweaters had a hole peeking off the cuff. I started to pull, and soon found it immensely satisfying to keep ripping.
As I watched the yarn mount up, I realized I could reuse the yarn to knit a new sweater! Once the sweater was transformed back to its original material -- a skein of yarn -- I've been reusing the yarn to make small knitted projects like hats, socks, scarves, and bags.
How to rip out a sweater and reuse the yarn:
1. Unravel
Snip the bottom of the sweater. It will unravel as you pull. When you rip out a knitted garment, the yarn may be stretched out and kinky. The yarn will need to be wound around something. The easiest way to do this is to use a yarn swift or a wool winder. If you don't have either of those, tie an end to the side of a chair and wind the yarn around the chair as it unravels.
2. Wash
After you've enjoyed the liberating feeling of pulling apart a sweater, soak the sweater in cool water (don't agitate in washing machine or the yarn will felt) with a small amount of mild eco-detergent.
3. Dry
Hang the hank of yarn to drip-dry on a towel or clothes rack, or even place it over a showerhead (keep your floors dry). If the yarn is still kinky, when it is almost dry, wrap the yarn around a chair with a little tension.
4. Rewind
Wind yarn into balls, grab your needles, and start knitting!
Check this out: Here is one of the most incredible videos I have ever seen on the subject of unraveling yarn!
Ronnie Citron-Fink is a writer and educator. Ronnie regularly writes about sustainable living for online sites and magazines. Along with being the creator of http://www.econesting.com/, Ronnie has contributed to numerous books about green home design, DIY, children, and humor. Ronnie lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her family.
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Saturday, November 27, 2010
Michael Kors free shipping over $100
Here is the coupons...
 | |||
http://www.michaelkors.com/index.jhtml | |||
Friday, November 26, 2010
Check out Free scarf deal from Victoria Secret...
Free Scarf with Sweater Purchase
- Add qualifying sweater(s) and the scarf (item #264-385) in Black (093), Red (036), Spruce (N90) or Winter White (B02) to your shopping bag.
- Enter offer code VS10SCARF at checkout.
- The price of your scarf will be adjusted after offer code is applied.
- Valid through 11:59pm EST on December 22, 2010, while supplies last.
You still have time to grab this cool Victoria Secret tote..
Today Only!
Free Tote
with $60 Purchase
- Add qualifying merchandise totaling $60 or more to your shopping bag.
- Enter offer code VSFRIDAY10 at checkout.
- The free tote will be added to your order after offer code is applied.
- Valid through 11:59pm EST on November 26, 2010.
Victoria Secret deals
Cool deals for Victoria Secret....
For Free Shipping and Handling on U.S. Orders of $50 or More:
Valid through 11:59pm EST on December 1, 2010. Gift cards, gift wrap and kits, shipping, handling and taxes do not qualify toward the offer. Offer subject to adjustment due to returns, cancellations and exchanges. Not valid on previous purchases, store purchases or with any other offers that provide discounts on your entire order. Offer may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.
- Add qualifying merchandise totaling $50 or more to your shopping bag.
- Enter offer code FREE50 at checkout.
- Shipping and Handling charges will automatically be deducted after offer code is applied.
- Valid for free standard shipping and handling anywhere in the 48 contiguous United States. Standard shipping and handling to Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. Territories only $4.99.
- Add qualifying merchandise totaling $150 or more to your shopping bag.
- Enter offer code 25OFF150 at checkout.
- Discount will automatically be deducted at checkout for eligible orders after offer code is applied.
- Offer excludes clearance merchandise, Fantasy Bra, UGG® Australia and Frye®.
- Discount cannot be redeemed for cash or used as payment toward your Victoria’s Secret Angel Credit Card.
Valid through 11:59pm EST on December 1, 2010. Gift cards, gift wrap and kits, shipping, handling and taxes do not qualify toward the offer. Offer subject to adjustment due to returns, cancellations and exchanges. Not valid on previous purchases, store purchases or with any other offers that provide discounts on your entire order. Offer may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.
More ways to use leftovers......
I am just trying to make it easy on you all.....new ways to use leftovers...
16 ways to use your holiday fixins', from turkey sandwiches to pumpkin couscous
By: Saveur Magazine sharing the best of the web
16 ways to use your holiday fixins', from turkey sandwiches to pumpkin couscous
By: Saveur Magazine sharing the best of the web
Chef Kenny Shopsin serves this popular breakfast dish at his much-loved namesake restaurant in New York City’s Essex Street Market.
This open-faced sandwich was created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, by chef Fred K. Schmidt, who was looking for a unique midnight snack to serve to all the revelers dancing in the ballroom until the wee hours.
This isn't tetrazzini as you know it. The original, ascribed to Auguste Escoffier ("the king of chefs"), was a rich mixture of sherry-spiked cream, turkey, and cheese, named in honor of Luisa Tetrazzini, a celebrated early-20th-century opera singer. This home-style version is from SAVEUR kitchen director, Liz Pearson, and makes a great use for leftover Thanksgiving turkey
Check other 13 recipes at http://www.saveur.com/article/null/Thanksgiving-Leftovers?cmpid=tw
Learn from these shopping pros and get ready for next year..
It is a good read...learn from other peoples mistake as well as success...
Secret Strategies of a Black Friday-aholic
By: Jessica Dickler, Staff Writer
Friday, November 26, 2010
shoppers have it down to a science.
'I'll never forget my first time'
Tara O'Brien
I'll never forget my first Black Friday sale, buying those pillows at 75% off, the thrill of it all. I bought four! Within an hour of that trip I had spent all my cash and moved onto credit cards.
These days, I've learned to pace myself with careful research ahead of time. From the end of October forward, 'spreadsheets' are developed outlining stores, opening times, items, sale prices and if/when coupons apply. This helps with critical decisions in the moment, such as deciding between two stores that open at the same time.
Secret Strategy: Leave your coat in the car. While you may be cold for that time leading to the store opening up, it gives you much needed freedom to run faster than others. You will thank me when you make it to the jewelry counter first.
Ultimate Score: A regularly priced $250 Coach purse for $75! And I even talked them into throwing in a dust bag.
A Family Affair
Eric Cawley
I can't remember a Black Friday we haven't participated in. For the last week or two, we have been monitoring the Black Friday ad websites. Now that enough ads have been posted, we have a good feeling for what we're going to be purchasing.
We're currently in the process of prioritizing which stores we'll go to. Afterward, we'll pick up all our kids and go out for our traditional "Black Friday Family Feast." Then we'll return home for a well-deserved nap under warm blankets!
Secret Strategy: We may recruit our 16 year-old son, Evan, to ensure we have a presence at three stores simultaneously.
Ultimate Score: Last year, we were one of few who scored a $500 Dyson vacuum for about $300.
Chasing a Thrill
Lori Cunningham
Yes, I will wait in the cold for hours. I love the thrill of the deal and I'm waiting to chase it, but I draw the line at spending the night. I have young children and it's not worth it for me. Nonetheless, I'll be there, out in the cold, with everyone else. There's such an excitement to it -- I feel like a maverick rushing from store to store to score the big deal.
Secret Strategy: This year I'm packing something new to take with me on my one day Black Friday adventure -- a collapsible cart to help me carry my treasures.
Ultimate Score: A couple of years ago I got a big roaster with three pan inserts at Kohl's. I was so excited that I got one of the last ones. I don't remember the price, but it was something like $39 for a $85 roaster.
The Divide and Conquer Approach
Julie Green
Using the store opening times as a guide, we plot which stores we need to hit first. We will often use a divide- and-conquer approach, planning to send one team to Kohl's, for instance, and another to Target We also make sure our cell phones are well-charged, because changes often need to be made in an instant once we're in a store.
With retailers opening earlier and earlier we certainly are getting less and less sleep. Usually we're out the door between 3 and 3:30 a.m., and shop for 12-14 hours straight. Luckily, I live closest to our shopping district here in Billings, and so we generally are able to off-load our purchases 3-4 times during the day.
Ultimate Score: I'd have to give that one to my niece. She got a 52" flat screen last year for $700 -- saving almost $400.
A Spiked Macchiato and Hand Warmers
Erica Sansbury
I will start in line at the Toys R Us in Annapolis, Md., or Columbia at 10 p.m. I've got a supply of hand and feet warmers, and I will surely stop by Starbucks so that I have my Caramel Macchiato spiked a little bit with the good stuff to keep me warm!
After that, I will go to the 24-hour CVS in Laurel for all those free Black Friday deals they have posted, then off to the line at Wal-Mart and last, but not least, Target
Secret Strategy: If you are a mom of a 6-year-old, Toys R Us must be the first stop on Thanksgiving night because they have several products that Wal-Mart and Target never get, like the Princess Tiana Apron & Chef Hat I got last year and the Princess Tiana Snuggie.
A Mother-Daughter Tradition
Courtney Tompkins
I'm 28, and Black Friday shopping with my mom has been a Thanksgiving tradition for 15-plus years. We sit down with all the ads after Thanksgiving lunch and map out our attack.
We scope out which deals we can get online and then organize brick-and-mortar deals by stores' opening time, which deals we want at each store, and map out our route around town. We usually stay up all night, start shopping at midnight and go until Friday afternoon.
Secret Strategy: We put one of my younger sisters in the checkout line as soon as we arrive at the store and then split up, grab items from our list and meet up with my sister ready to check out
Secret Strategies of a Black Friday-aholic
By: Jessica Dickler, Staff Writer
Friday, November 26, 2010
shoppers have it down to a science.
'I'll never forget my first time'
 Courtesy of Tara O'Brien |
| Tara O'Brien (right), with her mother and a friend, after another successful Black Friday in Rochester, N.Y. |
Tara O'Brien
I'll never forget my first Black Friday sale, buying those pillows at 75% off, the thrill of it all. I bought four! Within an hour of that trip I had spent all my cash and moved onto credit cards.
These days, I've learned to pace myself with careful research ahead of time. From the end of October forward, 'spreadsheets' are developed outlining stores, opening times, items, sale prices and if/when coupons apply. This helps with critical decisions in the moment, such as deciding between two stores that open at the same time.
Secret Strategy: Leave your coat in the car. While you may be cold for that time leading to the store opening up, it gives you much needed freedom to run faster than others. You will thank me when you make it to the jewelry counter first.
Ultimate Score: A regularly priced $250 Coach purse for $75! And I even talked them into throwing in a dust bag.
A Family Affair
 Courtesy of Eric Cawley |
| Eric Cawley and his wife, Holly, in Meridian, Idaho. |
Eric Cawley
I can't remember a Black Friday we haven't participated in. For the last week or two, we have been monitoring the Black Friday ad websites. Now that enough ads have been posted, we have a good feeling for what we're going to be purchasing.
We're currently in the process of prioritizing which stores we'll go to. Afterward, we'll pick up all our kids and go out for our traditional "Black Friday Family Feast." Then we'll return home for a well-deserved nap under warm blankets!
Secret Strategy: We may recruit our 16 year-old son, Evan, to ensure we have a presence at three stores simultaneously.
Ultimate Score: Last year, we were one of few who scored a $500 Dyson vacuum for about $300.
Chasing a Thrill
 Courtesy of Lori Cunningham |
| Lori Cunningham, with her roaster, in Los Angeles. |
Lori Cunningham
Yes, I will wait in the cold for hours. I love the thrill of the deal and I'm waiting to chase it, but I draw the line at spending the night. I have young children and it's not worth it for me. Nonetheless, I'll be there, out in the cold, with everyone else. There's such an excitement to it -- I feel like a maverick rushing from store to store to score the big deal.
Secret Strategy: This year I'm packing something new to take with me on my one day Black Friday adventure -- a collapsible cart to help me carry my treasures.
Ultimate Score: A couple of years ago I got a big roaster with three pan inserts at Kohl's. I was so excited that I got one of the last ones. I don't remember the price, but it was something like $39 for a $85 roaster.
The Divide and Conquer Approach
 Courtesy of Justin Wutzke |
| Julie Green shopping at one of her favorite boutiques in Billings, Mont. |
Julie Green
Using the store opening times as a guide, we plot which stores we need to hit first. We will often use a divide- and-conquer approach, planning to send one team to Kohl's, for instance, and another to Target We also make sure our cell phones are well-charged, because changes often need to be made in an instant once we're in a store.
With retailers opening earlier and earlier we certainly are getting less and less sleep. Usually we're out the door between 3 and 3:30 a.m., and shop for 12-14 hours straight. Luckily, I live closest to our shopping district here in Billings, and so we generally are able to off-load our purchases 3-4 times during the day.
Ultimate Score: I'd have to give that one to my niece. She got a 52" flat screen last year for $700 -- saving almost $400.
A Spiked Macchiato and Hand Warmers
 Courtesy of Erica Sansbury |
| Erica Sansbury of Laurel, Md. |
Erica Sansbury
I will start in line at the Toys R Us in Annapolis, Md., or Columbia at 10 p.m. I've got a supply of hand and feet warmers, and I will surely stop by Starbucks so that I have my Caramel Macchiato spiked a little bit with the good stuff to keep me warm!
After that, I will go to the 24-hour CVS in Laurel for all those free Black Friday deals they have posted, then off to the line at Wal-Mart and last, but not least, Target
Secret Strategy: If you are a mom of a 6-year-old, Toys R Us must be the first stop on Thanksgiving night because they have several products that Wal-Mart and Target never get, like the Princess Tiana Apron & Chef Hat I got last year and the Princess Tiana Snuggie.
A Mother-Daughter Tradition
 Courtesy of Courtney Tompkins |
| Courtney Tompkins with her mom, Jeanne, in Urbandale, Iowa. |
Courtney Tompkins
I'm 28, and Black Friday shopping with my mom has been a Thanksgiving tradition for 15-plus years. We sit down with all the ads after Thanksgiving lunch and map out our attack.
We scope out which deals we can get online and then organize brick-and-mortar deals by stores' opening time, which deals we want at each store, and map out our route around town. We usually stay up all night, start shopping at midnight and go until Friday afternoon.
Secret Strategy: We put one of my younger sisters in the checkout line as soon as we arrive at the store and then split up, grab items from our list and meet up with my sister ready to check out
Now comes the time to handle the leftovers....
4 creative ways to re-invent your Thanksgiving leftovers
By: The editors of Eating well magazine
I’m looking forward to roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving, but the real excitement for me lies in what’s for dinner on the days that follow. When I think of cooking for the holidays, I immediately consider the leftovers. I can’t wait to use them in all sorts of other dishes. At Thanksgiving I choose a bigger turkey than I need and I’ll do the same when I’m roasting a whole chicken, since they both lend themselves especially well to day-after-the-party meals. Leftover turkey or chicken makes dinner the next night easy on the cook and easy on the budget.
With only about 144 calories and less than 2 grams of saturated fat per 3-ounce serving, roasted turkey or chicken is healthy as well. Plus, cooked poultry is endlessly versatile. But it’s not just about leftover turkey. Here are some idea for your extra turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and sweet potatoes.
With only about 144 calories and less than 2 grams of saturated fat per 3-ounce serving, roasted turkey or chicken is healthy as well. Plus, cooked poultry is endlessly versatile. But it’s not just about leftover turkey. Here are some idea for your extra turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and sweet potatoes.
I’m looking forward to roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving, but the real excitement for me lies in what’s for dinner on the days that follow. When I think of cooking for the holidays, I immediately consider the leftovers. I can’t wait to use them in all sorts of other dishes. At Thanksgiving I choose a bigger turkey than I need and I’ll do the same when I’m roasting a whole chicken, since they both lend themselves especially well to day-after-the-party meals. Leftover turkey or chicken makes dinner the next night easy on the cook and easy on the budget.
With only about 144 calories and less than 2 grams of saturated fat per 3-ounce serving, roasted turkey or chicken is healthy as well. Plus, cooked poultry is endlessly versatile. But it’s not just about leftover turkey. Here are some idea for your extra turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and sweet potatoes.
With only about 144 calories and less than 2 grams of saturated fat per 3-ounce serving, roasted turkey or chicken is healthy as well. Plus, cooked poultry is endlessly versatile. But it’s not just about leftover turkey. Here are some idea for your extra turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and sweet potatoes.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Great deals from Ritz Camera
If you are camera lover like me here is the place you don't want to miss this Thanksgiving sale...
Have gas, bloating and not so good feeling in you tummy...try this
After Thanksgiving one thing I often hear from my friends is - Indigestion.
We love eating, comeon who are we kidding, we live for eating rather than eating for living atleast I do.
But I also try to incorporate the herbs which are beneficial for my indigestion and let me tell you it helps.
So when I found this article I had to share with you all.
It's a good read.
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a term used to describe one or more symptoms including a feeling of fullness during a meal, uncomfortable fullness after a meal, and burning or pain in the upper abdomen; it may cause bloating, belching, and nausea. One thing is certain, it's no fun!
If that last wafer-thin mint has you cowering on the couch, you may want to try one of these natural aids for indigestion. Herbs have been used for millennia to treat any matter of ailments, and indigestion seems to be one woe that is well-suited for natural remedies.
Fennel / Fennel Seed
There is a reason Indian restaurants serve the fennel seed mix, Mukhwas, after dinner. Fennel seed has long been used to help fight gas, cramps, and acid indigestion, and to help ease spasms in the intestinal tract.
Fennel has a long history of use in both food and medicine. Traditionally, it is said to act as a carminative, which means that it helps the body expel gas and sooth indigestion. Fennel is also a common ingredient in "gripe water," a traditional (and very alcoholic, by the way) preparation used for treating infant colic.
Fennel leaves can be used to make tea. NYU Langone Medical Center says that a typical dose of fennel is 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of seeds per day.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has been a favorite since the Middle Ages for reducing stress and anxiety, abetting sleep, sparking appetite, and easing indigestion.
These days, lemon balm is commonly mixed with other calming herbs to help promote relaxation. Evidence suggests that lemon balm, in combination with other herbs, may help treat indigestion -- although just soothing the stress alone can sometimes help with dyspepsia.
To reduce indigestion, flatulence, or bloating, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends:
Capsules: Take 300 - 500 mg dried lemon balm, 3 times daily or as needed.
Tea: 1.5 - 4.5 grams (1/4 - 1 teaspoonful) of dried lemon balm herb in hot water. Steep and drink up to 4 times daily.
Tincture: 2 - 3 mL (40 - 90 drops), 3 times daily
Turmeric
Turmeric is the little minx of the spice drawer -- super bright, spicy, and boasting a broad array of health claims. You may know it as the main spice in curry and the one which imparts that intense golden glow, but turmeric is also used for health remedies.
In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation. It has also traditionally been used for heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, intestinal gas, and stomach bloating.
According to the NYU Langone Medical Center, turmeric's superpower comes in the form of the substance, curcumin, that, among other properties, may stimulate gallbladder contractions. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that 87% percent of the curcumin group experienced full or partial symptom relief from dyspepsia as compared to 53% of the placebo group.
The National Institutes of Health recommends a dosage of 500 mg of turmeric four times daily for dyspepsia.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions. In China, ginger has been used to aid all types of digestion disorders for more than 2,000 years. Fast-forward to modern medicine, and health care professionals still commonly recommend ginger to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting. It is also used as a digestive aid for mild stomach upset.
Germany's Commission E has approved ginger as a treatment for indigestion and motion sickness. Curiously, while most anti-nausea drugs work on the brain and the inner ear, ginger seems to act directly on the stomach.
For most purposes, the standard dosage of powdered ginger is 1 to 4 g daily, divided into 2 to 4 doses per day. (To prevent motion sickness, you should aim to begin treatment 1 or 2 days before the trip and continue it throughout the period of travel.)
Artichoke Leaf
If you have ever wondered what in the world were those Italians thinking when they invented the artichoke aperitif liqueur, Cynar, here's you answer. In traditional European medicine, the leaves of the artichoke plant (not the leaves of the bud, which is the part that we eat) were used as a diuretic to stimulate the kidneys and as well as the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder; which plays a starring role in digestion.
Over the past century, much research has been done looking into the traditional medicinal uses of the artichoke plant; conclusions suggest that the plant does indeed stimulate the kidney and gallbladder. In the mid-20th century, Italian scientists isolated a compound from artichoke leaf called cynarin, which appeared to duplicate many of the effects of whole artichoke. Salute!
In 2003, a large study evaluated artichoke leaf as a treatment for dyspepsia; artichoke leaf extract proved significantly more effective than placebo for alleviating symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Germany's Commission E has authorized the use of artichoke leaf use for "dyspeptic problems" -- they recommend 6 grams of the dried herb or its equivalent per day, usually divided into 3 doses. Artichoke leaf extracts should be taken according to label instructions.
Peppermint
Peppermint is often used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid in digestion. Because of its subtle numbing effect, it has been used to treat everything from headaches, skin irritations, and anxiety to nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and flatulence.
Peppermint oil seems to be helpful for a variety of conditions that involve spasm of the intestinal tract. Most studies have involved irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), for which peppermint oil has shown considerable promise.
Peppermint relaxes the muscles that struggle with digestive gas and improve the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats. In studies on using peppermint to treat IBS, there seems to be a trend indicating mild effectiveness in the reduction of some symptoms, especially flatulence and abdominal pain and distension. However, if your symptoms of indigestion are related to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, peppermint should not be used.
Cayenne
OK, this one is confusing: Doesn't spicy food cause stomach aches? According to the folks at NYU, evidence suggests that oral use of cayenne can reduce the pain of dyspepsia! Counter-intuitive, at best, but apparently hot peppers don't actually inflame the tissues they contact; in fact, hot peppers aren't even harmful for ulcers. Rather, they merely produce sensations similar to those caused by actual damage.
Oral use of capsaicin seems to reduce discomfort in the stomach. In a double-blind study, individuals with dyspepsia were given either 2.5 g daily of red pepper powder (divided up and taken prior to meals) or placebo for 5 weeks. By the third week of treatment, individuals taking red pepper were experiencing significant improvements in pain, bloating, and nausea as compared to placebo, and these relative improvements lasted through the end of the study.
For treatment of dyspepsia, cayenne may be taken at a dosage of 0.5 to 1.0 g three times daily (prior to meals).
For these and all herbs, do not exceed dosage recommendations, and be sure to consult with your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medication
We love eating, comeon who are we kidding, we live for eating rather than eating for living atleast I do.
But I also try to incorporate the herbs which are beneficial for my indigestion and let me tell you it helps.
So when I found this article I had to share with you all.
It's a good read.
Seven herbs for indigestion
By Melissa BreyerMore from Care2 Green Living blog
Common causes for indigestion include overeating, eating too quickly, fatty or greasy foods, too much caffeine, too much alcohol, too much chocolate, nervousness, and emotional trauma. Translation: The holidays. Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a term used to describe one or more symptoms including a feeling of fullness during a meal, uncomfortable fullness after a meal, and burning or pain in the upper abdomen; it may cause bloating, belching, and nausea. One thing is certain, it's no fun!
If that last wafer-thin mint has you cowering on the couch, you may want to try one of these natural aids for indigestion. Herbs have been used for millennia to treat any matter of ailments, and indigestion seems to be one woe that is well-suited for natural remedies.
Fennel / Fennel Seed
There is a reason Indian restaurants serve the fennel seed mix, Mukhwas, after dinner. Fennel seed has long been used to help fight gas, cramps, and acid indigestion, and to help ease spasms in the intestinal tract.
Fennel has a long history of use in both food and medicine. Traditionally, it is said to act as a carminative, which means that it helps the body expel gas and sooth indigestion. Fennel is also a common ingredient in "gripe water," a traditional (and very alcoholic, by the way) preparation used for treating infant colic.
Fennel leaves can be used to make tea. NYU Langone Medical Center says that a typical dose of fennel is 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of seeds per day.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has been a favorite since the Middle Ages for reducing stress and anxiety, abetting sleep, sparking appetite, and easing indigestion.
These days, lemon balm is commonly mixed with other calming herbs to help promote relaxation. Evidence suggests that lemon balm, in combination with other herbs, may help treat indigestion -- although just soothing the stress alone can sometimes help with dyspepsia.
To reduce indigestion, flatulence, or bloating, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends:
Capsules: Take 300 - 500 mg dried lemon balm, 3 times daily or as needed.
Tea: 1.5 - 4.5 grams (1/4 - 1 teaspoonful) of dried lemon balm herb in hot water. Steep and drink up to 4 times daily.
Tincture: 2 - 3 mL (40 - 90 drops), 3 times daily
Turmeric
Turmeric is the little minx of the spice drawer -- super bright, spicy, and boasting a broad array of health claims. You may know it as the main spice in curry and the one which imparts that intense golden glow, but turmeric is also used for health remedies.
In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation. It has also traditionally been used for heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, intestinal gas, and stomach bloating.
According to the NYU Langone Medical Center, turmeric's superpower comes in the form of the substance, curcumin, that, among other properties, may stimulate gallbladder contractions. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that 87% percent of the curcumin group experienced full or partial symptom relief from dyspepsia as compared to 53% of the placebo group.
The National Institutes of Health recommends a dosage of 500 mg of turmeric four times daily for dyspepsia.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions. In China, ginger has been used to aid all types of digestion disorders for more than 2,000 years. Fast-forward to modern medicine, and health care professionals still commonly recommend ginger to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting. It is also used as a digestive aid for mild stomach upset.
Germany's Commission E has approved ginger as a treatment for indigestion and motion sickness. Curiously, while most anti-nausea drugs work on the brain and the inner ear, ginger seems to act directly on the stomach.
For most purposes, the standard dosage of powdered ginger is 1 to 4 g daily, divided into 2 to 4 doses per day. (To prevent motion sickness, you should aim to begin treatment 1 or 2 days before the trip and continue it throughout the period of travel.)
Artichoke Leaf
If you have ever wondered what in the world were those Italians thinking when they invented the artichoke aperitif liqueur, Cynar, here's you answer. In traditional European medicine, the leaves of the artichoke plant (not the leaves of the bud, which is the part that we eat) were used as a diuretic to stimulate the kidneys and as well as the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder; which plays a starring role in digestion.
Over the past century, much research has been done looking into the traditional medicinal uses of the artichoke plant; conclusions suggest that the plant does indeed stimulate the kidney and gallbladder. In the mid-20th century, Italian scientists isolated a compound from artichoke leaf called cynarin, which appeared to duplicate many of the effects of whole artichoke. Salute!
In 2003, a large study evaluated artichoke leaf as a treatment for dyspepsia; artichoke leaf extract proved significantly more effective than placebo for alleviating symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Germany's Commission E has authorized the use of artichoke leaf use for "dyspeptic problems" -- they recommend 6 grams of the dried herb or its equivalent per day, usually divided into 3 doses. Artichoke leaf extracts should be taken according to label instructions.
Peppermint
Peppermint is often used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid in digestion. Because of its subtle numbing effect, it has been used to treat everything from headaches, skin irritations, and anxiety to nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and flatulence.
Peppermint oil seems to be helpful for a variety of conditions that involve spasm of the intestinal tract. Most studies have involved irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), for which peppermint oil has shown considerable promise.
Peppermint relaxes the muscles that struggle with digestive gas and improve the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats. In studies on using peppermint to treat IBS, there seems to be a trend indicating mild effectiveness in the reduction of some symptoms, especially flatulence and abdominal pain and distension. However, if your symptoms of indigestion are related to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, peppermint should not be used.
Cayenne
OK, this one is confusing: Doesn't spicy food cause stomach aches? According to the folks at NYU, evidence suggests that oral use of cayenne can reduce the pain of dyspepsia! Counter-intuitive, at best, but apparently hot peppers don't actually inflame the tissues they contact; in fact, hot peppers aren't even harmful for ulcers. Rather, they merely produce sensations similar to those caused by actual damage.
Oral use of capsaicin seems to reduce discomfort in the stomach. In a double-blind study, individuals with dyspepsia were given either 2.5 g daily of red pepper powder (divided up and taken prior to meals) or placebo for 5 weeks. By the third week of treatment, individuals taking red pepper were experiencing significant improvements in pain, bloating, and nausea as compared to placebo, and these relative improvements lasted through the end of the study.
For treatment of dyspepsia, cayenne may be taken at a dosage of 0.5 to 1.0 g three times daily (prior to meals).
For these and all herbs, do not exceed dosage recommendations, and be sure to consult with your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medication
Early Bird specials at DICK'S Sporting Goods
Shop from 5am till 2 pm on Friday for early bird Specials..
Last Minute Thanksgiving recipes
What if you need to whip up something really quick?????....
Here are few recipes from Foodnetwork.com...might help you to throw a super-duper Thanksgiving diner.
Happy Thanksgiving.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/menus/quick-easy-thanksgiving-menu/index.html
Here are few recipes from Foodnetwork.com...might help you to throw a super-duper Thanksgiving diner.
Happy Thanksgiving.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/menus/quick-easy-thanksgiving-menu/index.html
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, or cashews)
- 1 bunch watercress
- 1 bunch arugula
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Belgian endive
- 2 ripe pears, such as Anjou, Bartlett, or Comice
- 2 ounces mild blue cheese (about 1/2 cup loosely packed crumbles)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the nuts on a sheet pan in a single layer. Bake, shaking the pan occasionally, until the nuts are toasted and fragrant, about 7 to 10 minutes. Let the nuts cool, and then coarsely chop.
Trim the stems of the watercress and arugula. Wash and dry the leaves.
Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar and mustard together in a large salad bowl. Season with the 1/4 teaspoon salt and some pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream, to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing.
Halve the endive lengthwise, cut out core, then thinly slice crosswise and add all the lettuces to the bowl. Quarter and core the unpeeled pears and thinly slice; add to the salad. Scatter the cheese and nuts over the salad, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Toss the salad gently to evenly dress all the greens. Divide among 4 plates and serve immediately
Trim the stems of the watercress and arugula. Wash and dry the leaves.
Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar and mustard together in a large salad bowl. Season with the 1/4 teaspoon salt and some pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream, to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing.
Halve the endive lengthwise, cut out core, then thinly slice crosswise and add all the lettuces to the bowl. Quarter and core the unpeeled pears and thinly slice; add to the salad. Scatter the cheese and nuts over the salad, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Toss the salad gently to evenly dress all the greens. Divide among 4 plates and serve immediately
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