Christmas Straight from the Heart!

I have already posted my December Blog "Good Health is our Greatest Wealth" but being so close to Christmas I thought it only appropriate to post a second blog that was in some way related to Christmas. You've probably guessed what my January topic is going to be - "Losing those extra Holiday pounds" ...lol

I don't know if its just me but Christmas seems to come around quicker and quicker each year. There's still only 365 days in a year so I guess its just me... lol! If you read my November blog you will remember I said that Christmas was one of my favorite Holidays. Aside from the fact that its one of the biggest religious celebrations, there's something very magical about the love that is felt at this time of year - no other Holiday, in my opinion, generates so much love and goodwill as Christmas and the New Year.

I know what I am about to say may sound a little selfish, especially in a world that is full of poverty and potical wars but until 6 or 7 years ago Christmas was the one time of year when I would always look to my boyfriend, my significant other, my husband (whatever relationship I happen to be in around Christmas time) to adorn me with beautiful meaningful gifts (well, I am a Caribbean Queen and Queens should be showered with gifts, right! ...lol). I was always such low maintenance throughout the year that I felt Christmas was 'my time.' I wanted gifts that showed me how much he truly cared, how much I really meant to him and how special our relationship was. Surprisingly, I wanted this more at Christmas time than any other time of the year, even more than my birthday which I know is a little strange. However, sadly I don't think this wish was ever really fulfilled by ANYONE (ahhhhh) ... I bet I know what you're thinking. No, its not that I expected really extravagant gifts, just things that showed either aaaalot of thought, effort or sacrifice (by-the-way, an expensive gift would fall under the 'sacrifice' category... lol).... I hope you're not feeling sorry for me or, even worse, being mad at me because underneath all that superficial stuff I really do feel very blessed: I am in relatively good health (of course it would be even better if I exercised more); I have a healthy spunky eleven year old, I have a roof over my head, food on the table, basic home comforts, a home-based business that I love... the list just goes on and one. So you see, I do take time to reflect and appreciate all that I have and also on those who have nothing - nothing but inner turbulence, a spiritual void, no family to reminisce with, no friends to celebrate with - just total loneliness! Yes, I really do have a lot to be grateful for. Today when I ask myself if I care about receiving the perfect Christmas gift?" My answer is "absolutely not!!!" Hey, but finding a new Lexus in the driveway on Christmas day would be kind'a nice... I'm just kidding!!!

'Tis most definitely the season to be jolly but more importantly 'tis the season for giving (to the needy that is). So now would be a great time to let go of any unrealistic gift expectations and turn your focus to the less fortunate. By doing this I think you will find yourself becoming far more appreciative of anything you receive!

In addition to the above why not also do some internal cleansing: If you are holding on to any negative thoughts, malicious intentions or hateful feelings towards your spouse, a friend, neighbor, co-worker or family member, now would be a good time to let it go and take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or whatever your celebratory term happens to be...

REJOICE and GIVE THANKS!!!

Have a Happy & Safe Holiday Season!

Hope you continue to follow my blogs in 2010.

Global love and peace to all,


"CQ"

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Warm Birthday Wishes to
All the Special Women Born in **December**

No Birthdays listed for December

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Good Health is Your Greatest Wealth

We often forget that good health is our greatest wealth!

Let's not be so busy trying to create wealth that we neglect our health and possibly the health of our family. First and foremost, we need to invest in ourselves!

About five months ago I discovered a great new "chewable" dietary supplement that is totally natural (the best from land & sea). It took three years to research and formulate and only became available about eighteen months ago. The name of this supplement is...drum roll please..... chews-4-health . It is already receiving national recognition and is getting ready to enter the European arena in 2010. C-4-H is the sponsor of Lifetime's "The Balancing Act." Among its customers and endorsers is Actor Stephen Baldwin (brother to Alec Baldwin), Actress & Health Advocate Suzanne Somers, Football Celeb Jerome "The Bus" Bettis... to name but a few (I only drop these names to confirm its legitimacy). I take my C4H daily and love 'em plus they actually taste good. Oh, and the good news is they are safe enough for children (2 yrs and older), nursing mothers, pregnant women yet potent enough for the biggest bodybuilders. Please find out more about the ingredients by visiting:

www.chews4health.com/botanicalhealth

(The Chews-4-Health corporate headquarters is located in North Carolina and can be visited between 9am-5pm Mon-Fri if you happen to live in NC. C4H is not just a name you type on your internet browser, they are actually a 'bricks & mortar' company).

Yes, I am an Affiliate for this incredible product but I only became an Affiliate after I started seeing positive results with my own eyes. Nowadays, I actually make it a point to become an Affiliate for any product, service, business concept or company I feel has something of value to offer especially since most affiliate programs are usually free or low-cost and many provide tremendous value to us but without Affiliates or multi-million dollar advertising campaigns few of us would even know about them... but I digress! Let me get back to the point of my blog - health!

Those of you who know me, know that while I fully support integrative medicine I am a firm believer in the amazing healing powers of Mother Nature (the botanical approach). I believe Mother Nature has almost everything we need to achieve optimal health & natural beauty. Add to that, we all know digestion and absorption begins in the mouth - firstly breaking down food with our teeth; secondly adding digestive enzymes from our saliva to break down the nutrients and only when this process is complete do we attempt to swallow the food. So why should a dietary supplement be broken down any differently? "Chewing" your way to better health makes perfect sense to me!

Anyway, before I start sounding like an infomercial, just check out the Chews-4-Health website and do your own research.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope it encouraged you to sit back and re-evaluate your priorities!

To you good health and natural beauty,


"CQ"

Find more videos like this on Breakthrough Marketing




PS....... By-the-way, there are several ways to be reimbursed for the cost of the chews if money is an issue or if you need to supplement your income, one of them is a very unique program called NCM (national co-op marketing) where 90% of the referral work is done for you. Like I said earlier, I don't want to sound like an infomercial so I encourage you to check it out for yourself. Send me a message if you have any questions.

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Warm Birthday Wishes to
All the Special Women Born in **December**

No Birthdays listed for December

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Good-bye "Thanksgiving" Hello "Christmas"

As I sit here feeling totally stuffed (and without guilt may I add) I reflect on the true meaning of "Thanksgiving" and all that I have to be thankful for. I am not going to list everything because I don't think you would be interested in reading my long list. However, I would like to mention something most of you may find surprising - its the world wide web - yes, the internet. What a wonderful invention. It has connected me with hundreds of people across the globe, people that I could have only dreamed of meeting some twenty or thirty years ago. In addition, it has re-united me with family and friends that I had lost touch with. Those of you who know me, know that I love diversity in every sense of the word: from the cities I chose to live in, to my diverse business ventures and add to that my new-found global connections through the internet. Yes, I think we all have a lot to be truly thankful for, big and small.

I am now looking forward to Christmas (or whatever name your religion gives this special time of year). Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. The beautiful lights, The Mall Santas, the Carol singers, the bell ringers; the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree and adorning it with beautiful ornaments. Basically, we prepare our homes as if we are expecting royalty. You may find this strange but I also love the hustle and bustle of the crowds in the Malls; people shopping with excitement (okay, sometimes with frustration) for that perfect Christmas gift. But most of all, I love the spirit of giving, of sharing and of love that electrifies and unifies the entire country during this special time of year. I love it all!

And then comes the New Year! Out with the old and in with new. New resolutions, renewed determinations, re-ignited passions, new hope, new ventures, new beginnings... Oh, and let's not forget the NEW DIETS!!! (lol)

"Never underestimate the power of sharing."

Global love & peace to all.

"CQ"

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Warm Birthday Wishes to
All the Special Women Born in **November**

Lorena Porter (11/03) Greater Los Angeles, CA

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Blowing the Whistle on Anti-Perspirant

B.O. Doesn't have to be a nasty word (or two words in this case). Read my blog and I am confident you will choose the BEST OPTION!

An interesting question was asked during one of the Breast Cancer Awareness seminars. The question was "why was the most common area for Breast Cancer near the armpit." The question could not be answered at the time but an e-mail was later sent to the person who expressed concern and the answer was even more interesting than the question. It will hopefully make you rethink your every day use of a product that could ultimately lead to a terminal illness. The newly learned information was shared with friend who was going through chemotherapy. However, she advised that she already knew this, she had apparently recently learned it through a cancer support group.

So what is this product? Well, the title probably gave it away but it's *ANTI-PERSPIRANT.* Yes, the leading cause of breast cancer is the use of anti-perspirant.

Most of the products out there are an anti-perspirant/deodorant combination, so check your products. Deodorant is fine, anti-perspirant is not!

Here's why you should avoid the use of anti-perspirant: The human body has a few areas that it uses to purge toxins; behind the knees, behind the ears, groin area, and armpits. The toxins are purged in the form of perspiration. Anti-perspirant, as the name clearly indicates, prevents you from perspiring, thereby inhibiting the body from purging toxins from below the armpits. These toxins do not just magically disappear. Instead, the body deposits them in the lymph nodes below the arms since it cannot sweat them out.

Nearly all breast cancer tumors occur in the upper outside quadrant of the breast area. This is precisely where the lymph nodes are located. Additionally, men are less likely (but not completely exempt) to develop breast cancer prompted by anti-perspirant usage because most of the anti-perspirant product is caught in their hair and is not directly applied to the skin.

Women who apply anti-perspirant right after shaving increase the risk further because shaving causes almost imperceptible nicks in the skin which give the chemicals entrance into the body from the armpit area.

PLEASE share this information on to anyone you care about. Breast cancer is becoming frighteningly common.

This awareness may save lives.

Need more proof?

CBS News reported on this way back in 2005/6 (see excerpts below):

"Could the myth that correlates antiperspirants with breast cancer be true? Though it has dispelled such rumors in the past, the FDA now says studies are inconclusive." Sharyl Attkisson.

Antiperspirant Alternatives :Sharyl Attkisson previously looked into claims by some doctors that using antiperspirants might be linked to breast cancer. In this follow-up, she examines possible alternatives to antiperspirants.

Dr. Kris McGrath, right, an immunologist and instructor at Northwestern University, has been intrigued by a potential breast cancer link since medical school. (CBS)

Log on to CBS News for complete article and videos.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/12/05/eveningnews/main1098995.shtml

To your health,

"CQ"

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Warm Birthday Wishes to
All the Special Women Born in **October**

Natasha Clark 10/12 (London, England)

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Keep Your Dreams Alive!

I had to share this article by Valerie Burton with you. It echoes my every thought!




Studies show that "grit" - perseverance and passion for long-term goals - may be as essential to your success as intelligence. Is there something you're passionate about, but feel discouraged that success hasn't happened as quickly as you'd like? Ready to give up and try something else? Have doubts caused you to downsize the dream?



Use these strategies to keep your dreams alive:



1. Pursue what calls you.To have grit, you need to work towards goals you'll stick with, especially when times are tough. Without a passion for what you're doing, it will be too hard to resist the temptation to move on to something else.



2. Plan for a marathon, not a sprint.In fact, research on high achievers often shows their big breakthroughs happened, on average, ten years into their journey.



3. Acknowledge your progress.Celebrating milestones keeps you motivated to take more steps forward.



4. Adjust your definition of success.While the world often focuses on measures such as money and status, your definition of success might be measured by the impact you've made, the growth you've experienced or the fun you're having. Measure your success by the things that hold the most meaning for you.



5. Get down to business.With so many distractions vying for your attention, the ability to focus is harder than ever. But you can do it. Plans are important, but it's even more important to take consistent action towards your dreams. Practice the art of getting things done, especially in the face of challenges. Show some grit.



Coach yourself:

In what area of your life do you need to show more grit? How could you tap into your passion to help you persevere? Which of these five steps is time to apply to your life?




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Valorie Burton is a professional life coach, speaker and bestselling author of several books, including Why Not You? 28 Days to Authentic Confidence. Subscribe to her popular inspirational e-newsletter at http://www.valorieburton.com/.

Dream big!

"CQ"

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Warm Birthday Wishes to

All the Special Women Born in **September**

Kalunda Bates 9/6 (Woodland Hills, CA)

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A few products from the "Botanical Health & Beauty Shop"

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Happiness has a different meaning to different people. Many of us blame circumstances, family members, friends, co-workers, our boss or our neighbors for our unhappiness but we often fail to realize that we are the ones who create the ground rules for our happiness. Without a doubt others can affect our mood but true happiness is a learned mindset and the day-to-day obstacles that rattle our cage are merely miniature setbacks that should only temporarily affect our mood not our overall happiness. How do we learn to detach ourselves from the negative forces that plague our daily lives? I believe achieving optimal health, financial stability and inner serenity (by that I mean the peace of mind found through religion, meditation, yoga and things of that nature...) should be the foundation of our happiness.

I don't want to offend anyone but I think we as women, often let our significant other dictate our level of happiness. Don't go through life blaming your misery on the man or woman in your life or on anyone for that matter. We all have choices and its often the choices we make that determine our level of happiness not the person we are with. So what's the answer? In my opinion, I think we should think long and hard about the choices we make in life and secondly, we need to make sure we get our daily dose of laughter no matter what. Now I'm laughing because I'm reminded of that Orbit chewing gum commercial where the British woman says 'NO MATTER WOT in her best English accent at the end of her little sales pitch!... Now you're laughing. See, laughter is contagious...lol.

Laughter is definitely food for the soul. My child-like sense of humor as seen me through many dull moments.

Try incorporating something that gives you enormous pleasure into your daily routine and show off your pearly whites!

Thank you for reading my blog!

(keeping it short and sweet this month - busy month)

CQ


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Warm Birthday Wishes to
All the Special Women Born in **August**



Avis Lord, 8/3 (Wickford, England)

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Saying Goodbye to a Legend : Michael J. Jackson (1958-2009)

Its been almost two weeks since that fateful day (6/25/09) and I still can't believe Michael is no longer with us.

My 11 yr old daughter is just as devastated as me. She developed a little crush on Michael about a year ago. Unlike her, I have the wisdom to know that Michael has now found eternal peace but my daughter is too young to fully understand that - she is having to deal with some very unfamiliar emotions right now. In fact she has said to me several times "what if Michael is not really dead but is hiding out somewhere because he just wants to be left alone"....Wow, wouldn't that be something if it were true.

Changing the subject somewhat, I'm sitting at my computer thinking its funny how you can physically live so close to someone but they could just as easily live on Mars because your paths never ever cross. I am talking about the Jackson family who happen live in Encino, California, less than five miles from me. Until the passing of Michael, it never really dawned on me how close I actually lived to the Jackson family. Since Michael's passing I have found myself toying with the idea of joining the hundreds of people camping outside the Jackson home just to feel that JACKSON ENERGY albeit for a brief moment but of course I won't.

I tried going online to enter the Memorial ticket lottery as soon as it was announced last Friday (7/3/09). However, I had such a hard time submitting my name on staplescenter.com that I eventually gave up. I later found out it was because the site kept crashing with the volume of e-traffic. I guess everyone and their mamma wanted to get Memorial tickets. Anyway, I'm not too disappointed - I'm sure I'll see more by watching it on the TV tomorrow. It was really just the thought of physically being there to pay tribute to the King of Pop as I live so close and also the desire to feel the enormous love and unity of the crowd. On reflection, it was the same feeling of unity I felt when Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.

The one thing I am not looking forward to is the inevitable legal circus over control of MJs Estate. It's going to get real ugly. It's only been a few days since his passing and it has already started. I can't help but to wonder why Michael made that change to his Will without telling his mother? My analytical mind tells me it could be that he was concerned that his mother may be too old at the time of his death or maybe he didn't want his legal affairs to become a burden to her in her twilight years. Bottom line, it really isn't my business, it's just my curiosity!

I know no one from the Jackson family will ever read this blog but I would still like to take the opportunity to extend my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of their son and brother. I know they will never forget him but "time" is a great healer and the pain they feel today will eventually be over-shadowed by happier memories. Until then the love and prayers offered by the trillions of fans and well-wishers (worldwide) will keep them strong.

Rest in Peace Michael!

"CQ"

Nelista Lord-Morgan
(written on the eve of the MJ Memorial, Mon 7/6/09 )

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Warm Birthday Wishes to
All the Special Women Born in **July**

Latisha Styles, 7/7 (West Hills, CA)

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A Mother's Pride

5th Grade Culmination Day (Elementary School)
June 18th, 2009
Southern California

A beautiful day, a beautiful event
and a beautiful daughter (at least I think so)

It's hard to believe this "little girl" is only 11, yes 11!

This was truly a beautiful day. I guess it was a kind of dress-rehearsal for her High School Graduation in 7 years time. But unlike her culmination, her graduation is going to be waaay more costly... with the stretch limo, the beautiful gown and shoes to match, the dynamic after-party and bills to match not to mention a whole lot of nail-biting until she's safely back home. With all that aside, when that day comes (God willing) I will at least be able to re-live that moment of monumental pride that I felt watch her walk across the stage on 6/18 coupled with the realization that my little girl is about to enter into womanhood and really isn't so little anymore!


Okay, so I gave in and let her wear a little make that day (just a little, although it looks like a lot in that photo)!


No, the girl next to her is NOT a 5th Grader, she's a high school student (she's actually the sister of one of my daughter's BFFs ).



Enjoy your children while you can 'coz before you know it they're all grown up and leaving the nest!!!

"CQ"

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Warm Birthday Wishes to
All the Special Women Born in **June**

Ramona (Mona) Burns 06/05

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Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common medical problems faced by women - especially those between the ages of 30 and 55. However, fibroids can and do occur in women under the age of 35, even women in their early 20s.

While every woman is at risk, uterine fibroid tumors are highly prevalent among African American women; an estimated 50-80% will develop fibroids at some point in their life. Please take a moment to learn more about uterine fibroids, and the risks and symptoms associated with them. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

Heavy Periods?
Pelvic Pain?
Enlarged Abdomen?
Frequent Urination
Constipation/Bloating?

If your answer is 'yes' to any or all of the above questions you might have uterine fibroids!

This is what former model Beverly Johnson had to say about uterine fibroids:


Hi, I’m Beverly Johnson. As a model, actress and business woman, much of my career and life has centered around taking care of my body and my health. Still, I was not immune to suffering from uterine fibroids, an often painful condition that affects up to 75% of American women.

I was uninformed and unprepared to manage the treatment of my uterine fibroids, and as a result, it took me many years to recover from the surgeries I had to treat them. Unfortunately, many women are in the same place I was when it comes to understanding uterine fibroids. A recent national survey* found the majority of women have misconceptions about uterine fibroids and lack basic information about treatment options.

You only have one body – take good care of it! Join me in the cause to ensure women are informed about uterine fibroids – who is at risk and the resources and host of treatment options that are available. Learn the answers to the 4 questions all women should ask about uterine fibroids, and help others by sharing this information with 4 or more of your friends, family members, and colleagues.

1. Am I at risk for uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, are benign (non-cancerous) tumors in or on the walls of the uterus. While all women are at risk for developing fibroids, they occur most often in women ages 30 – 55. African American women are three times more likely to develop fibroids than Caucasian women.


2. How do I know if I have uterine fibroids?Most uterine fibroids cause no symptoms, and may only be discovered when you have a routine pelvic examination. Uterine fibroids can range in size from one-quarter to six inches or more in diameter. As they grow uterine fibroids can distort the inside, as well as the outside, of the uterus and you may experience the following symptoms of fibroids:

Heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged monthly periods sometimes with clots
Anemia (fatigue due to low red blood cell count)
Pain or pressure between the hip bones or in the back of the legs
Pain during sexual intercourse
Frequent need to urinate
Constipation or bloating
An enlarged abdomen

Women should speak to their doctor if they experience any of the above uterine fibroid symptoms. There are a number of tests your doctor can conduct to confirm whether you have uterine fibroids.


3. What options are available for the treatment of fibroids?
There are several options available ranging from minimally invasive procedures, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), to surgical options, such as a hysterectomy (complete removal of the uterus) and myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids). Factors to consider when making your uterine fibroid treatment decision include: desire for fertility, recovery time, symptom recurrence rate, need for post-procedure hormone replacement therapy, the risk of early menopause, cost and additional effects on the body. Click here to see a chart of fibroid treatment options and the advantages anad disadvantages of each option.


4. To whom should I talk if I think I have uterine fibroids?
It is important for women to weigh their fibroid treatment options carefully. When seeking fibroid treatment options , women should conduct personal research, speak to other women and consult with their primary care doctor, gynecologist and/or an interventional radiologist (physician who uses imaging to conduct minimally invasive procedures to treat conditions including uterine fibroids).

CQ

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Warm Birthday Wishes to

All the Special Women Born in **April**

No Birthdays reported this month

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Women's Health (Part II) : "Inner Youth"

HORMONE IMBALANCE

Following on from Part I of "Inner Youth" posted on 2/7/09 I would like to list the signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance and inner toxicity (two of the most overlooked problems in women). According to Dr. Deanna Osborn, D.O., “Hormone Imbalance is an epidemic among American women causing ailments from severe PMS to breast cancer. Estrogen dominance is thought to be the culprit of hormonal imbalance.” The information below is courtesy of Dr Deanna Osborn, Dr Elson Hass and Natural Healing.

Symptoms of hormone imbalance include:

PMS

Hot flashes
Difficulty with concentration

Hair loss
Vaginal dryness

Loss of sex drive
Certain auto immune disorders

Migraine headaches
Mood Swings Depression
Osteoporosis Fatigue
Fluid Retention

Irregular menstrual cycles
Heavy bleeding during menses

Thinning hair
Fibrocystic Breasts

Symptoms of slow thyroid
Sleep disturbances

Uterine fibroids
Unexplained weight gain

Dry, thin, wrinkly skin

Symptoms of hormone imbalance are caused primarily by imbalance between progesterone and estrogen levels in the body. The two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, exist in a delicate balance. Variations in that balance can have a dramatic effect on your health, resulting in symptoms of hormone imbalance. The amounts of these hormones that the woman's body produces from month to month can vary, depending on factors such as stress, nutrition, exercise and most importantly ovulation or the lack of ovulation.

How can a woman tell if she is experiencing hormone imbalance symptoms? An easy, fast and effective way is to take the online test provided by a leading women's health clinic for early signs of menopause and symptoms of hormone imbalance in women. The online test takes just a few minutes and is free. Learn more about your health, symptoms, what the symptoms are telling you and what to do about it based on your answers to important questions. Read more about hormone imbalance, estrogen dominance symptoms and physician-recommended natural treatments for eliminating the symptoms of hormone imbalance.

Take the online test: http://www.womentowomen.com/

I also recommend this DVD: "Restoring Hormone Balance Naturally" $9.95 from http://smarttools.soundconcepts.com/c/dvds (Item Code GD050)
and http://thebestyou.ning.com/profiles/blogs/get-rid-of-that-bitch

DETOXIFICATION

"Colon Health"

I think we are all well versed in the enormous benefits of detoxifying our liver, kidneys, blood stream and colon but I am only going to focus on the importance of colon health in this article.

Toxicity is of much greater concern in the twentieth century than ever before. We have many new and stronger chemicals, air and water pollution, radiation and nuclear power. We ingest new chemicals, use more drugs of all kinds, eat more sugar and refined foods, and daily abuse ourselves with various stimulants and sedatives. The incidence of many toxicity diseases has increased as well. Toxicity occurs on two basic levels--external and internal. We can acquire toxins from our environment by breathing them, by ingesting them, or through physical contact with them.

In recent years, detoxifying the colon has become one of the most popular therapies commonly recommended by natural health practitioners. For good reason since more than 50 percent of the immune system is located in or around the digestive system, especially the large intestine. This means that until the colon is thoroughly cleansed and the toxins removed, nutrients will not absorb properly, and digestion will be hindered – leading to constipation, gas, bloating, IBS, headaches, bad breath, allergy symptoms, PMS, fatigue, arthritis, skin problems, depression, irritability, frequent infections, problems from immune weakness, weight gain but Cancer and cardiovascular disease are two of the main ones. You will notice a lot of the symptoms are similar to hormone imbalance.

Fortunately, there are a number of colon detox programs available to help you scrub and remove hardened fecal matter, toxic materials and parasites from the colon. Knowing how important it is to cleanse the bowels as a first step to obtaining and maintaining good health.

Are you having at least two bowel movements per day?

Feel free to do additional research. You will find the best approach for hormone imbalance and detoxification is a natural approach!

As always, if you have any medical questions or concerns partner with a good physician to get the correct diagnosis.

To your health,

CQ

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Warm Birthday Wishes to
All the Special Women Born in **March**

Me, 3/6 (Reseda, CA)

Diane M. Alexander, 3/19 (Northridge, CA)
Karen Welch 3/28 (London, England)

Mothers' Day in the UK, 3/22

Did you know this month is Women's History Month?

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Women's Health (Part I) : "Inner Youth"

When deciding on the best medical care, my preference is integrative medicine. That's where East meets West to bring us the best of nature enhanced with the best of science "technology" [80/20]. But before we get into that, I want to first give praise to all you ageless beauties out there. Yes, give yourself a pat on the back. Inspite of having to perform a number of unpaid, thankless often stressful tasks each and every day, you still manage to do a phenomenal job maintaining that youthful appearance. To fully appreciate the ageless beauty of the 21st century woman just visualize a typical 'grandma' back in 1969 and compare that to a typical 'grandma' in 2009. Do you see the difference? You just have to look at women like Halle Berry 40+ (looks 25), Patti LaBelle almost 70 (looks 50), Tina Turner almost 70 (looks 50). Okay, so they are all African-American celebrities, probably not the best example but I think you know the point I am trying to make. However, looking young is not the topic of this blog. The topic is "feeling young" more importantly, feeling healthy. In other words, how do we make ourselves feel as young as we look? How do we beautify the inside to match the outside? "But what if I look older than my age?" I hear you ask. Good question! For the purpose of this topic, pretend you look ten years younger than your age... hope you're smiling. Until recently I suffered from a host of minor ailments ranging from chronic fatigue to multiple uterine fibroids. Of course, I didn't want to be considered a hypochondriac so I just attributed most of them to my age and quickly brushed them off. But then I got to thinking.... I was only in my forties and isn't forty supposed to be the new thirty? If that was true, why were there some days when I felt 20-30 years older than my age? I'm sure some of you can identify - so let's touch on some women's health concerns!

Most of us think of cancer (especially breast cancer) as being the leading cause of death in women in the US but it is actually superseded by one other - heart disease. If left untreated heart disease can result in a number of problems namely heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure to name but a few and the signs are not the same as those for men (I will go into a little more detail in my next blog, Part II). With women's health receiving more and more news coverage (thankfully) I got to thinking about some of the less talked about medical problems women are faced with - problems that often go undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or totally ignored. Most of them could so easily be 'reversed or fixed' which would ultimately result in a much enhanced quality of life. As I reflect over the past year, it really seems that every second person I spoke with was plagued with some kind of medical problem and they were all aged between 30 and 50. What's happening to us?" Is it simply the cross we have to bare for living longer? Is it our unhealthy diet and lack of exercise? Is it the excessive growth hormones and pesticides we unknowingly consume every day? Is it the increasingly polluted air that we are forced to breathe? Your guess is as good as mine! And mine is that it is probably a combination of many of those things in addition to one or two others. It is those one or two other things that I would like to talk to you about. Balancing our hormones (naturally) and the symptoms of imbalance. Secondly, detoxifying our colon, kidneys, liver & blood stream (naturally) and the symptoms of a toxic system. One or two of you may be rolling your eyes and thinking you've heard it all before. But please, just take a few minutes to read what I have to say in my next two blogs (Part I & II) before dismissing it - it could save your life or at the very least enhance your life (in every area of your life, if you get my drift). I must confess, until recently my response would have been very similar to yours but with age comes wisdom and we can only acquire wisdom by opening our eyes, ears and mind. My new found wisdom has brought me to the realization that most of the information we receive in life has usually been delivered to us many different times before, in many different ways, by many different people. However, there's usually that one mystical time when the message actually gets through to us for whatever reason. I hope my blogs will get through to you in that same mystical way!

It took me a while to realize the value of the information I was listening to. However, as I started becoming an avid believer I found myself asking more questions and doing a little more research. Today, I am convinced that many of the problems we experience as women (puberty to ninety) can be 'fixed' if we follow two very important rules: Keep levels of our progesterone & estrogen balanced naturally (plant derivatives are considered 'natural' because their DNA is the most compatible with the human body) and our colon and other vital organs regularly cleansed (naturally). I will tell you how to do this in Part II. I will list common signs/symptoms of an imbalanced and toxic system and provide you with some practical solutions - you don't have to "just live with it!"

My personal preference is the natural approach but of course, it will be up to you to conduct your own research, draw your own conclusions and follow your own convictions!

Part II will be published the last week of March and will contain a lot more information than my pre-amble in Part I (lol).

To your health,


"CQ"



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Warm Birthday Wishes to

All the Special Women Born in **February**

Kerina Lord 2/22 (Essex, England)

Did you know that next month is Women's History Month?

Enter your name and birthday in my Comment Box!

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Source of Information: All information provided in this blog is based on my personal experience, the experience of others, AU Online Training and personal research (DVDs, books & internet). Let me know if you would like to know the natural products I use and recommend after reading Part II.

We Have a New President...Whoohoo!!!

Barack Hussein Obama

Its not a woman thing today, its a people thing!

It has truly been a phenomenal day, 'euphoric' may be a better word!

I sat glued to the television this morning, all work set aside while I watched millions of people brave the cold DC weather to experience this historic moment. I hope this feeling of hope and unity stays with us throughout Barack's entire presidency. No, make that throughout our entire lives!

Today is also my daughter's birthday so it really is a special day!

Scroll all the way to the bottom if you want to watch the Inauguration (again).

"Together We Can Effect Change"

It started with a dream by Martin Luther King many decades ago

That dream turned into hopeful desire in the years that followed
In more recent years that hopeful desire turned into an attainable goal

Today that attainable goal is an inaugural reality

January 20th 2009, a day that will go down in history

Together we really can effect change!

"CQ"

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HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO FIRST LADY, MICHELLE OBAMA
JANUARY 17TH (45 YRS OLD)

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Only 358 Days 'til Christmas [2009]...smile!

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah... whatever you celebrated. Secondly, I hope that warm Holiday spirit continues throughout 2009 and brings you health, wealth and much happiness!

I know most of you are probably still recovering from the hustle and bustle of the Holidays so I am not going to have any heavy thought-provoking topics this month just some light Holiday-based sidebars.

Answering those Awkward Santa Questions?

Q. "Mom, how come Santa always buys the same wrapping paper as us?"
A. "Oh, Santa doesn't have time to wrap all those gifts, he just drops them off and we wrap them for him... (phew, that was a close one)"

My daughter actually asked that question three Christmas's ago and I had to think fast. I guess my answer worked because she left the room without a rebuttal. Of course this year she confessed that she knows "Santa" is really mom & dad.

Did Santa Bring You Everything on your Wishlist?

Santa was not good to me this year. I didn't get anything on my wishlist. I guess he only listens to kids? Once again, it looks like I am going to have to work extra hard to buy all the things I so desperately wanted to get from Santa (lol). I shouldn't complain, Christmas is really about giving not receiving, right? I'm alive and well and I have a healthy rambunctious eleven year old daughter. That's a lot to be thankful for so let me put an end to this whining and consider myself truly BLESSED!!!

I hope Santa was good to you this Christmas.

Peace on Earth!

New Year Resolutions

Should you make one or should you not?

There is actually no right answer to that question. It's whatever works for you. I think we all know that resolutions are usually broken by February 1st. However, at the time that we make them we get a much needed surge of determination, drive and sense of hope (even though it is usually short-lived). Personally, I don't leave it until January 1st to make my resolutions, I make and break them throughout the year.

Having said that, I think I will make a resolution today. I am going to start 'creating a weekly or monthly action plan for each resolution I make.' I hear it said all the time, "create a plan, write your goals down, break them up into short and long-term goals." Maybe it's time to start listening. If you also have a problem sticking to your resolution, maybe you should try creating a plan too. It doesn't have to be a new plan for each day or each week, it can simply be one plan that is followed every day, every week or every month, whatever time span works for you. I think it is worth trying if you have a poor track record like me. However, if that doesn't sound like something you want to do, use the inspirational message below to inspire you to find ways to make the good better instead of only looking for ways of repairing the bad!

Inspirational Quote for the New Year

"We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done,

cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the

rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential."

Ellen Goodman

CQ

(Make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom of my blog)