Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Featured Artist Tuesday!

Hello everyone! It is one of my favorite days....



I am really honored to feature this lovely lady as we have alot in common.

Both of us love what we do, we both have debilitating illnesses that tag along with chronic pain, just for spite.
Neither one of us can bare to sit around whining with nothing to do; we decided to do what we love:
Helping people feel confident and beautiful (without spending an arm and a leg) When wearing our jewelry.

So with further chit chat I present to you..........(drumroll)



Faye of "Twisted Imaginings"!! (What an awesome shop name!)

My name is Faye and I am the heart behind 'Twisted Imaginings'. Most of my work is one OOAK (one of a kind) and some of it isn't so much. That is I may use the same design, but with different gemstones or beads. (Usually, that category only includes rings.)


I am married to a wonderful, supportive man, who has held my hand and my heart through many of my life's trials and all the best bits!


I have recently been diagnosed with many chronic illnesses and mental health conditions, but we muddle through - together. We have 2 grown up children and 2 beautiful grand- daughters. Both the children and our daughter live with us, which makes for a very busy household!


I am inspired by a lot of what I see around me - advertisements, nature and the beads themselves. I like working with copper and one day, hope to be able to afford some real silver to work with!! LOL!


 

You can find Faye's creations at:




Twitter - http://twitter.com/TwistImagine

Blog - http://www.twistedimaginings.blogspot.com



Artfire SHop- www.artfire.com/users/Twistedimanginings

What a great time doing this I had; if you have a sec to spare, how about showing Faye you enjoyed it as well, by checking out shop, following her blog etc...



Monday, December 6, 2010

Herbal Remedies For Depression

Rise & Shine you sleepy heads!

You know, it's funny; I awoke kinda irritable this morning, sleepy and in pain...I thought today was going to be kind of "icky".

As I checked my email, I was still grumbly, then I started working on today's post, and magically I was smiling!

I have all of you to thank, the faithful readers of my blog...So I say to you all; Thank You!

So, going along with the Holiday's theme, I am going to share some herbal remedies for treating depression. As we all know, the Holiday's can for some be very depressing, not to mention it is winter and that brings around winter depression as well...so sick back and let me help you help yourself.......

~Peace~




Herbal Remedies For Treating Depression





Anxiousness, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and lethargy may be symptoms of depression or anxiety. Many people just accept such feelings as a part of modern life, but there are simple and effective ways to boost your mood using herbal remedies.

Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years to relieve depression. Some that  have been traditionally taken to chase away the"winter blues" are now known to be as effective and potent as western medicines, with fewer side effects.

A healing approach that is "holistic", incorporating a healthy lifestyle with aromatherapy and the healing powers of herbs can help you to regain you strength, joy and enthusiasm for life.



St. John's Wort---"Natural Prozac"




St. John's Wort has been regarded as a magical miracle herb for the last 4000 years, and is now being rediscovered by the medical world as nature's alternative to Prozac.

People taking St. John's Wort report a sense of well-being and serenity. This herb calms the spirit and sharpens perception, helping people to enjoy life to the fullest.

Scientific studies show it to be as effective as conventional antidepressant drugs in treating mild to moderate depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and anxiety.

St. John's Wort works by altering levels of seretonin and melatonin, chemicals in the brain that regulate energy levels, alertness and mood. The herb also increases "theta waves" that only occur during sleep and meditation. For the effects to be therapeutic, St. John's Wort must be taken regularly as a tincture or infusion.



Natural Mood Lifters



Revitalizing Herbal Tea~A warming herbal tea will help to chase away the blues without giving you the caffeine jitters of coffee.

To make your own herbal, use the following herbs
  • St. John's Wort
  • Vervain
  • licorice
  1. Take half a tsp of the dried herbs and add them to a handful of fresh borage flowers ( borage is a leafy green plant, with prickly hairs that go away after preparation).
  2. Place mixture in a teapot and add boiling water
  3. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain the liquid into a cup
  4. Sweeten with honey as desired and drink in place of your usual tea or coffee.


 Soothing Valerian~This herb, which grows in abundance in damp meadows, has been an esteemed herbal remedy for centuries. Nicknamed "all heal" by herbalists, the juice of the root has a soothing and quieting effect.

Prescribed to soldiers suffering from shell shock during both world wars, it is now recommended to combat nervous exhaustion and emotional upsets. It can be taken as a capsule or an herbal extract from the fresh root.



Healing Hops~Hops are another effective remedy for treating tension and anxiety. They promote restful and refreshing sleep without the side effects of sleeping pills.

For a blissful night's sleep, rest your head on a pillow filled with dried hop flowers or take a cup of hops tea for a soothing natural nightcap.







Beautiful Borage~Borage has a long associated with joy and courage; its bright blue, star-shaped flowers are popular in many herb gardens. It is often added to cold summer drinks as its slightly cucumbery taste is a perfect complement to many party favorites.

young fresh leaves and flowers can be used to drive away the blues, restore energy and lift the spirits. The herb works by stimulating the adrenal gland to produce adrenaline.

Add some borage flowers to lemon balm and iced apple juice to make a refreshing summer drink.





Flowers That Shine Like The Sun

We all know that a big bunch of bright, beautiful flowers can work wonders in lifting our mood. In magic and folklore flowers that resemble the Sun take on its attributes, giving out light and life energy wherever they are found

Cheerful bright yellow and orange flowers such as those of marigolds and gerberas, drive away negative feelings, leaving a spirit that is warm and refreshed.

Float fresh flowers in a bowl of spring water and leave in sunlight during the day. This infuses the water with the Suns' light, which you can sip as a flower remedy.


Well I hope this info finds itself with those who need it.

I am always here if anyone needs someone "outside" the immediate friends and family circle to talk to. Sometimes it is easier to talk to someone you don't know.
Thanks so much to you all....

Friday, December 3, 2010

Featured Blogger Fridays!




Hello there!

I had a thought earlier today ( I know, scary huh? ), I was thinking, I feature artists on Tuesdays; bloggers are artists too yes?

Then it occured to me that it would really be kewl to give them their own page as well......

So it begins.....

                                                 ~Peace~


Today's featured blogger is........




Meg Author of "Digital Philanthropy"!



After moving slowly southwards for most of my adult life, I live at the bottom of the South Island.  If I moved much further south, I would end up in Antarctica ... so I intend to stop now and stay where I am.
I have two kids, an ex-husband, foolish dog, a couple of chickens and a wayward cat.


I am passionate about the value of community and am fully immersed in revitalising the community I live in.  Its had a hard couple of decades!  I help run a monthly community market, and produce the local community newspaper ... among other less glamourous sounding things!


I try and live a sustainable life, am passionate about social justice issues - ya know, poverty, equality, etc etc etc - and am of the opinion that we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place!  I believe strongly in the value of kindness and compassion.


Oh, and I really, really like chocolate!! (and here's some other stuff I like)


Author of:
Digital Philanthropy
Twitter:
@bethechangebook
Community:
How to Make a Difference Community


Meg is a really nice lady, head is screwed on beautifully! lol...
So how about showing your love and visiting her sites!?!