VALENTINE'S DAY CONTAINS VESTIGES OF BOTH CHRISTIAN AND ANCIENT ROMAN TRADITION. IN ROMAN TIMES, THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL WAS CALLED LUPERCALIA AND TOOK PLACE THE 15TH OF FEBRUARY. AFTER CHRISTIANITY REPLACED PAGANISM IN ROME, THE CHURCH ENDED THIS RAUCOUS FESTIVAL.
ACCORDING TO LEGEND, THE CHURCH THEN RENAMED THE HOLIDAY ST. VALENTINE'S DAY IN HONOR OF ST. VALENTINE, A PRIEST WHO LIVED DURING 3RD CENTURY ROME. EMPEROR CLAUDIUS II, THE RULER AT THAT TIME, FELT THAT SINGLE MEN MADE THE BEST SOLDIERS, SINCE THEY DIDN'T HAVE WIVES OR CHILDREN TO CONTEND WITH. THEREFORE, HE OUTLAWED MARRIAGE FOR YOUNG MEN.
ST. VALENTINE THOUGHT THIS UNJUST AND DEFIED THE EMPEROR BY PERFORMING SECRET MARRIAGES FOR YOUNG LOVERS. ONCE DISCOVERED, HE WAS IMPRISONED AND EVENTUALLY PUT TO DEATH. WHILE IN PRISON, IT IS BELIEVED ST. VALENTINE FELL IN LOVE WITH A YOUNG GIRL WHO VISITED HIM WHILE CONFINED. BEFORE HIS DEATH, HE WROTE HER A LETTER SIGNED, "FROM YOUR VALENTINE", THUS STARTING THE TRADITION OF VALENTINE'S DAY.
TO CELEBRATE THIS HOLIDAY, IT HAS BECOME CUSTOMARY TO GIVE YOUR LOVED ONE ROMANTIC GIFTS SUCH AS CHOCOLATES, FLOWERS, JEWELRY, LINGERIE, PERFUME, ETC.
GET A JUMP-START ON VALENTINE'S DAY BY SAVING UP TO 50% ON NATURAL GIFTS FOR MEN & WOMEN, NATURAL GIFTS FOR A ROMANTIC NIGHT-IN, CANDLES AND CHOCOLATES. HURRY....SALE ENDS 02/05/13.
SPICES NOT ONLY ADD FLAVOR TO OUR FOOD, BUT THEY ALSO BOOST OUR IMMUNITY IN MANY WAYS. CERTAIN SPICES CONTAIN ANTI-VIRAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES. GARLIC, WHICH IS LOADED WITH ALLION AND ALLICIN, CONTAINS ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIVIRAL, ANTIFUNGAL AND ANTIPROTOZIAL PROPERTIES. TO GET THE MOST BENEFIT FOR YOUR COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS, IT SHOULD BE CONSUMED RAW. RATHER THAN CHEWING ON A CLOVE OF GARLIC, (AND AVOIDING BEING IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS), IT CAN BE MINCED AND ADDED TO SALADS OR COOKED FOODS. THIS MAKES IT A BIT EASIER TO CONSUME.
CAYENNE PEPPER, MOST OFTEN USED IN MEXICAN, SOUTHWESTERN AND INDIAN FOODS, CONTAINS CAPSAICIN, WHICH HELPS CLEAR UP SINUS PASSAGES AND REDUCES THE SEVERITY OF COLDS.
CINNAMON IS HELPFUL IN RELIEVING VOMITING AND DIARRHEA. CINNAMON MIXED WITH HONEY EASES A SORE THROAT.
TURMERIC, THE NATURAL INGREDIENT FOUND IN CURRY, ALSO IS NOTED FOR ITS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTIVIRAL, ANTIFUNGAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES. ADD THIS SPICE TO SOUPS, STEWS, MEATLOAF AND CHICKEN DISHES TO BRING OUT THE EXTRA FLAVOR. IT IS VERY POWERFUL IN RELIEVING COLD SYMPTOMS.
GINGER, GOOD FOR THE LUNGS, DIGESTION, AND CIRCULATION, IS ALSO EXCELLENT IN TREATING COLDS AND FLU. IT HELPS TO CLEAR PHLEGM AND HELPS US TO SWEAT, ANOTHER PLUS IN REDUCING COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS.
IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY DONE SO, ADD THESE SPICES TO YOUR CUPBOARD AND THE NEXT TIME YOU FEEL A COLD COMING ON OR HAVE FLU SYMPTOMS, MAKE USE OF THESE SPICES TO EASE THEIR SEVERITY.
IF YOU ARE PLANNING A WINTER GETAWAY AT A WELLNESS SPA, NOW IS THE TIME TO BOOK IT. AT SPAFINDER WELLNESS, YOU CAN FIND MANY HOTELS THAT OFFER WELLNESS DEALS FROM JANUARY THROUGH MARCH 31ST, WHETHER LOOKING FOR A DESTINATION SPA (THE SOLE PURPOSE IS TO HELP INDIVIDUALS DEVELOP A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE THROUGH SPECIFIC TREATMENTS, HEALTHY CUISINE, AND LECTURES) OR A WELLNESS SPA (REAP THE BENEFITS OF EVERYTHING FROM YOGA TO SPA TREATMENTS).
AT SPAFINDER WELLNESS, YOU CAN CHOOSE THE DEAL THAT BEST SUITS YOUR NEEDS. SOME SPAS ALSO OFFER ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PETS. A SPAFINDER GIFT CARD IS GOOD AT 20,000 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD & MAKES A GREAT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION. THE DELAMAR GREENWICH HARBOR, IN GREENWICH, CT, HAS A "BE MY VALENTINE" DEAL THAT INCLUDES A COUPLES MASSAGE WITH CHAMPAGNE, A GIFT BASKET AND BREAKFAST IN BED. ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDE FACIALS FOR MEN AND WOMEN, MANICURES, PEDICURES, AN ASSORTMENT OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASSAGES AND BODY WRAPS, AND WAXING.
WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN HOTEL IN ORLANDO, FL, HAS A "BUNDLE UP DEAL" THAT INCLUDES A TRIO OF BUNDLED SERVICES SUCH AS A MASSAGE WITH AROMATIC OILS AND HOT STONES, A REFRESHER FACIAL AND WARMING SCALP TREATMENT, AND A HOT STONE FOOT MASSAGE. YOU ALSO HAVE COMPLETE USE OF THE SPA AMENITIES AND FITNESS FACILITIES, WITH THIS PACKAGE.
THE MACARTHUR PLACE INN AND GARDEN SPA IN SONOMA, CA, HAS AN OLIVE SEASON WINE TASTING SPA SPECIAL. RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY 1 DAY HEART OF SONOMA VALLEY WINE TRAIL PASSES FOR 2, COMPLIMENTARY FITNESS CENTER AND SPA FACILITY USE AND $10 OFF ANY MASSAGE, FACIAL OR BODY TREATMENT.
AT SPAFINDER, YOU CAN ALSO LOCATE DAY SPAS, YOGA AND PILATES CENTERS, AND FITNESS CLUBS AND DEALS IN YOUR AREA. THE SITE ALSO OFFERS DAILY DISCOUNTS ON WELLNESS PRODUCTS. IT IS DEFINITELY WORTH CHECKING OUT AS IT OFFERS SEVERAL VARIABLES TO CHOOSE FROM TO MAKE YOUR WINTER WELLNESS GETAWAY ONE TO REMEMBER.
GLUTEN IS A COMPOSITE PROTEIN FOUND IN THE MATURE SEEDS OF WHEAT, BARLEY AND RYE. GLUTEN IS ADDED TO MANY DIFFERENT FOODS AND COSMETICS. WHEN ADDED TO BAKED GOODS, IT IMPROVES THE DOUGH'S ABILITY TO RISE. IT ALSO ADDS TO THE PRODUCT'S CHEWINESS AND STRUCTURAL STABILITY. IT IS OFTEN PRESENT IN BEER, SOY SAUCE, KETCHUP, ICE-CREAM, IMITATION MEATS, SALAD DRESSINGS, SEASONINGS, SAUCES, AND PET FOOD.
GLUTEN IS NOT BAD FOR YOU AND NEED NOT BE AVOIDED UNLESS YOU DEVELOP A SENSITIVITY TO IT IN WHICH CASE, YOU WOULD NEED TO FOLLOW A GLUTEN-FREE DIET. SYMPTOMS OF GLUTEN INTOLERANCE INCLUDE STOMACH CRAMPS, DIARRHEA, & BLOATING. THESE CAN BE INDICATIVE OF CELIAC DISEASE, WHICH CAN DAMAGE THE INTESTINE. OR IT CAN BE NON-CELIAC GLUTEN SENSITIVITY.
GLUTEN-FREE PRODUCTS HAVE COME A LONG WAY. THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT FOODS AVAILABLE TODAY THAT ARE GLUTEN-FREE, SUCH AS CEREALS, BAKED GOODS AND MIXES, SNACKS, SOUPS, PIZZA, PASTA, FACE CREAMS, LOTIONS, AND PET FOODS.
Almond Blueberry Peach Quinoa Crunch
Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola Cereal
Verebon Dog Biscuits
Go Picnic Hummus & Crackers
Connecticut Cottage Chicken Noodle Soup Mix
Soap Naturally Good Face Collection
LAVENDER (LAVANDULA), NATIVE TO THE OLD WORLD, IS A GENUS OF 39 SPECIES OF FLOWERING PLANTS IN THE MINT FAMILY. LAVENDER IS NOT ONLY CULTIVATED FOR USE AS ORNAMENTAL PLANTS, BUT ALSO FOR USE AS CULINARY HERBS AND AS AN ESSENTIAL OIL.
WHEN GROWN COMMERCIALLY FOR USE AS AN ESSENTIAL OIL, ITS EXTRACTS ARE USED FOR ANTISEPTIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PURPOSES. BECAUSE OF ITS CALMING AND SOOTHING PROPERTIES AND FRAGRANCE, LAVENDER EXTRACTS ARE ALSO USED IN BATH PRODUCTS, BALMS, SALVES, PERFUMES, COSMETICS, AND TOPICAL AND MEDICINAL PURPOSES. LAVENDER OIL WAS USED IN HOSPITALS DURING WWII, AND IS NOW USED EXTENSIVELY WITH HERBS AND AROMATHERAPY.
Alchemilla Lavender Soap
Oregon Lavender Herbal Bath
MEDICINALLY, LAVENDER OIL HAS MANY BENEFITS, SOME OF WHICH ARE JOINT PAIN, HEADACHE, INSECT BITES, DERMATITIS AND ECZEMA. BECAUSE OF ITS SOOTHING PROPERTIES, IT IS ALSO RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM INSOMNIA.
Lavender Essential Oil
LAVENDER HAS MANY CULINARY USES. IT IS AN IMPORTANT INGREDIENT IN HERBES de PROVENCE. MANY RECIPES FOR SWEET FOODS INCLUDE LAVENDER, i.e., SWEET BAKED GOODS.
Lavender Caramel Sauce
Lavender Milk Chocolate
Lavender Finishing Sugar
ONCE DECEMBER COMES TO AN END AND THE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS ARE PUT AWAY, THE COLD DAYS OF JANUARY, WHICH AT TIMES CAN BE DARK AND DREARY, TEND TO LOWER OUR SPIRITS. JANUARY, HOWEVER, IS A GREAT MONTH TO SAVE MONEY WITH SALES AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT STORES AND ONLINE. I BELIEVE THE PURPOSE OF "JANUARY WHITE SALES" IS TO LIFT OUR SPIRITS AND MAKE THE SCENERY A LITTLE LESS DRAB!
THIS TRADITION WAS ACTUALLY ESTABLISHED IN 1878 BY JOHN WANAMAKER OF THE PHILADELPHIA DEPARTMENT STORE FAME. HE REDUCED THE PRICES ON ALL THE WHITE LINENS IN HIS STORE. BUT DURING THE 1950'S, THE TRADITION INCLUDED COLORED SHEETS AND PRINTS.
JANUARY SALES ARE ALSO A GOOD TIME TO BUY WINTER CLOTHING THAT HAS BEEN REDUCED, AND SPECIFIC HEALTH, FOOD AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS. AT ABE'S MARKET, EFF. 1/16/13 - 1/17/13, SAVE MONEY ON HUNDREDS OF THEIR NATURAL PRODUCTS THAT ARE ON SALE, A FEW OF WHICH ARE:
3-PACK ORGANIC COTTON NO-SHOW
NATURE'S RITE SINUS RELIEF
VEGGIE LIFE HAPPY HIPS
AT HESSNATUR, YOU CAN SAVE UP TO 50% OFF, WITH FREE SHIPPING.
VIRGIN WOOL SCARF
VIRGIN WOOL KNIT HAT
ORGANIC COTTON SWEATSHIRT
THESE ARE A SAMPLING OF THE ITEMS ON SALE AT HESSNATUR. SO SHOP TODAY FOR THESE AND SEVERAL MORE SALE ITEMS, AND GET OUT OF THE WINTER DOLDRUMS!
SUPERFOODS ARE FOODS FOUND IN NATURE THAT ARE FULL OF ANTI-OXIDANTS, ARE VERY LOW IN CALORIES, AND HIGH IN NUTRIENTS & OFFER AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS. THEY WORK WONDERS IN KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY.
SUPERFOODS, WHEN CONSUMED ON A REGULAR BASIS, HELP BUILD YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM, HELP PREVENT DISEASE, HELP IN MAINTAINING A HEALTHY WEIGHT, AND STRENGTHEN YOUR BLOOD AND BRAIN. IN ADDITION, THEY GIVE YOUR COMPLEXION A HEALTHY GLOW. AND BECAUSE THEY ARE ORGANICALLY GROWN IN NUTRIENT-RICH SOIL WITHOUT THE USE OF PESTICIDES OR FERTILIZERS, THE VALUE OF THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS ARE INCREASED.
THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF SUPERFOOD, EACH WITH ITS OWN BENEFITS. THEY CAN BE PURCHASED RAW OR FOUND IN POWDER FORM (WHICH CAN BE SPRINKLED ON PREPARED FOOD) OR AS TABLETS. SOME EXAMPLES OF SUPERFOOD AND ITS BENEFITS ARE:
MACA ROOT POWDER - INCREASES ENERGY AND STAMINA.
CHIA -HYDRATES AND PROVIDES STRENGTH
HEMP PROTEIN - CONTAINS ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS AND AMINO ACIDS NECESSARY FOR MUSCLE STRENGTH
FLAXSEED - HELPS PREVENT AGAINST CANCER AND HEART DISEASE
QUINOA - PROTEIN RICH, IT IS HIGH IN FIBER, CONTAINS IRON, MAGNESIUM, LYSINE, B-2, AND MANGANESE ALL OF WHICH HELP PROMOTE THE GROWTH OF HEALTHY BLOOD CELLS.
KALE - STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM, DETOXIFIES, AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS
SUPERFOODS HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS. ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS WERE AWARE OF THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS LONG BEFORE THEY GAINED IN POPULARITY IN OUR MODERN WORLD. BOOST YOUR DIET WITH THESE FOODS AND REAP THE REWARDS OF THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS TODAY.
