Tea Tuesday Activity

This is a beautiful tea cup and saucer from Aynsley.

It's the Tea Cup of Knowledge.

I have told you before that Aynsley

was going to be my favorite of all tea cups.

This Wise Owl is also from Aynsley.

He looks very beautiful perched there.

After sharing these two gorgeous pieces, I would also like to share a little wisdom I have found out this week.

You think you don’t have any time for exercise? Here’s something that’s exciting….High-intensity interval training (HIIT).  HIIT is based on a simple premise—alternating short, fast bursts of activity with slower paced movement to get fit with very little time and effort.

Recent studies have shown that interval training increases the levels of hGH. HGH is the “growth hormone.” Basically, anything that goes on in your body is in some way tied to hGH. This is why hGH is often called the “fountain of youth.”  Elevated hGH levels are what make you feel young again and EXERCISE is what elevates it!

Dr. Leigh Connealy has stated that 10 minutes three times per week, with brief bursts (10, 20, or 30 seconds) of going “all out” –were beneficial.  I think everyone knows what is meant by “all out.”  Just start off with a normal exercise, say walking. You walk at a steady pace, then for the 10 second interval, you speed up your walk. After the 10 seconds, you go back to walking at a normal pace and you continue to do this throughout your 10 minutes of exercise. Just start with the 10 minutes! You’ll be surprised how much energy this will give you.

Resistance training is also a good idea. Resistance bands have become very popular.  You can find them anywhere online.  Also low weight dumb-bells are good to use.  These will help build muscle. Building muscle is very important especially for those of us that are getting older. First, strong muscles help protect against the frailty that comes with age. They provide support for our bones, decreasing the risk of falls and broken bones.  Second, muscle burns calories more than fat, even at rest.  30 minutes of weight training jump-starts our metabolism for hours afterward and interval training has similar results.  Did you know that aerobic exercise burns calories only while you are doing it?   Hmmmm….

Take is from the wise old owl and the Tea Cup of Knowledge, just get out there and DO IT!

Now to share one more piece with you.

Does anyone remember Carnival Glass?

I got this pitcher back in the 70's with Green Stamps.

Does anyone remember green stamps?

I use to also have the gold color one, 

but I don't know what ever happened to it.

And I use to have the whole set; 

platter, glasses, everything,

but I don't know what happened to them...

I am thankful that I was able to hold on to this one.

I will be joining Martha for Tea Cup Tuesday. She's an awesome lady. Go see her.

Here’s to your health!

Tea Tuesday with Food for Thought

"If tea is to be enjoyed, tea cups will most certainly become involved.

I would draw a line at avoiding the tea because of the vessel."  ~ Unknown

Since many are celebrating the Chinese New Year, I would like to show this Blue Dragon Tea Set that I found online. The Dragon is on one side and a phoenix on the other. It's an artistic depiction of destruction and rebirth, and a unique take on the ancient philosophy of Yin and Yang. This could allow one to reflect back on all the mysteries of life.

This Chinese New Year is the Year of the Dragon!


NOW FOR SOME HEALTH INFORMATION...

Have you ever wondered if you could possibly be a Pre-Diabetic? We know that diabetes is rampant in the United States. My husband is a Type 2. We found this out a few years ago when he had a foot infection between his toes. His foot started to hurt really bad one day, so the next day we went to the doctor and his foot was already turning black. The doctor told him he was a diabetic and that he would probably lose his toe and a big possibility to lose his foot. They did drastic measures to save his foot by giving him high doses of antibiotics by IV everyday for over a month. We got his diet in order and his foot was saved. If you are wondering if you could be pre-diabetic, then by all means see your doctor.

Instead of us waiting for test results or a trip to the emergency room, we should play an active role in our own health. Take an active role in wellness! We could live more simply.

There are so many labor-saving devices (which we are mainly very thankful for them all), they have actually taken away our way of exercise. These everyday behaviors use to keep us active and healthy. Now we are more sedentary and find easier ways to get things done.

My friend Marianne just said to me the other day, "Lawn blowers should be outlawed! Pick up a dang broom and get some exercise for heaven's sake!!"  She was a little annoyed at some activity going on outside while she was taking a nap, but her comment is really actually RIGHT-ON!!  Every now-n-then I do just that. I get my broom and I sweep my side yard. It works better than a rake. But I'm not sure that I could do the whole yard. LOL!

According to research, you may be suffering from pre-diabetes 
if you have any three of the following:

• Most of your excess weight is concentrated around your waistline. For example, if you're a woman and your waist is 35" or more, and 40" or more if you are a man.
• Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is 27 or higher. If you don't know, type in "BMI" in your search engine to find a tool that calculates it for you.
• Your HDL ("goo") cholesterol is less than 50 mg/dL for women or less than 40 mg/dL for men.
• Your triglycerides are greater than 150 mg/dL. 
• Your blood pressure is higher than 130/85 mmHg.
• Your fasting blood sugar is greater than 85 mg/dL.
• Your A1C is higher than 5.5.
• Other possible symptoms may be uncontrollable sugar cravings and feeling fatigued.

Pre-diabetes is your body's cry for help and it can be turned around by diet and activity levels. It's possible to improve insulin resistance and reduce weight according to a recent study. The secret?  Avoid simple carbohydrates (bread, rice, potatoes, and pastas) for two days every week. This study involved women who were at high risk for developing breast cancer, but the results improved weight and reversed insulin resistance by 22 percent for the two days on low carbs and no more than 650 calories total on each day. To me, that's very FEW calories and I wouldn't advise this without a doctor's approval. 

 The other study was at 14 percent with no calorie restrictions (allowed to eat as much protein and good fats as they wanted on the two days). The last study had a result of 4 percent, placed on  a Mediterranean diet of 1,500 calories. All members lost weight, but the best results occurred in the first group.

Other important things to do are to choose the right beverages. Cut out the diet and energy drinks, sugared coffees and most juices. Have instead Green Tea! Growing research shows that drinking two to four cups of green tea daily prevents high blood sugar from damaging various organs in the body. It also increases weight reduction by boosting your metabolism. It's good to be a tea drinker!!

It is said that unsweetened cranberry juice is another smart beverage choice. This drink has already shown to benefit the heart and urinary tract.  In a new study it was found to improve several markers of pre-diabetes women. Using 28 ounces of fresh, filtered water with 1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice and drinking it all day has great health benefits.

EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE!  You have to move it or lose it!!

If you don't like the thoughts of a routine exercise, then try dancing around in the house. Put on some good music that MOVES you! While you are watching TV, do a few sit-ups on the edge of your couch. MARCH into your kitchen or bathroom and back; or around your coffee table. The other day I did some lunges through my kitchen. I didn't think it was doing any good, but I tell you, I could really feel it the next day and I only did a few. So any little bit helps!

Maybe do like my friend Marianne said, go out and SWEEP your yard!

Here's to your health!!

I am linking with Sandi for Tea Cup Tuesday.

Tea Tuesday with Ray Price

Although I don't have a beautiful teacup to share with you today,
I would like to share with you what I did over the weekend AS I was enjoying
some delightful tea....Ray Price! The man of the hour...

His song, "For the Good Times" is at this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1ZKIX0ICZo&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=AVGxdCwVVULXelnUVqCJx8MEkR7Bxm_hOX

My wonderful husband and I got to help celebrate Ray Price's 86th birthday over the weekend.

Although his body has aged, his voice hasn't. His concert was awesome.

We bought a CD and had Ray autograph it to give to my husband's father, because he is a great fan.

It's just amazing how Ray is so willing to be there for his fans. He never turned not one 

person down. He stayed to the very end, talking and signing autographs.

Natalie Rose is seen here with Ray Price. Natalie is an upcoming

country singer. She was Ray's opening act and a beautiful singer.

Ray sang song after song after song and cracked a few jokes.

It was a great concert!

Ray's advice, "Life is Great at ANY age!"

Always choose to make it a good day. You never know what tomorrow will bring.

Hope you enjoyed your tea time with Ray Price.

Here's to your health!

I am attending tea with Terri at Artful Affirmations and Martha at Martha's Favorites.

All pictures taken by Brenda.

Connect with Mother Nature

If your stress levels are high, the "green prescription" is to take slow walks through the park, or even a strenuous hike up a mountain. Spending time in nature can reduce your stress levels immensely. Just being in that type of environment with beautiful trees, plants, flowers, fresh air and sunshine, for at least 30 minutes, can help reduce stress significantly.

 This is my son and I climbing up the mountain in Tennessee. This was the best vacation I have had in a long time. It was completely stress free. We hiked, we walked, we would just sit on the front porch at my uncle's cabin watching the different animals go by and it was THE quietest place I have been in a long time. I would like more vacations like that!

Stress will always be with us. We may not be able to change the circumstances we live with, but we can learn to deal with them in ways to cut down on cortisol production. Being diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue has helped me to learn how to manage my stress levels and to care for my health.

Here's some good advice from Dr. Connealy: "We all worry, and too often we focus on things that are beyond our control. In other words, we stress ourselves out for no good reason. If you find that you're worrying over the same things day after day, try setting aside a "worry time," a five- to ten-minute daily session when you look at whatever is troubling you. If these thoughts intrude at any other time during the day, tell yourself they'll have to wait for worry time." 

Here's to your health!

Terrific Tea Tuesday!

I went to one of my favorite thrift stores over the weekend

and found the most fabulous toy for my girls.

These little items are called Woodkins.

The girls decided to dress them alike 

so they could be twins.

When I was in the thrift store, I had already chosen a few items

and headed to the front of the store. Then I looked back

and thought that I have never been to the back of the store,

so I left the line and headed that way.

They have some GREAT stuff at the back.

Lots of big items and then right on top of a rack

were TWO of these beautiful little toys.

As you can see, I only paid .49/each for them.

All you have to do is lift the top, place your material,

close the top and your doll is dressed.

We had ALL KINDS of fashion shows!

I looked these up online and they are anywhere from $10 - $15.

So I got a real good deal at 49 cents.

The girls also brought me some beautiful flowers

from their Nanee's garden. Daisies are my favorite.

I put them in a favorite coffee cup.

My tea choices of the day are....

1. Peppermint (where the only ingredient is peppermint;

gluten free and naturally caffeine free.)

2. Lemon Zinger (ingredients are hibiscus, rosehips, 

roasted chicory,orange peel, West Indian lemongrass, 

lemon peel and whole dried lemons,natural lemon flavor 

with other natural flavors. Also gluten free and caffeine free.)

3. My Very Favorite: EARL GREY

(ingredients are: black tea and natural oil 

of bergamot; decaffeinated, of course

and gluten free.)

Even though it is dark, dreary, and rainy today,

it is going to be a fabulous day for me!

Here's to your health!

I am going to join Terri at Artful Affirmations and 

Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Cup Tuesday
and Trisha at Sweetology.

On a sad note, Wanda Lee and Pam have contacted
me to let me know that they will not be blogging
for a while. We send prayers and good will to
both these ladies. We will miss them very much.
We hope that one day they will join us again
in Blogville.

Car Show for Mosaic Mondy...

Whenever I go to Tennessee, I always attend the car show

because my cousin usually enters a couple of his cars.

I just love the style of every one of them.

I like it that what ever is old can still be useful

and made beautiful.

The Shelby is an awesome favorite. 

But I just can't help but be drawn to them all.

Each owner took great pride in making theirs the best.

(That's my youngest son taking the video.)

Here's another favorite. I love the Hillbilly car!

The owner of this car went to extremes

to make his car unique and different from the norm.

Moonshine in the back for emergencys.

A shan-do-lier (as they say in TN), for special lighting,

to give it that romantic mood. LOL!

I am linking with Little Red House for this Mosaic Monday.

Her photos are FABULOUS!!

Make it a healthy day! Here's to your health!

The Balancing Act!

Did you know that your body needs an acid-alkaline balance? If you are out of balance, then it is possible you may have acidosis. Or if you are at the other extreme, you could have alkalosis, which is very rare.

Acidosis is a condition caused by an acid-alkaline imbalance in the body. Most medical authorities claim there is no such thing, but Dr. Leigh Connealy states that she has seen it many times and that it is hard to convince her patients to do the right things to correct it.

I was diagnosed with acid reflux some time ago and wonder if following Dr. Connealy’s advice could actually help my situation. She states that acidosis is unhealthy because it creates an imbalance in the body’s pH levels. Proper pH balance is essential for good health. The body’s ideal pH levels should be slightly alkaline, in the range of 7.2 to 7.4.  If measurements show a lower pH, that means you are in a state of acidosis.  If it’s above 7.43, this signals excessive alkalinity or alkalosis, which is rare. Dr. Connealy also states that retesting should be done to keep a good balance.  

 (To test your pH levels, use litmus paper, available at most pharmacies or medical supply companies. Follow the directions on the product to check the second urine of the day.)

If the pH level drops below 7.2, then the body goes to work neutralizing the extra acid. It will ROB your body’s mineral stores, such as calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, and potassium. The easiest way is by taking them from food or supplements we take. BUT if it needs more alkaline, it will steal minerals from the bones or the body’s tissues, which over time could put your body in the first stages of osteopenia, which is a precursor to osteoporosis, the bone-thinning disease.

 

Remember, this is a balancing act and eating both acid and alkaline foods are necessary. But if you find that your levels are more on the acid side, then refrain from foods loaded with acidity; sugar, salt, coffee, dairy products, animal products, alcohol, processed and fast foods, and some fruits like cranberries, tomatoes, blueberries, and oranges. Eat more vegetables and other fruits. Surprisingly, most citrus fruits have an alkalizing effect when consumed, so you can enjoy lemons, grapefruits, and related fruits (except oranges) without worrying about the acidic levels. Putting a little lemon in some hot water is a soothing, acid-reducing bonus.

Why not start off each meal with a healthy serving of salad. Experiment with different greens and vegetables. You just might be surprised at how much you DON’T miss all the other things.  But just to remind you, the change is only temporary. Remember – you don’t have to give up your favorite acid-producing foods completely. The issue is BALANCE!

Here’s to your health.