~It's all about me, darling~

It truly amazes me how well this whole blogging, Twitter and Facebook thing has taken off! Sending an email almost feels medieval when you can instantly update the whole world about what you had for lunch that day. So since we are almost at 1000 hits and there might be some newbies here, I'm doing an "all about me" post! (thanks Michelle for the idea and list of interest that I innocently copied for your blog)

Favorite food: chocolate
Favorite real food: my Mom's chicken and dumplings
Favorite color: PINK!
Favorite outfit: anything that fits and is comfortable

Favorite movie: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Troy and Pride and Prejudice (the new one)

Favorite TV show: The Tudors, Real Housewives of..., House Hunters, Friends, Two and half Men, Mike and Molly (odd mix of shows I know)

Favorite vacation spot: anywhere there is beautiful water, Panama City, the Carribean, Lake Keowee, SC

Favortie vacation spot to dream about: an Alaskan cruise
Favorite hobby: scrapbooking, movies, anything massage
Favorite number: 6
Favorite cartoon character: Cinderella

Favorite restaurant: PF Changs, The Cheesecake Factory and Roy's (oh how I miss thee..)
Favorite store: Dilliards in Panama City. I can always find a deal there!
Favorite animal: my puppies :-)
Favorite thing to cook: Alicia's Awesome Potatoes (It's a secret recipe :-)

Favorite household chore: NONE
Favorite season: fall
Favorite holiday: 4th of July at home with the family
Favorite quality in a person: honesty

Favorite super hero: Superman
Favorite accessory: my beautiful engagement and wedding rings
Favorite flower: Calla Lillies
Favorite actor: Brad Pitt (especially in Troy. oh he is to die for)
Favorite actress: Amy Adams

Favorite car to dream about owning: Lexus SUV
Favorite book: The Bible
Favorite smell: a clean house or a new car

Favorite place to dream of retiring: traveling around the US in an RV with the hubby and dogs :-) it's a shame we can't retire when we are young so we can enjoy it and not spend all our time at the doctor's office :-)

Massage Brings More than Just Relaxation

by: Sheryl Walters

(NaturalNews) The tremendous benefits of regular massage are irreplaceable to the human body. Massage is a variety of sometimes ancient techniques that manipulate the soft tissues of the body. It can definitely relax you, but there are some benefits of massage that go far beyond relaxation.

Pain and anxiety are two common problems associated with receiving massage therapy. By soothing muscles and nerves a greater state of well being is achieved for the recipient. When you take this concept further you find that massage can also benefit chronic pain and even self esteem. Massage allows for person to person contact that promotes feelings of comfort and soothing.

Medically massage is used for sports related injuries and to promote optimum performance of muscles. Through a pattern of exercise and massage, injuries can be avoided and greater athletic achievements can be accomplished. The regular massage prevents small injuries from becoming bigger ones and the athlete avoids the pain cycle all together. Massage is also an immune system enhancer that benefits patients with chronic immune system diseases like HIV. Increasing the circulation of healthy blood cells in the body helps these patients fight off disease better and keep a more positive mental attitude that is crucial for their survival.

Infants and babies have shown positive responses to massage through toddlerhood. The birthing process is often made easier and less complicated by regular massage during pregnancy and throughout the labor process. Massage for premature babies promotes better weight gain, and massage for babies with diabetes correlates with better lifelong compliance with regimens and healthier lifestyle choices.

The effects of massage on patients with high blood pressure should also not be overlooked. Massage can play a key part in the regulation and control of chronic high blood pressure by not only relaxing the patient, but also by helping the central nervous system to balance as it regulates blood flow throughout the body more efficiently. Regular massage combined with isometric exercise has been shown to improve both the blood pressure and blood regulation in patients.

Massage Therapy is a technique that can benefit a great number of people with a wide variety of complaints both physical and mental. This form of therapy can be incorporated into a balanced and healthy lifestyle to promote continuous and further health and well being as well as to be used as treatment therapy for those with chronic mental and physical conditions.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ma...
http://www.massageandbodywork.com/A...
http://www.newsweek.com/id/157196



About the author
Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.
Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous.
You can also find some of the most powerful super foods on the planet including raw chocolate, purple corn, and many others.

~I thought this article was a nice overview of a few of the main benefits of massage. I understand completely that the economy isn't so hot, stress is high, there's no time left in the day, but all of those excuse are GREAT reasons TO get a massage. Your health is worth it!~

Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients

Alicia D Massage Therapy – Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients

**written by Samantha Harris, samanthasunrises@gmail.com**


Standard cancer therapies like radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery are extremely difficult on the body, and can cause side effects that are nearly as difficult to live with as the cancer itself. Recently, massage therapy has been proposed as a palliative treatment to reduce pain and make the patient more comfortable. While no one is claiming that massage alone can cure cancer, it can be a useful treatment for those looking for relief from symptoms of mesothelioma or other cancers.

The Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego, recommends massage therapy as a complement to standard cancer treatment. The center’s website points out that massage can improve circulation and relaxation while reducing stress. Rubbing muscles causes blood vessels to dilate, which in turn promotes the distribution of oxygen in the bloodstream throughout the body. The American Cancer Society notes that massage is good for the spirit as well as the body, enhancing quality of life and increasing well-being. The Moores Cancer Center does caution patients to forgo massages immediately after traditional cancer treatments. The therapist should avoid performing massage over areas of known tumors, bruises, tissue damage, or sites of inflammation or infection.

Surprisingly, receiving a massage is not the only way to receive benefits from the practice – giving a massage is helpful, too. One 1998 study from the Journal of Applied Gerontology asked elderly volunteers to give massages to infant children. These volunteers had a greater reduction in both stress hormones and doctor visits in comparison with elderly patients who had actually received massages. While this study did not research the particular effects of giving massages on cancer, doctors agree that physical touch is a crucial factor in establishing social support, which in turn is an integral part of recovery and well-being.

Sadly, there are times when even standard treatments will not be effective against certain types of cancer. Mesothelioma life expectancy, in particular, is poor, with only about 10% of patients surviving for five years after diagnosis. In these cases, massage therapy can be used to provide relief from pain and make the patient comfortable for the remainder of his or her life. A good massage therapist will be able to communicate with the cancer patient, whatever his or her health status, to create a plan for therapy that will be most beneficial.

*thanks Samantha for submitting a very compelling and informative article! Hopefully, we will enjoy many more in the future!*

Quinoa: the power grain

Sure, you know the benefits of whole grains but did you know there are grains other than whole wheat? Quinoa, (pronounced KEEN-wa), is the powerhouse of grains and has quickly risen in popularity due to its excellent nutrition profile, texture and ease of use.

Quinoa seeds are small, flat and rounded, similar to that of sesame seeds. It has a nutty taste with a soft, crunchy texture. Quinoa provides all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein, and has approximately twice the protein as regular grains. Rich in B vitamins, vitamin A, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, fiber and calcium, this food is relatively high in unsaturated fat. Quinoa is technically not a grain but a fruit and is a great alternative to couscous or rice.

Use quinoa to make pilafs, risottos, stews, salads or even desserts. Quinoa can also serves as an excellent high-protein breakfast served hot, mixed with berries, nuts or cinnamon. Rinse well prior to cooking to remove its bitter waxy protective coating.

Here's an easy and tasty quinoa recipe you can bring to your next potluck, serve at your next holiday party or BBQ, or have as part of a tasty home cooked meal.

Quinoa with peppers and goat cheese

1 cup quinoa, dry
1 red pepper, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
6 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
½ cup walnuts, chopped
¼ cup cherry vinaigrette

1. Rinse and scrub quinoa. Prepare according to package directions.
2. Place quinoa in a medium bowl. Add peppers, goat cheese, dressing and walnuts. Stir to coat evenly.
3. Enjoy warm or cold.

1/2 cup = 15 grams of carbohydrates

*copied from PCOSnutrition.com*

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day! It's been a busy weekend for massage therapist every where and I'm no exception. It's so cool seeing all the happy couples, all nice and relaxed. I LOVE my job and my awesome clients! I am a great massage therapist because of the love given to me by my supportive, kind husband, my crazy family and life-long friends! Feel the love~~~

~Stressed Stressed Stressed~

Everywhere I look I see stress and stressed out people (sometimes including me)! :-) Stress comes in so many forms and situations. Massage is great!


What's the connection between massage and stress? Stress relief massage therapy calms the nerves. Don't we all need that sometimes? When you're looking for stress relief, massage therapy can definitely help.

We all feel stress at some point in our lives. Some are generally more stressed than others. Stress is part of the human existence, especially, in modern times. Whether you're stressed because of work, family or time restraints, your body reacts in the same basic way.

The body under stress releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Constant exposure to these hormones speeds the aging process. Sometimes stress can be good. It can help us do more and be more alert, but feeling stress over a long period of time does harm to your body. That's why stress relief is so important.

Prolonged stress causes your heart rate and blood pressure to stay elevated. There are many side effects to stress.

* increased risk of heart disease
* high blood pressure
* obesity
* memory loss
* short temper
* headaches
* muscle tension and soreness
* worry
* insomnia
* restlessness
* skin breakouts
* lowered immune system
* poor judgement
* depression

Those are just a few of the negative effects stress can have on you.

You may be think that stress in your life is unavoidable. And you're right? Everyone will experience some stress in their lives. Some stress is fine, but when that stress gets to be constant it's no longer fine.

Massage therapy helps decrease the production of the stress hormone cortisol. It also lowers heart rate and blood pressure. Massage gets rid of muscle tension, eases depression and boosts the immune system.

Besides all the ways massage can help ease the physical symptoms of stress, it can also give you some quiet time to relax. Laying in a dimly lit room with soft music playing getting a massage is a very relaxing environment. Massage and stress don't mix. It helps to melt that stress away.

Sick children and frustration

This is taken from Chad Wright's blog The Journey.

It's always very entertaining and very insightful!

Check it out @ http://chadwright.wordpress.com/

Sickness is one of the many challenges in life we face. I know, as a Christian, that they are designed to bring us closer to our creator as we rely on him. They reveal our own weaknesses and shortcomings, thereby revealing our need for a savior. It can be a beautiful thing when challenges like illnesses drive us into the arms of our great King.

But what does it usually look like in my house?

I’m human. Sickness is something I have zero power over. If it can’t be cured with NyQuil (or at least have the symptoms masked by it), I can’t help you. So when my kids are sick, I get very frustrated. I want nothing more than to see them happy and healthy. I want them well. When they aren’t, it reveals my powerlessness. Being a man, you can imagine how much I love feeling powerless.

Instead of first turning to God and laying all this at his feet, I get mad. My frustration turns into general crankiness. This usually ends when, for the hundredth time in a day, my sick kid comes and tells me they are sick.

“I know you are sick. You have a doctor’s appointment. I can’t do anything else.” Delivered with my usual “Dad’s-in-a-crappy-mood” voice, I end up sounding more than a little mean to a sick child who just wants to be told it’s going to be okay.

That’s the point when I finally take the time to stop, acknowledge I can’t do anything (and that the anger isn’t really helping anyone) and ask God to help. I know these truths, and yet every time it plays out the same. Put one of my kids in the hospital and it’s even worse. It’s no less beautiful when I finally turn to God than if I’d done it from the beginning. In fact it’s probably more so because it reveals even deeper levels of his grace and mercy. But even with that said, it would be nice to get it right the first time for once.

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As some of you know, my family is close to my heart and they live @ 7 hours away. It has been especially difficult the past couple of years to be apart especially when we found that my youngest brother contracted Lyme's disease. It wasn't caught early and along with other symptoms, it has affected his frontal lobe (brain). He was a fun-loving, athletic college student who has been through about 20 doctors, many hospitals, antibiotics twice day with a pic line, treatment in a pysch ward, a 2 month long coma, and now he is functional but with very limited communication with understanding. It has been a lot to handle for my family especially my parents (who are now walking research books on Lyme's disease), but it has brought us together and made us stronger in Christ. The moral and reason for this story is not for pitty, but for people to realize how precious health is and that God is in complete control. We don't know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future. :)