Did I drop off the face off the Earth?

Wow, what a schlub I've been lately.

That's right, I said it- SCHLUB.

You know, I'm not even certain that's a word, but I'm using it. It totally describes the MIA role I've had on here recently. It's been over four months and I haven't even published one word. Not. one. word.... See? I'm a total schlub!

You know, when I started this blog, I felt a deep determination to add to it everyday, to publish something of substance every morning when I awoke.

But the Universe certainly had other plans for me. A couple of birthdays, death and switching job titles, all wove their way into my already hectic life to create the superstorm of drama. But with the drama- including the negatives- I gained something very valuable... Perspective and Inner Knowing. I realized, perhaps for the first time in my life, that I TRULY DO CREATE THE STORY OF MY LIFE and I'm as determined as ever to make it a best seller.

In the midst of the chaos and doubt, I realized that my whole I have been able to manifest all that I wanted. Okay, okay, so there have definitely been times when the overall outcome came with a price, but when I've wanted something enough and focused on it with every cell of my being, I have been able to make it happen.

So what do you want to manifest in your life? Is there something that you desire above all else?

GIVE IT TO THE UNIVERSE.

 That’s right. Give it to the Universe.

Send out those positive intentions. Now is a great time, with the full moon coming up at the end of this next week. The power is building and intentions will manifest. I promise you that.

Until next time, loves...

Where have I been?

If you've followed the blog, you've noticed that I've been MIA lately.  Who am I kidding, I've darn near dropped off the face of the Earth! Between switching careers, to focusing more on family, to sorting out life's messes- I have to admit that I've not had much time to put into the blog.  

Now that I'm a bit more settled  (if that's even possible in my world), I've decided to completely change the blog's format.  I realize that I may lose people by doing this, but if I'm being entirely honest with myself, I want to write about what peaks my interest, what inspires me, and what I know.  

I'm taking this blog from family and life issues to crystals, tarot cards, and all things Divine.  Old posts will come down so I can start fresh with the new direction.  For the first time in a really long time, I'm excited to tell everyone who I am as an intuitive! For the next few days, I'll be re-organizing and re-structuring the post categories.  I'll also highlight my favorite inspirational books and bloggers to help you on your own Spiritual path! I can't wait to connect with you all and embark on this Divine journey together! 

Until next time loves! 

Embracing the inner You in a "Selfie Nation"

Recently I have been overwhelmed with the amount of insecurity and self-doubt on social media.  From pre-teens projecting their superiority over others because they have the latest on-trend fashion item, to working moms questioning their ability to juggle a professional career over precious family time, to the "selfie nation" posts proclaiming just how fantastic they are.  Don't get me wrong, I love a good selfie every now and then, but really, do you need to post pictures of yourself just to see how many people will comment on your gorgeous face, or your perfect hair day?  Loving one's self is critical to our survival, but I'm noticing more and more that mainstream media and popular culture is leading all of us down a path to self-righteousness, entitlement, and ultimately, depression.

You're probably thinking, "How in the world will a selfie lead to me being depressed?"  It's really quite simple.  So many of us seek the approval of others.  We want the cute boy in class to look our way, to notice our hair, or the new mascara that makes our eyes look amazing.  Or perhaps it's the new pair of killer heels that we just got on sale at Nordstrom.  You know the ones- Those heels that make our legs seem like they go on for days.  We all want others to like or perhaps even envy us, because it serves as validation that we actually matter.  For some, self confidence naturally flows- thoughts of worthlessness or self-doubt never enter their consciousness.  But, for so many others, the battle between inner confidence and outward expression becomes a daily struggle. In many ways, the need to constantly seek this validation only leads to greater insecurity.

In high school, I was not a part of the popular crowd.  I wasn't an athlete, nor was I a drama club kid, so I never really felt like I fit in with everyone else.  I navigated through high school with a quiet invincibility which has left me with few pictures from that period in my life.  I look back and wonder why I allowed myself to disappear into the crowd rather than make a statement and leave a lasting impression.  In all honesty, I was severely insecure.  I never felt that I was pretty enough or athletic enough to join a team.  I felt inadequate in every way.  Everyday was a struggle; comparing myself to those with better clothes, more money, or more talent. I sought the approval of my peers, even though a large part of me never wanted to be a "popular girl."   When I reflect upon those years and although I remember the feelings of insecurity, I am able to realize a true quality about myself that I never saw then.  I did know myself.   I didn't need to be like everyone else.  I wasn't even on the same page as others and thus, the reason why I didn't feel like I fit in.  It wasn't the clothes- I had my own style unique to me.  My empathy was blossoming and as a result, I began to pull myself back from the harsh energies around me.  I I may not have realized it then, but I can totally see it now.  I didn't lack confidence.  I just didn't care to be something I wasn't.  I didn't fit in because I wasn't like everyone else.  I was just embracing ME.  I was discovering my beliefs and perspectives.  My focus no longer narrowed onto the high school life, but rather philosophy, religion and world views.  I was curious and questioned everything, including my "need" to be like everyone else.  Truth is, I didn't have to be like them.  I just had to be me.

So when I see so many selfies posted on social media, I often question their impetus.  Why do we post so many pictures of ourselves?  Is it because we all want and perhaps, need, validation from others?  Is it because we need external sources to reinforce our vanity, our social status, or our relevance?  Or is it because we want others to perceive us as being confident, even though once the flash stops, we're doubting the very photo we just posted?

In all honesty, #selfienation worries me.   I wonder how society will be in five or ten years, when we've all grown accustomed to a tethered life.  What type of people will we be?  Will we constantly seek validation through selfies and social media, rather than in-person interaction?  Will we be able to meet someone on the street, strike up a conversation and truly embrace face to face contact, or will the moment pass us by?  Will we constantly be checking our phones and tablets- just to see if anyone new has liked our post or favorited our most recent tweet?  I worry about young guys and girls nowadays using apps like Instagram.  I've seen many "photo challenges" pop up in my feed and I'm always curious as to how certain photos are selected for each day.  How do you look at photos of yourself to decide which one of you is :the best?"  Why aren't the others just as good?  Sometimes I see girls post self-deprecating tags like, "nooneswcw," "notasprettyasher."  These posts both sadden and infuriate me.  Because I can identify with feeling unworthy as a teen, when I see these posts, I just want to say, "Who told you you're not good enough?"  Who gets to tell you that you're lacking in ANY way?

#carselfie

No one can tell you that you're not good enough or that you don't matter.  No one has the right to say that someone else is prettier than you, or is better than you.  Believe in yourself.  Know yourself.  I know that it's difficult trying to keep up with others; with the expensive clothes and fancy makeup.  I know that you look at celebrities and want to be like them or to have the lifestyle they have, but don't you ever compare yourself.  Ever.  You have a unique beauty within you that no one else can claim.  You were brought into this world to make an impact, to inspire others; to BE THE LIGHT.  Don't ever let self-doubt take over.  You are far too great to allow any negative force make you invisible.  Stand up for what you believe in.  KNOW THAT YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL.  Know you're here for a purpose, even if you haven't discovered it yet.  Embrace your strengths and learn from your weaknesses.  Don't ever let others project onto you.  You are a Divine being destined to do great things.

And if you ever have a moment when you're doubting your greatness, pause to give thanks for the great things in your life.  You are beautiful.  You are someone's greatest joy and reason for living.  You are DIVINE.

Until next time, loves...


 

It's A Giveaway!

Have you ever been so excited about something that you just want to tell everyone you see?  That's exactly how I feel about Gabrielle Bernstein's new book, 'Miracles Now'!  I have read all of Gabby's books and absolutely LOVE her perspective regarding the world around her!

In her latest release, Gabby shares with us 108 life-changing tools to help manage the stresses and chaos of everyday life.  My personally favorite is number 13- "Where is the love?"  In this exercise, Gabby teaches us to remember the love we have for others, regardless of the relationship, to move us from a place of anger or resistance, to a place of acceptance and forgiveness.  With this concept in mind, I've chosen to give away a copy of Gabby's new book, as well as an Alexa and Ani 'Love' wrap bangle!  This is not a sponsored post, but rather me taking an opportunity to share with you all a few of the things I love!


To enter, all you have to do is:

1. Follow me on Twitter
2.  Follow me on Instagram
3.  Subscribe to my emails (I promise, I don't share info.  That's for the birds... and less than stellar peeps.)


That's it!  Pretty simple huh?  The winner will be chosen at noon on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 and notified via email.


Happy following!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

The 'Sweet' Stuff

It's maple season! This time of year is always welcome in the Spaulding household.  The nights are beginning to warm, the days become sunnier and the smell of sweet Vermont gold fills the air.  It is truly one of our favorite times of the year.  While we don't make our syrup for mass retailers, it does require a lot of work.  The reward is what makes it all worth it in the end.

The sugaring season typically begins between mid to late February, however, this year we didn't begin until much later.  Our first "boil" was on March 14th- nearly a month overdue!  So, what dictates when we begin our season?  Well, my friends, put simply- Mother Nature.  Because the winter gets so cold in Vermont, (and this year, it was COLD) sugar makers have to wait until the trees "open up" and begin releasing their sap. A general rule of thumb says the perfect sugaring weather consists of nights in the 20's and sunny days in the 40's.   It's not until we hit these ideal temps that we can hope for long nights in the sugar shack.

This year has been a bit strange for sugar makers.  It's been so brutally cold that our season started late and even as the temps are rising outside, they still haven't hit that "sweet spot" which keeps the sap flowing around the clock. Either it's been too cold, or not cold enough, but I can vouch for the purple sugarhouse, we just haven't been able to collect as much sap as we typically do.  If you were to gauge based on past years, we should be done by now- or at least much further along.  But it's been slow going.  With only seven "boils" for 2014, we've only made about 1/4 the amount we aim for. Not good, my friends- not good at all.  But, as I write this, Darrin and I are hopeful that the next few days or so will yield enough sap to allow us to get to our "halfway point."




So, what are the steps to making pure Vermont maple syrup?

Step One:  "Tap" trees by drilling and inserting either metal or plastic spouts.  Metal is used for buckets, as seen in the picture above, while the plastic is used when running tubing from tree to tree. Usually this is done when a sugar maker has many trees close together, also known as a "maple grove."











Step Two: Once the sap starts flowing from the trees, it's time to gather.  This can be done using sap buckets or tanks.  For the big league sugar makers, big plastic tanks are used to hold more sap.  These containers are food grade, so as not to attract or harbor bacteria. When gathering the stored sap, most sugar makers use pumps to transfer the liquid into storage tanks in the beds of their trucks.

Step Three: Using the pump again, transfer the sap from the back of your truck tank into the sugar shack's storage tank.  Open up the valve and let flow into the arch!

Step Four: For us, this step would be to add wood to the bottom of the arch.  Some arches are oil burners, which heats the sap much, much faster.  We are too small an operation to use oil, so every year my husband spends many summer days chopping and splitting pine for the following winter.   Pine burns hot, so it's perfect for sugar making. Throughout the boil, Darrin stokes the fire, periodically adding enough to reduce the clear liquid into its more recognizable thick, brown, syrupy goodness.

Step Five: Once we see bubbles, we know we're getting close to syrup. It's just a matter of maintaining a hot enough fire at this point. Darrin uses a hydrometer to test the syrup. Once the thermometer floats, we've got syrup!

Step Six: Filter hot syrup through either a filter press or "socks." (This is the method we use- We're old school.). Socks are cotton and wool filters- kind of like a larger version of coffee filters. All of the grit and other impurities are filtered out of the liquid, leaving clear, brown Vermont gold!






Step Seven: Time to can it up. Heat the stored syrup to 180 degrees before transferring to bottles or plastic jugs. Filling to about 1/4" from the top keeps a layer of mold from forming.

Step Eight: Determine syrup "grade" by comparing it to Vermont's grading model. (See below.). Allow for cooling and VOILA! You've got yourself a tasty treat for your pancakes and waffles!

Disclaimer: The way we make syrup is different from others. There are many variations to making syrup- from oil vs. wood, to all metal buckets vs. plastic tubing, all achieve the same end product. Sugar makers are very proprietary with their methods and final product and if you were to visit a few different sugar houses in a season, you'd notice not all syrup tastes exactly the same. "Fancy" tends to be really light in color and is very sweet. Very little maple flavor. Most people prefer medium to dark amber, because both grades boast more maple flavor. You'll never know what grade you'll make, or at least we never do. Mother Nature dictates that, too. So, now you've seen how our family makes syrup! We hope you love true maple syrup as much as we do!





Until next time, loves...

Tell them today

Tell them.  Tell them today.  Now.  Don't wait.  

If you love someone, tell them today, 

because you never know if tomorrow will be too late.  

If you were to ask my family, they'd tell you that I am the one who always gives my mom a quick peck on the cheek when I say goodbye.  Or that I have to do the same to my grandfather the minute I see him.  I probably smooch my little guy way too much and always make sure to tell my husband that I love him every chance I get.  I love love and try my best to make sure that everyone around me knows just how much I appreciate and care for them.  In our world, family is not just blood- it's our friends, our neighbors, colleagues, and fire family that make us who we are.  It's the people we meet through those friends; who we bring into our lives and adopt as our own.  It's relatives we haven't seen in forever, but with whom we are able to take up right where we left off.  It's also complete strangers who we only know through news and media; that we feel a connection to, either celebrating their joy or mourning their loss.  Love is, in every circumstance, the very essence of our existence.

Recently, my husband had to say goodbye to a mentor and colleague in the fire service.  Though not always seeing eye to eye, he was a man Darrin looked to for advice and respected sincerely for his commitment to our community and its people.  After having devoted a lifetime to protecting our town, losing him was like losing a piece of history.  Saying goodbye was not an easy thing for my husband to do and I knew that losing his friend would change him.  No longer would he be able to call and ask questions or share stories with him.  His mentor was gone.  

I watched as my husband went about the motions- getting ready for each day with less anticipation of the day about to unfold.  Though he knew his friend was at peace and would no longer be suffering, it was still not a reality Darrin was ready to face.  So often we all think we're prepared and ready to give our final goodbye to those we love, but when the time comes, goodbye takes on a whole new meaning.  

The weekend was nice- nothing unusual or overly exciting.  I busied myself with household chores and played games with Jackson while Darrin worked.  We spent time playing games together, sneaking in a little TV, and even found ourselves able to make a little syrup in the purple sugar shack.  We were surrounded by friends and family; laughing and joking the day away.  But then Monday morning came...

Seeing my husband Monday morning was nothing I had anticipated.  In his eyes, I saw loss.  I saw pain.  I saw sorrow.  It was a side of my husband that I had only seen once, maybe twice before, and it is something I never want to see again.  Watching as my husband broke into a puddle of tears left me unsteady and rocked me to my core.  For someone who tries in earnest to be the source of strength for so many, his tears were genuine and overwhelming.   Here he was- this strong willed and dedicated leader- but as he stood before me, I saw in him loss and fear like never before.  For the first time in our marriage, I didn't know what to do.

Step back a few nights ago... Darrin's fire department received a tone to respond to an accident- routine, though never a call you want to take.  The wind was howling, rain was coming down, and it was cold.  Suited up in bunker gear, he set off to assess the scene before giving a report.  What he saw, I don't think he was prepared for.  Two young adults were in the accident.  Perhaps a scenario he had seen before, however, it didn't prepare him for the flood of emotions which overtook him instantly.  The color of the vehicle, the ages of those involved- suddenly his worst fear became a reality... Was this his daughter?  No, it couldn't be.  But it was some one's daughter.  

What transpired over the next several hours is more than I can imagine, and events I don't have all of the details for.  Tragedy struck our little town, leaving a permanent mark on all of us.  Some of us knew her, others knew of her, while still others knew her family.  But regardless of the connection, when we lose someone so young, taken too soon- it makes us all question why.  What was the reason for it?  Why does it have to be this way?  Questions spring forth and new emotions flood in.  Doubt, fear, sorrow, anger.... We search for answers that may never come.  We search for some one, or something that can make it right,  We want to know how we could possibly move forward when so much has been taken away.  In these moments when we question, we must turn to love.  Faith teaches us not to question, but to seek comfort in knowing we are loved by a Divinity far greater than we can comprehend.  We are taught to love one another, comfort one another, and peace will be found.  

As I reflected upon these events, I began to question myself.  Do all my friends and family know how much I love and appreciate them?  Do I tell them enough?  Have I apologized for mistakes I've made or issues of the past?  Have I come to know peace in situations and perceptions beyond my control?  

Take a minute and think about your life.  Take stock of your friends and family, co-workers, colleagues, and acquaintances.  Reflect upon your relationship to each one, noticing the feelings associated with each person.  Do you feel regret, anger, or hostility?  Why do you feel that way?  What led to these emotions and negative feelings?  Now look at the situation from a different angle.  What would help to alleviate the tension?  Is it more regret?  More anger?  More hostility?  No.  The answer is love.

Love lifts our emotions to a place unreachable by any negative feelings.  Love provides the barrier and shelter when the heart needs healing.  It allows us to embrace welcome memories; transcending us to happier times.  It releases our fears and teaches us strength.  Genuine love never ceases.

Even I have had relationships with family and friends over time which may not have ended up the way I wanted.  At times I've succumb to anger and found myself resentful towards another, not seeing that my own actions were making the situation worse.  I have looked for apologies that would never come.  But through it all and in every situation, I've come to peace.  I've chosen to see every part of my past from a place of love. 

When all is said and done, and your time on Earth is over, how will you be able to look back on the life you had?  Will you remember the petty squabbles, or how a life shattering situation one day changed you, never again to be the same?  Will you look back with anger and regret, wishing that things had been different- perhaps that you had made an effort to make amends, forging past the ugliness life dealt you?  Or will you one day look back and see only joy?  Will you have chosen, somewhere along the way, that happiness and joy were all that mattered?  Will you be able to notice the instances where love overcame and led your life in ways you'd always imagined?

My hope for you is that, when the time comes, you will be able to reflect upon your time here, relishing in the truly great moments- when you held your little baby for the very first time, or perhaps when you graduated high school or college with wild excitement and anticipation for what would come next.  I hope that you can one day remember the laughs, the joy and the love that filled your days and eased your fears.  I hope that, despite whatever life dealt you, you were able to truly know love.  Love is what we all seek and what we should all live by.

Moving from a place of love allows us to find our way through sorrow, to forgive past grievances, and to embrace life with a renewed sense of hope.  It allows us to forgive those situations and people who have changed us.  It provides the light in which we can see into the darkness, rather than fear it.  It brings us to inner knowing.  To acceptance.  To peace.  To new love.

I truly do hope that you move from a place of love and that you are able to recognize it it others.  

I hope that you allow it to guide you, to teach you, and to heal you.  

Like the air that we breathe, we all need it to survive.  

In closing for today, I leave you with my own personal mantra- 

FORGIVE FREELY.  LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY.  

There may come a day when you'll wish you had.

Until next time, loves....

YOU GOTTA MAKE THIS! Chicken And Dumpling Soup

Well folks, it's Monday and the Mister of the house isn't feeling so hot.  Not much gets him down, so when didn't get up and go to work this morning, I knew this wasn't the normal "blah" day.  He is your "go to" guy for everything- you know the type - the one who plows you out first in a snow storm and drops everything to help with whatever you need- always with a joke and a smile.  But today, it seemed like had no plans of doing anything except staying bundled up on the couch to sleep it off.  Seeing him still laying there as we headed off to school certainly unnerved the little mister of the house.  He looked looked at his dad and then at me and said, "WE need to take care of him.  HE NEEDS US, mom!"

So today's post will be a tried and true recipe to fill your belly and warm your soul.  Since we had a roast chicken dinner last night, I figured it would be the perfect time to make chicken and dumpling soup.  Here's a little tidbit about me- I've never been a fan of chicken noodle soup.  I just never have found it to be hearty enough- that, and I can't personally stand noodles in my soup.  If you do like noodles in your soup, by all means, substitute them for the dumplings.  I just don't care for a thin, broth style soup.  I prefer soups that are a little creamier and this one is just creamy enough without being heavy.  Cooking is all a matter of personal taste, so always feel free to modify recipes to suit your palate or needs.  Unlike in baking, cooking recipes are guidelines for the overall outcome.  If you see the recipe uses rosemary (my favorite) and you hate rosemary, then take it out.  Ultimately, you're the one who will be enjoying it and only you know what you like!

For the Stock/Soup:

Chicken carcass (Mine still had a good amount of meat. Feel free to buy a rotisserie chicken from the store, but watch the salt content.)
1 medium sized white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic
2 c. Carrot (doesn't have to an exact measure)
3 stalks of celery
3 sprigs rosemary
Pinch of Salt
1 Tbsp Pepper
1 tsp. Thyme
Cornstarch (used to thicken the stock)

For the Dumplings:
2 c. AP flour
1 c. Milk
1 tbsp baking powder
2 Tbsp melted butter

Prep time: 5 minutes or so to chop the veg
Cook Time:  3 hours to reduce, 45 minutes simmer (once strained) and 45 minutes to cook dumplings
TOTAL TIME: About 4.5 hours  (BUT IT'S WORTH IT, TRUST ME!)

Everybody in the pool!  (Making the stock.)

The first thing I did was to make the stock.  I placed the chicken carcass in first, then layered half the diced onion, half the carrots, all of the celery, the rosemary (but save one sprig for mincing and adding in later, two cloves of garlic, and enough water to cover it all, or about six cups.  I then let that boil for the next three hours until it was reduced by half.  Once the liquid had reduced, I strained everything through a colander, only reserving the liquid to go back in the pot.  To this golden liquid, I added the chicken meat I had picked off the carcass, the remaining veggies, the garlic, and the herbs.  I also diced up some red and green bell pepper for color and added nutrients.  Salt and pepper can be added to taste.  I did include measurements above, but truly, it you like more salt, then add more.  If you enjoy the kick of black pepper, then by all means, pour it in!  If you choose to omit the homemade stock route and opt for a ready made version from the store, I would definitely taste it before adding any additional salt.  Ready made versions tend to be loaded with sodium and I personally don't like to include much salt to my family's diet.  A pinch, however, will bring out the flavors of the ingredients.  You may also be wondering, "Why didn't she add celery to the soup after straining it?"  Again- personal taste.  While everyone in my house likes the taste of celery, we all prefer it raw.  Jackson and I love it with peanut butter (But that's a story for another day.).  
I then let this mixture simmer for another 45 minutes or so.  

Chicken and veggies added to the strained liquid. 

While the soup was simmering, I got to work making the dumplings.  They are quite easy and I actually found this recipe for them online, however, I did tweak it just a bit.  But they're so simple, even Jackson could help!  First, sift the flour, baking soda and salt together.  Once you have the dry ingredients in the bowl, melt the butter and milk in the microwave for about 15 seconds and add the wet ingredients into the dry.  Be careful not to over mix this, as the dough can become tough if overworked.  

You'll also notice it's quite tacky, but rest assured, that will be remedied in the next step.  Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead several times until it forms a tighter ball.  REMEMBER- don't overwork the dough.  You'll regret it later if you do.  Then simply roll out to about 1/4" thick and cut into squares.  (I took one more step and gently rolled mine into balls, but you certainly don't have to.) 

Before you add in the dumplings, pour a small slurry into the soup.  (Equal parts cold water and cornstarch.)  This is just to thicken the stock just a tad more.  Remember, I like creamier soups, not stews!  I think for this pot of soup I made a slurry of 3 Tbsp each water and cornstarch.  It seemed to work out quite well.  I must admit, often when I cook, I don't measure, so I'm guessing on this one.  Usually everything is eyeballed and to taste.  Once it's thickened a bit, add in the dumplings!  Try to gently place them in a single layer, so they don't stick to themselves and become one big mass of  undercooked dough.   

This is what they should look like after about five minutes in the simmering soup:

With the dumplings added, you can let it simmer for another 45 minutes, or until the dough tastes cooked through and VOILA!  You have yourself a nice bowl of hearty, not heavy, soul warming chicken and dumpling soup.  Trust me, it's perfect on a cold Vermont night!

SO YUMMY... and Jackson approved!

So, why did I make my husband a pot of chicken and dumpling soup?  Well, believe it or not, there was some wisdom in grandma's teachings!  A bowl of chicken and noodle (or in this case, dumpling) soup boasts many beneficial health factors for remedying a cold.

 Five reasons to eat chicken soup when you’re sick: (from Health Navigator.org)

1. Chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine. It thins out the mucous in the lungs making it easier to cough out.
2. During times of infection, mucus can thicken into a moist, nutrient-rich environment that encourages growth of viruses and bacteria. Hot chicken soup vapors have been proven more effective than hot water vapors in cleaning the gunky mucus out of your nose.
3. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene. The body converts this into vitamin A, which helps prevent and fight off infections by enhancing the actions of white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses.
4. Onion, garlic and ginger are powerful immune-supportive spices. Onions contain quercetin, a natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory. The active ingredient allicin in freshly crushed garlic works like a natural antibiotic. The major active ingredients in ginger are terpenes and oleoresin, which have antiseptic, and lymph-cleansing properties and also help improve circulation.
5. Snuggling up and sipping on warm, chicken soup when you’re feeling sick can really lift your mood and help you feel better. This may actually be the most healing property of all!

Now, I don't know if it was the chicken soup, or being able to spend the day with his lovely wife (ahem, ahem), but the Mister of the house sure seemed to be feeling a bit better earlier.  Unfortunately, only time will tell what affect the soup had on him overall.  As his "doc," I've also prescribed him to drink a mug of hot water with honey, lemon, and cinnamon.  However, if the patient is unwilling... 

I told him that he needs to rest up now while he can!  Sugaring season is upon us and... Can it be so?  ANOTHER WINTER STORM?  The local news channels are predicting this one to be the biggest one of the season, which means many hours of plowing ahead  for the Mister!  Let's just hope he heeds my warnings now and takes care of himself before this cold gets the best of him.

Until next time, loves...