Sunday, October 31, 2010

Birthday and Halloween weekend

My birthday just happens to fall the day before my favorite holiday Halloween.  Who doesn't like Halloween.  Watching scary movies, eating candle apples, dressing up and eating my favorite candies mini butterfingers and Reese cups.   I normally take the day off and do something fun.  This year it fell on a Saturday so I took Friday off and decided I needed some kind of pampering.  I read about this Korean bath house called King Spa And Sauna.  I was just going to enjoy all the sauna rooms and baths but decided I needed a scrub.  I got the best scrub/massage and felt like I had been on a vacation when I left after 3 hours.  That may become my new birthday ritual.

Bear in Heaven



Friday night I went to a concert with some friends.  I had not yet been to this new venue called Lincoln Hall and heard great things about it.  Was one of the best venues to see lives music.

On Saturday I went to my favorite places in the city called Garfield Park Conservatory.

 Dinner with friends made my Birthday complete.
Thanks everyone for all the Birthday wishes!!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

cold season

You hear this is the time of year for flu shots.  I am considering getting one this year. I got a cold that has been going around.  Here are some tips to prevent colds and if you get a cold how to feel better.
I try and do these all year round to stay healthy.

1.  Wash hands, wash hands and wash hands.  Have plenty of lotion and purell hand sanitizer on hand.
2.  Drink more tea.  Especially green tea which has many healthy things in it.
3.  Get plenty of sleep.
4.  Try to keep stress to a minimum.  I do yoga to help with this.
5.  Exercise even if its just walking.
6.  Eat well.  I don't think eating lots of chips and dip and cookies count. But I'm all for comfort foods in the colder months.  I take a one a day vitamin to make sure I get all I need.
7.  Laugh A LOT! May not ward off a cold but it will make you feel better.  And break stress which will help.
8.  Do something fun or pampering for yourself.  Once a day if not once a week.
9.  Drink plenty of water. I do that all year round but in winter its pretty dry so its important to stay hydrated.
10.  I eat more garlic in the colder months. I pretty much put it in every thing I can.   Supposed to be good for warding off colds...and vampires!




If you do get a cold:
1.  Don't panic.  Hopefully when you start to feel it you can do some things to keep it short.
2.  Have plenty of kleenex.  I love the ones with lotion in them!
3.  Take extra vitamin C or drink Emergen C or eat more things that are rich in C.
4.  Get plenty of rest and take it easy.  Which means slow down or stop working out if you have a fever.
5.  I try not to take over the counter stuff but I give in if my symptoms are bad and I need to function or sleep I will take them.  I found an old hot toddy recipe that works well at night.
6.  Drink water and tea...lots of it!  So many good teas out there for colds.
7.  I like to take a steam either at the gym or at home.  Yes I turn the hot water on and sit in the bathroom.
8. If you have a fever or feel run down best to take the day off of work.
9.  If you do stay home wear most comfy warm clothes.  Read, watch movie or TV, stare out the window and nap.
10.  Be patient and kind to yourself.
11.  Oh and chicken soup!!!!!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Fall Field Trip

I took the day off of work so I could enjoy my favorite season FALL.  I wanted to get out of the city and experience some color so my friend recommended Morton Arboretum about an hour from my house.  This place is amazing and just what I needed to feel, smell and taste fall.











Sunday, October 10, 2010

Pumpkins

Its that time of year when you see pumpkins everywhere.  I'm a big fan of all things pumpkin.

Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin pie
Pumpkin butter
Pumpkin soup
Charlie Brown "The Great Pumpkin"
Pumpkin Ale
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin muffins
Pumpkin Latte
Pumpkin carving
Pumpkin patch
Pumpkin Festival
Pumpkin candles from Tatine

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Favorite Things

I have a favorite things I can't live without.  I know Oprah does her favorite things but I don't have enough money to give you all my favorite things so instead I am just going to write about them.   Not necessarily in any kind of order

1. My Uggs-yes I know everyone has them.  I have to be one of the first to bring them over when visiting my sister and her family in Australia.  I only wear mine around the house and to take the trash out.  They have lasted me about 15 years and they are the most cozy shoes to wear in winter months.





2. My iphone.

3. Milk and Honey granola. This local breakfast/lunch place makes their own and sells at places all over. I get mine at Whole Foods.  I'm waiting for Maggie my niece to make me some of her homemade granola I hear about!  I eat it with fruit and yogurt almost everyday for breakfast.


4. Newman's pretzels.  I have been a fan of his company and products for a long time.  I love that they give so much of the profits to charity.  These pretzels have 5 grams protein per serving so they are a great work snack.  Great dipping into humus or good mustards too.

5. Tatine Candles.  My friend Margo makes the most amazing candles.  I light them almost everyday.  Pumpkin ones are my favorite this time of year.

6. KEXP radio.  Love this Internet radio station.  Listen all day at work.  I get to hear a lot of new music and some great old stuff too.

7.  Apartment Therapy: love this website/blog.  I get so some much great information from it.

8.  This warm fuzzy blanket I got a Target few years ago.  Great for snuggling up on the sofa.

9. Yogi tea.  I drink some coffee usually a soy latte once or twice a week but I try and drink more tea. I love that they have quotes at the end of the string of the tea bag.  They are so inspirational to read.

Says "True Understanding is Found Trough Compassion"


10.  Lucas Pawpaw ointment: This stuff is amazing.  I do not go anywhere without it.  I bring back some every time I go to Australia and pass on to my friends I love it so much. Use it on my lips and hands when they are dry.  Great for the winter months.

What are some of our favorite things?