You may be asking yourself, "Where do they all come from?"

My aromatic eye pillow is ideal for those times when you just need to stop what you are doing and rest.  So much of our energy is used by our eyes.  Especially now that we are looking at computers and phones an increasing amount of time. The weight and fluidity of the flax seeds helps the pillow to conform to the eyes while blocking out light completely.  The subtle fragrance of the lavender flowers helps to relax the mind.  Currently I have the dragonfly pattern available while supplies last.  I will be making more in a variety of colors.   Retail Price $15

This is where I buy my mixed baby greens on Saturdays at the downtown Austin Farmer's Market. They are so fresh and delicious I pick up a bag every Saturday.  Cas is here with  a friend selling a variety of  greens along with Jerusalem artichokes.  I visited their website animalfarmcenter.com and was pleasantly surprised  by the scale and community of this farm located midway between Austin and Houston. They operate by the principals of Permaculture and host events including farm dinners featuring top Texas chefs, Permaculture workshops, Yoga retreats and more.

 So, as the holidays approach I decided to do a pre feasting cleanse. I also realized that I had to do a mind and spirit cleanse also in order to fully be renewed and appreciate the festivities. The food aspect is outlined in an earlier post which limits  my food choices to vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts and herbal teas.  which is quite doable and satisfying for 7 days. Then cleansing the mind is another aspect.  With accessibility to endless information coming at us from so many directions, including social, political, environmental or cultural,  it is easy to become emotionally  challenged or drained.  So as part of my mind cleanse I will be monitoring my phone and TV habits and try redirecting my energy to something more calming.  Picking up a book will be my new go to habit for 7 days.  Spirit is another area I will include in my cleanse.  Meditation is the goal for my spiritual cleanse.  Escaping the limits of my physical self  and surrendering to the infinite, 30 minutes each day for 7 days.  I'll let you know how it works out!

                                                      Mind -B0dy - Spirit  Daniel Artman Yoga

While grocery shopping the other day, cabbage caught my attention and I decided it was time to make some cabbage soup. It has been dropping fast in temperature here in Austin the last week or so and I have been feeling a little constipated!  Perfect solution, cabbage is not only good for digestion given that it has soluble and insoluble fiber it is full of  essential minerals and vitamins.  The best part is that you probably have all or most of the ingredients on hand. You may have a favorite recipe you can use if not  you may want to try this one that I found on Allrecipes website.  It is very simple and easy to make. I made a few substitutions based on my preferences and what I had on hand.
                                Ingredients:       
​
original recipe                           or                        substitution
3 Tbls. olive oil                                                       coconut oil
1/2 onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic crushed then chopped
2 quarts of water                                                   chicken broth
2 tsp. chicken bullion                                                     "
1 tsp. salt                                                                  dulse granules
1/2 tsp. black pepper                                             1 tsp. chile powder
1  14.5 oz can of Italian style tomatoes              marinara sauce
1/2 head of cabbage cored and coarsely chopped

Saute onions and garlic in oil until softened and lightly transparent.  Add remaining ingredients bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until cabbage is wilted, approx 20 minutes. Enjoy!!!

Planta de la vida or Euphorbia Grantii​  or African Milk bush, these are the names of the above plant which I was introduced to earlier this year.  This incredible plant is native to South America and Africa.  My sister-in-law who has a green thumb, gave me a small cutting of her beautiful large indoor bush and after reading about it's benefits I am nurturing it very carefully.  No wonder it is named the plant of life.  There are numerous articles and studies out there that describe it's anti inflammatory properties and it's ability to cure numerous diseases. However, I would encourage interested persons to do their own research on this plant.  There appears to be far more available information in the plants native home where it is well used and understood.