I Love Aloe In The Morning, I Love Aloe In The Night

Okay, that s a bit much, but I do like Aloe, which begs the question Why?

Well because…

Because it has an ancient history because it can cure a myriad of infirmities why back in the old west those barkers used to sell it as a cure all (not really, made that up) but did not make this up.

Aloe has been used as a healing remedy for over 4,000 years. The following is from the website aloeveraproducts.com

For over 3,500 years, tales of “healing Aloe Vera” plants have been handed down through centuries by word of mouth. From the Bible’s mention of removing Christ from the cross and wrapping his body in aloes and myrrh, (John 19:39), we find Aloe Vera mysteriously appearing in every phase of history, with many testimonials to its great medicinal values. The earliest documented use of Aloe Vera comes from the ancient Egyptians, but it was also grown and used by King Solomon, who was said to have valued it highly.

Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra in order to have the Aloe for his army. During his fabled travels in the Orient, among the many marvels recorded by Marco Polo were his descriptions of the many applications of the Aloe Vera plant. The Spanish Conquistadors discovered various herbal medicines in use in Tenochtitl n. At the heart of many of the Aztec cures, it is known that Aloe Vera was the effective agent. These Aztec herbal medicines were transported back to Europe by the Spanish, during the sixteenth century, where they became the foundation for modern Western medicine.

Wow , now that is some history and it survives today.

And well it should since its varieties are many; a little google clicking told me there are over 200 species, all the way from small one inch varieties to others resembling small trees.

If you re looking for aloe in its natural state, it grows in tropical climates, but there are many of us (read me) that have a little plant growing at home. It s hearty in some ways, delicate in others. You can over water it (ask me how I know) and it should be obvious it doesn t like the cold (remember it grows in the tropics), but then neither do I. You can remove one of the spears; store it carefully for a long time (I have not tested how long) then use that spear to start a new plant. No wonder the ancient Egyptians liked it, since they believed strongly in the after-life, and thus their mummies.

Variety is the spice of life. Here are only some of the uses for aloe.

Satisfying health drink
Cosmetics
Deodorants Lipsticks
Moisturizers
Healing salve
Shampoo
Soap
Food Supplement (it s packed with amino acids and vitamins and minerals)
Healing Cuts and Scrapes
Burns
Skin Problems
Cholesterol
Pain
And some say Vision

It’s benefits are many and is certainly something one should add to their daily regimen.
That’s all for now… June

Make Your Holiday Memories Sintilating

The holidays are upon us, my how time fly’s. And with the holidays comes cooking, which can be fun, or VERY stressful, it simply depends on your outlook and a bit of planning.

My plan is to have some fun, make some memories and of course have a good meal, usually in exactly that order. I’m not the best cook, and there are times I’d rather go to a good restaurant, but memories are treasures and memories can easily be made in the kitchen. A cup of coffee with a friend while you’re baking some cookies; a quick kiss as your child comes in asking for a glass of milk; a hug from your husband as he sneaks (he thinks) a cookie from the just baked batch, the kitchen is a place to make memories that you and your family will treasure for years to come.

And, lest we forget, we can “pinch a pretty penny” in our kitchens and put something away for a rainy day. Now then the trick; how does one do it?

One of my favorite memories is using my finger (I was only 8 years old at the time) to scrape the remains of the cookie dough out of the pan. My mom smiled as she watched me, and then placed the neatly arranged rows of succulent delights into the over. This is something I remember years (not saying how many) later, and something you can easily do with your children. While they might not have the culinary skills of Martha Stewart, they can help, or they can simply sit and watch and your love and patience is baked into every bite.

Most of us live hectic lives; it’s just part of the world we live in. But don’t let that fact deter you from your goal. Schedule time to be with your family and friends; yes that includes baking, cooking or simply having dinner. Build it right into your schedule so you’ll be sure and have time. And let the kids help. Who cares if a bit of a mess is made, that’s what dishwashers are for; use these modern conveniences to take some of the strain out of a busy day.

Do you like “Rap”? How ’bout “HipHop” or “Grunge”? Don’t worry, I haven’t gone off the deep end, but what we should all do is take the time to relate to our teens. Yep, those cute little cuddly kids grow up into demanding teenagers. Its part of the process, don’t fight it, enjoy it. Let them play some music while you’re spending time together; it won’t ruin your hearing (unless it’s up REAL loud) and this will give you some quality time together.

I married a man who knows how to cook. I’m a lucky lady, but that doesn’t make me special, just lucky. Whether your “significant other” cooks or not, let them participate in the meal. Maybe it’s simply setting the table, tossing the salad, cutting the meat, spend time together; it will pay off down the road.

Never… NEVER have an angry dinner. Yes I know sometimes it’s difficult after a hard day, when things have not gone right, but as much as possible, plan on having fun. Remember, it not an urban myth; it is easier to smile than to frown.

It’s easier to smile than to frown. A smile uses 17 muscles, a frown, 43.
(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 24 February 1997

Are you health conscious? I am, or at least I try to be. And while no one (or few) like to have the healthy antics of a zealot (who me?) rammed down their throat (not literally of course), you can include healthy food, and positive lessons in every meal you prepare.

Why is that carrot orange mommy? Why honey that’s because of the beta-carotene inside. You see fruits and vegetables are one of the riches sources of beta-carotene which we convert to Vitamin A.

Okay, we’ll don’t go overboard, but you get the point…

The holidays can be fun, just relax, take a deep breath, and then munch on a carrot or two.

That’s all for now… June

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