Mixology || Curling Pudding (or Twist-out Definer)

Do you want to make your own curling pudding or twist cream?  Or do you want a product that holds without the dryness or flakiness?  Here is a recipe worth trying:

Ingredients (large batch):
1 tbsp castor oil
1/4 cup shea butter
1 1/4 cup your favorite gel

Instructions:
Whip the shea butter with the castor oil using a hand mixer (ideal) or a fork. Then mix in the gel thoroughly.  Use to define curls or apply before twisting for a defined twist-out.

"Soul" Food Mondays || We Make Our Days

We make our days pleasant or miserable. If we insist on being miserable, irritable and nasty, more than likely the day will give us exactly what we give it. A day is too valuable to waste on misery and unhappiness. ~IYANLA VANZANT

Your perception becomes your reality.  A miserable outlook may translate into a miserable truth.  We make our days.

Motivation Today: Heart Disease Infographic

I want to thank everyone who contributed their thoughts to our last discussion about what to do when hosting carnivores. If you missed that post, it's a hot one, with plenty of room for more discussion, so please stop on by.

That post is a good reminder that many of us are struggling to remain true to what we know is the right way to eat (for us at this time, no judging!). Just because I blog about healthy eating/living doesn't mean I don't struggle to make good choices for my health each and every day. I'm always open to motivation, and the following infographic provides me with an immense amount of it to keep going. I hope it helps you too!

It wasn't created by people who are promoting a plant-based diet as a preventative measure against heart disease. It was sent to me by a company trying to sell reduced cost prescription drugs! How funny is that? But it's still an awesome reminder.

Read more �

Reader Advice Day: When Carnivores are Coming for a Visit

I received the following e-mail this morning. I've spent a lot of the day trying to figure out how I would cope in the following social situation. I'd like to say that I have all of the answers, but I don't. This is a very complicated issue. Please take the time to read this letter and, after careful consideration, share how you would handle this:

Dear Wendy,

I desperately need your help and perhaps you've written on this issue. Can you direct me to one of your blogs or give some advice?

My husband's cousin and her husband are coming for a two week visit. She's my husband's only living relative so we are trying to be kind. She and her husband are trying to determine if they want to move here.

We have explained in detail that we follow a plant based diet and that our doctors tell us not to bring into the house foods that are tempting. I have sent her links to your website, Fuhrman, Happy Healthy Long Life and McDougall for recipes. She picked out some recipes and I am experimenting. At her request, I sent her the list of foods that we regularly enjoy:

baked potatoes with grilled onions and mushrooms or salsa and guacamole + a salad
rice pasta with marinara sauce
spinach salad with boiled potatoes
regular salad with sweet potatoes on the side
grilled portabella mushrooms on sprouted grain rolls
roasted winter vegetables or "rockin' potatoes" with salad
bean soup and salad
Veggie burgers
Morrocan stew with quinoa
Smokey Chipoltle Chili

Then, she responded with: "Could we do pancakes, quiches and eggs and low fat sausages" and on and on...things we do not want to eat. I responded we don't eat those foods. However, we like those foods and they are tempting.

Now, as her visit is two weeks away she has written the following:

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Planning Now for our Plant-strong Superbowl Party 2013

Two years ago I hosted a Plant-strong Superbowl Party at my house. If you've been reading HGK for two years and you remember that party, thank you!

Our Plant-strong Superbowl Party was a big success and I had a lot of fun blogging before and after the party about the delicious potential in that day. Last year we were invited to our neighbor's home, and while it was a lovely event (Lynn is the best home cook ever and she just started culinary school this year), I really missed doing it myself and making it as close to Plant-perfect as I could make it.

Superbowl Sunday is kind of like Thanksgiving to me, I figure that if you cook enough years in a row for the holiday," over time one can really refine the menu into something that everyone enjoys and looks forward to. Doing it one year and not the next was kind of a buzz kill for me. I realize that most people would be, like, "Phew! Thank heavens that's off my plate!" But not me . . .

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Healthy Recipes || Banana-less Green Smoothies

I have nothing against bananas (and actually enjoy their health benefits), but have you noticed how they are a critical ingredient in most "green smoothie" recipes?  I presume this inclusion is because blending bananas into such smoothies is a quick and easy way to sweeten or mask the taste of ... well, the green vegetables.  However, if for whatever reason, you do not want to add bananas to your green smoothies, there are banana-less recipes out there.  Here are a few:

{Image Source}

RECIPE #1 - Source
Ingredients:
1 cup seedless green grapes
1 cup packed baby spinach
1/2 cup ice
1/4 cup coconut milk

RECIPE #2 - Source
Ingredients:
 2 cups cantaloupe
1/4 avocado
1 tbsp mint leaves
1 tbsp basil leaves
splash of water
4-5 ice cubes

RECIPE #3 - Source
Ingredients:
1 medium cucumber
1/2 Bosc pear
3-4 ice cubes

RECIPE #4 - Source
Ingredients:
2 kiwis
1/2 cup chocolate almond milk
1/4 cup water
1 cup curly green kale
1 cup ice

For more recipes (with or without bananas), check out www.greenlemonade.com.

Reader's Question: Moisturizing Twist Extensions

For questions, use the "Contact Me" tab OR leave a comment!

Reader's Question:
I have twist extensions... How do I keep my hair moisturised?

My Answer:

In my opinion, the best way to moisturize twists (or any other braid) extensions is to use a water-based spritz followed by sealing with an oil.  This method allows for sufficient moisture without contributing to meshing, loc-ing, or severe product buildup.  Heavier products, especially thick butters, can build up near the roots and facilitate meshing or loc-ing, especially in kinkier strands.  If you REALLY want to use them, though, I suggest staying as far away from your roots as possible and only using the butter once or twice between washes.

That being said, what are some good spritzes and oils to use?  Well, let us start with the oils.  Light and somewhat odorless oils, such as grapeseed and jojoba, are my top suggestions.  Coconut oil may be used, but be aware that your extensions will smell of the oil (and that may or may not be okay, depending on how you feel).  Olive oil is less odorous but heavy.

Now for the spritzes:  A water-based one is a good start.  A water- and glycerin-based one may be even better, depending on what your hair likes.  I list a few spritz recipes in this post.  If you would rather buy one, I suggest looking for those geared towards braids (e.g., African Pride).

Finally, the moisturizing regimen while wearing twist extensions: Spritz anywhere from daily to weekly, depending on what your hair requires.  I would not suggest going beyond a week (particularly in the later stages of the wear) because the extensions themselves may be drying.  This is especially possible if you used synthetic hair for braiding.  As for sealing, that can occur anywhere from every few days to weekly.  Sealing daily can attract dirt to the hair quicker than usual thus leading to increased frequency in washing.

I hope this answers your question!

Winners of Fast Food Shopping School Announced. Didn't Win? Don't Despair!

Before I announce the 3 winners of Jeff Novick's Fast Food Shopping School, I want to tell you all how much I believe that this video is a MUST SEE for every one of us.

Jeff Nelson at VegSource has graciously offered to sell HGK readers this video at a discount until Monday, January 28th, so don't wait a second. Just go and order it here (if you didn't win, of course!) and get your very own Shopping School video.

Normally sold for $29.95, which includes shipping (it's $5 more than the other Fast Food programs because it's about an hour longer -- nearly 3 hours or info total), with the discount it is $24.95 (includes shipping). You will save so much more than that because you will easily walk away from all of the packaged junk in the grocery store aisles because you will be educated.

Jeff Nelson has also offered to sell us a set of Jeff Novick's video "Should I Eat That? How to Choose the Healthiest Foods" along with "Shopping School" for $43.90 (a savings of $10 if they purchased each separately).

Read more �

Hair Diary || First Wash-n-Go in Years!

Due to personal health reasons, I took down my jumbo twists and figured I would try Cynthiarf's daily wash-n-go regimen for kinky hair.  I will admit that I was extremely frightened (for knots and tangles) considering my length and shrinkage.  Exhibit A:

LEFT: Straight almost WSL hair (shot from July 2012). RIGHT: Shrunken, un-combed, damp hair (January 2013).  Shrinkage never ceases to amaze me.  Hair eventually shrinks to EL once dry.

To my surprise, the regimen has been working well, but it's only been a few days so far.  I have very little knotting and tangling due to her finger combing method (to remove shed hair).  It also helps that my hair was previously (and thoroughly) detangled prior to the jumbo twists (hence hardly any tangles when starting her routine).  Anyway, below are a few more photos.  I have to keep up this regimen for two more weeks before I can go back to my regular routine.  I'll certainly keep you all posted!

Slight coil definition after raking through with generous amounts of Eco Styler gel.  Otherwise, my hair doesn't really coil on it own.

Put into a puff.  Shrinkage.  :o)
My edges are shot from having not re-done them while in braid extensions.  They'll fill in again.

"Soul" Food Mondays ... Er, A Day Late || Resilience As Your Best Friend

"No matter what or who has hurt you in this life, resilience must be your best friend.  Learn to rise each time you fall.  All will turn out well in the end." ~SOPHIA A. NELSON

Resilience.  An ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change (Merriam-Webster).  Make it your best friend for it will be there with you through and after adversity.  It may not prevent the inevitable but it will lessen the blow, keep you sane, and make you all the stronger.  Resilience must be your best friend.

Video Review and Giveaway: Jeff Novick's Fast Food Shopping School

The envelope please.

And the Academy Award for Most Useful Film goes to . . .

Jeff Novick's Fast Food Shopping School!

Yes, it's THAT good. But what exactly is Fast Food Shopping School?

Well, it's the third video in Jeff Novick's series called, you guessed it, Fast Food.

That's the same series which freed me from the shackles in my brain that had me thinking that good, healthy, tasty food just "took a long time to make." Sometimes it does, but it doesn't always have to. You can read about that here, here and here.

Read more �

Moroccan Veggie Burger Wraps

I'm gearing up this week to post a review of Jeff's Novick's latest video, "Fast Food Shopping School." I'm so excited to tell you about it, complete with a giveaway and promotions for those who don't win. Jeff, a nutritionist who also went to cooking school, is quickly becoming my biggest plant-based diet hero. I have learned so much from him and we've never met! He has really changed not only the amount of time I spend in the kitchen, but also my level of confidence.

A few days ago on Facebook I saw Jeff posting a recipe for a new "Fast Food" burger of his with a Moroccan flair. I totally dig any veg'n Middle Eastern type food (I really have never met an ethnic food that I did not at least like), so I excitedly scribbled down the instructions. I prepared them a few days later and we have been enjoying them ever since (they keep well in the refrigerator). Not my favorite Fast Food burger of his, but certainly good.

Then inspiration struck. I had some Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and grape tomatoes hanging around that I wanted to use up. Added to fresh sprouted grain tortillas and salad greens, and, well, the rest is history! The acidy pop from the warm tomatoes, the little bit of sweetness from the currants and the sweet potatoes, the creaminess from the hummus; it all just works wonders together.


Read more �

Designated Flatulence Area

Is anyone watching the TV series "Portlandia?"

A while back I wrote a blog posting called "Fart or Be Fat" I was somewhat new on a plant based diet and passing a lot of gas on most days. Fast forward two years and I have to think that I'm no gassier than I was pre-plant based eating, in fact, I might even be less gassy.

Regardless of my personal gassy past, I know that for most people starting out on a plant based diet, excessive gas can cause great alarm. Enough to want to make some people throw in the towel.

Read more �

Warm up with a delicious, healthy lunch at HWC on Wed. Jan. 23!

Escape the doldrums of January's cold winter weather and warm up with a fresh, healthy, delicious lunch at Healthy World Cafe!  We'll be open for the first time in the new year on Wednesday, January 23, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the First Moravian Church, 41 N. Duke St.


Featured menu items include:

• Chunky Potato Soup

• Seasonal Mushroom Barley Soup

• Cheddar, Fresh Vegetable, & Sausage Strata

• French Toast Strata

• Chicken Salad Sandwiches

• Lemon-Mint and Three Bean Salad

• Salad Bar

• and for dessert, Orange Tapioca Pudding.

 

Of course, our menu is seasonal and is put together with ingredients from local farmers, farm markets, and vendors.  The menu features suggested prices, but as always, we use our "pay as you can" philosophy.

 

Take out is available.  Take out orders may be sent to our e-mail address at healthyworldcafe(at)gmail.com.  Let us know what you want and what time you'll pick up, and we'll have it waiting for you.

 

We'll have our FABULOUS Healthy World Cafe t-shirts for sale - the same ones our volunteers wear - make a statement around town with your new HWC gear!

 

Celebrate all that is local and delicious - and with a great community of supporters.  Happy New Year from HWC!

 

The Basics to CHANGING a Hair Care Regimen || Part I

As we reach new lengths, sometimes our hair care regimens must change.  Our strands -- which may not only be longer now, but may also have changed slightly in coil/curl pattern -- may require different handling methods and products.  A change in our regimen may also be necessary when the ingredients listing on a staple product has been altered, our income has been adjusted, or the weather has varied significantly.  Whatever the reason for a change, it can be scary going from a familiar routine to a new one.  Let these quick tips be a guide and keep your fear at bay:

Look at what others with similar hair length, type, texture, AND density are doing.  It is not enough to just look at women with a similar hair type to yours.  Look for those with your length (or a length to which you aspire), texture (that is, fine, medium, or coarse strands - a measure of circumference), and density (that is, the number of strands on your head).  Use women with two to all four of these characteristics as a starting point for adjusting your routine. 

Find products with ingredients your hair loves.  This step is especially applicable if your staple product has new ingredients, is discontinued, or is now out of your budget.  Begin your search for a replacement by looking for a similar ingredients listings to your original staple product.  Look for generics - some of which may be carried at Sally's Beauty Supply (for U.S. readers) - for example, "Hair One" in place of "Wen".  Another option is to consider becoming a mixtress (that is, mixing your own product).

Use thicker, heavier products during colder weather.  Products that work just fine during the warmer months may lose their effectiveness in the colder months.  It may be necessary to incorporate or switch to heavier oils, conditioners, and butters.  They will better protect your strands and retain moisture in your hair during this time.

To be continued ...

Oldies, But Goodies

1. Protective Style Lookbook || 20+ Styles on Braids & Twists
2. Healthy Hair Feature: Ijeoma Eboh, aka KlassyKinks
3. Foods for Eye Health
4. Mixology || Natural Bubble Bath
5. Shedding Too Much Hair?

Utopea Giveway Winner Announced and New Recipe (Finally!) Italian White Bean, Kale and Potato Stew

"Every time you make stuff with Cannellini beans I just wish there was more stuff with Cannellini beans," Sophia Solganik, age 13.

It's been a while since I have blogged a new recipe, and I do have to apologize for that. Time is my enemy and photographing the delicious Plant-strong food that I have been cooking up lately has been a real challenge. Today I just happen to be home caring for sick family members, so I pounced on the opportunity to make and photograph this dish that I have been conjuring up in my head for the past week.

It came out far better than even I expected it to, so I'm thrilled to share it with you after my long dry spell.

I also want to announce the winner of my last giveaway, the Utopea prize package. The winner is

Read more �

Protective Style Lookbook || Braided Crown Hairstyle

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

{Image Source}

Model: Ebony C.

Style description: Braid going around the crown. Can be done on stretched hair, twists, or box braids. 

Difficulty level: 3/5

One Grain More? One Laugh More! And How to Replace the Oil in Any Recipe

Mondays can be really hard for me. I'm always a little bit sad that another weekend has passed by. My favorite place to be is in my kitchen, in my pajamas, but becoming a full time blogger just isn't in my cards.

So if you're like me, you are in need of a good laugh at the beginning of the week. Well, look no further than this video.

I may not have food allergies, but being "No-oil," "Nutritarian," "Plant-strong," "Plant-perfect" or a "Vegan" sure comes with its fair share of difficult situations. We can look at them and be annoyed, or, like this group of amazing singers, we can try to find the humor in it.

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Mixology, Skin Care || Elbow Softener

Are your elbows extra dry and hard this winter? Here is a natural homemade recipe for an elbow softener:

Ingredients
4 tbsp olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp honey

Instructions
Pour ingredients in sterilized jar, cover and shake well. Shake well before each use. Massage a little into each elbow for a few minutes. Rinse off, pat dry, and moisturize. (Use this recipe twice daily and your skin will be soft within one week. After that, use weekly.)

FOR MORE: 250 Bath Body Recipes

It Is 2013�What Are Your Health And Fitness Goals for This Year!?

By Stephanie of Infinite Life Fitness

Every year more and more people make goals to get healthy and fit.  On average do you know how long that motivation and drive last?  THREE WEEKS! And to be honest most people do not make it that long!

The key to YOUR health and fitness success is staying motivated, plan ahead, and find people to help keep you on track!

Those three things are VERY important and some of the hardest things to find (and keep) to those who are just starting their health and fitness journey. 

This is a great time of year to start thinking about spring break or your summer vacations!  If you want to be bikini ready you have to start NOW! Do not make any more excuses!

Create your plan:

What is the date you want to reach your goals?

What is your goal? (How much weight do you want to lose�.or you want to get fit to run a race�)

How do you plan to eat right? (Creating menus, planning out your meal times and meals)

When are you going to work out?

What are you going to do when you work out?

Now�How are you going to stay motivated?

(You can always check out my blog infinitelifefitness.com  :-)

BUT there are DOZENS of other health and fitness blogs out there that also aim to motivate and encourage people who need it)

And who is going to be your Fitness buddy or Fitness counselor?

A fitness buddy can be someone who is trying to get fit with you.  Or they can just be there to help keep you on track.  You can use them when you are feeling weak and wanting to give up.  This person is so important and they have to be reliable! Cannot find a buddy?  I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR FITNESS BUDDY! Just contact me and we can chat about your goals and I can even offer you some advice.

A fitness counselor is someone to help you with your meals and workouts.  This can be a personal trainer, a friend who is a fitness junkie�or ME!

I am currently taking new clients and my prices are VERY reasonable.  I offer great packages that can fit into anyone�s budget.  I never want price to be an issue when it comes to health and fitness.  I even offer trades (currently I advertise on some websites/blogs in exchange for workouts and fitness advice! I am willing to bargain so YOU can start reaching your goals!) 

Don�t belong to a fitness gym? NO PROBLEM!

There are DOZENS of at-home exercise you can do to help you reach your goals!
Even if you are on a tight budget there are ways to still purchase healthy food and maintain a healthy diet.  It does take some planning but YOU CAN DO IT! ANYONE CAN!

The time to start is NOW! Not tomorrow�not next week�not next month�but TODAY!

The only person holding you back from your health and fitness goals is YOU!

What are you afraid of!  Yes it will be hard at times�and yes you will slip up and make some mistakes but that is OK!  We are all human and we all make mistakes.

2013 is YOUR year! So let�s start NOW on the new�healthier�.MORE fit YOU!

This is Stephanie from Infinite Life Fitness.  Please feel free to stop by my blog for more health and fitness advice!

New Year, New Resolutions? And a Utopea Chickpea Crisps Giveaway!

Greetings Folks!

I hope I'm not too late in wishing everyone a Happy New Year! I have such a great feeling about 2013. It's going to be the BEST YEAR EVER.

Did you make any resolutions? Or did you resolve to never make another resolution as long as you live? Or was it something in between, like me?

After my last resolution to become "plant perfect" completely flopped, I've decided this year to try a much kinder approach. My number one resolution is to be nicer to myself, especially in how I self-talk. I'm trying to be aware that I should talk to myself the same what that I would talk to someone else. I find myself saying really nasty things to myself about my body and my weight, but I am making an effort to stop and think, "Would you say that to another person?" And of course the answer is absolutely NOT. So I stop right then and there.

Next on my list is to put on my oxygen mask first. As most of you know, being a caretaker, whether it be of children or elderly parents, is a daunting task. Add in trying to exercise and put healthy food on the table and just about any one could have a nervous breakdown. Just ask me, I've been on the verge of it many, many times. So I'm going to make an effort to take care of myself a lot more this year, even if it means that I have to say no to some other stuff that I could be doing. I'm going to be a little more selfish this year, and I'm going to try to not be apologetic either.

And lastly, I'll be working on self-awareness. To that end, I have started a food/exercise/to do log in a fun notebook that I picked up over the holiday. I know it won't be perfect, but I'll forgive myself for that and start right back up again once I realize that I have slacked off.

What about you? Resolutions or no resolutions? If you've got em, what are they? What's your plan for accomplishing them?

Leave your answer in the comment section for a chance to win a fantastic treat from my friend Ilana at Utopea. Ilana is what I'll call a "kitchen entrepreneur." She is constantly concocting new and healthy treats made out of chickpeas and other stuff. I raved about Ilana, Utopea and her roasted chick pea concoctions last year in this post. Everything she makes is absolutely divine, and her newest creation is this:

These crisps are crunchy and, well, wonderful. All of Utopea's crisps are made with organic dry-roasted chickpeas and her special blends of add-ins. Her delicious flavors include:

Sweet-n-salty chickpea/carrot: organic dry-roasted chicks, carrots sweetened with organic maple syrup and sea salt.


Asian sesame chickpea/carrot: scant amount of toasted sesame seed oil, fresh ginger, toasted sesame seeds, spices, sea salt.

Baba chickpea: organic dry-roasted chicks, eggplant, scant amount of olive oil, fresh parsley, fresh garlic, fresh squeezed lemon, spices, sea salt.

Spicy chickpea/carrot/sweet potato: organic dry-roasted chicks, carrots, sweet potato, scant.amount of olive oil, spices, sea salt.

Thai curry chickpea/carrot/sweet potato: organic dry-roasted chicks, carrots, sweet potato,organic lite coconut milk, fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, spices, sea salt.

Sweet Pea: organic dry-roasted chicks, sweet potato, spices, sea salt. These can be made sweet, spicy, or original-with a variety of spices.

Chickpea/kale crisps: variety of creations including a) Thai curry with kale/carrot/sweet potato; b) kale/spinach/carrot; c) spicy kale; d) kale/sweet potato .

Ilana is a genius. These crisps are incredible. I wish I had some right now to munch on as I write this blog posting. Whoever wins this giveaway is one very lucky person.


Utopea chickpea crisps come in 3oz. containers. Each 3 ounce container retails for $6.00. Ilana also sells a trio pack (choice of three different flavors) for $15.00. Referring a friend/family member who orders Utopea chickpea crisps gets you one 3 oz.container free in your next order.* How nice is that? You can get in touch with Ilana at tasteutopea.com, her website that is currently under construction.


Here's what's in the Utopea giveaway goodie pack:
1) chicks on a trail-trail mix
2) chicks on a date-chicks and date clusters
3) chicks on a coffee buzz-chick clusters of espresso coffee beans and non-dairy dark chocolate chunks
4) 3 varieties of chickpea crisps-mixed kale/carrot;sweet carrot/apple ginger; spicy garlic/sweet potato.

So leave your comment here answering this:
Resolutions or no resolutions? If you've got em, what are they? What's your plan for accomplishing them?

If you hate 'em, why?

One winner will be chosen at random. Contest will close on Wednesday, January 16th at noon, EST. Winner will be announced shortly after that. Good luck and please make sure to check back in at HGK after Wednesday to find out if you are the winner. Otherwise I will gobble up all of these goodies myself!

*Friend has to specify name of person that referred him or her at time of order to receive credit.

Hair Diary || Messy Jumbo Twists for January

Flat-ironed and in jumbo twists.  I didn't have my usual products so I had to make do with what was available.  On hiatus for the next couple of weeks.  Until next time, ladies!

Box Braid Takedown:
-Took down box braids
-Finger detangled each section (previously lubricated)
-Followed up with a wide-tooth comb
-Put hair in several big plaits
-Washed with Creme of Nature conditioning shampoo
-Conditioned with VO5 Strengthening Conditioner (hydrolyzed collagen)
-Detangled (wide tooth comb) hair while soaked with conditioner
-Re-plaited then rinsed out 95% of the conditioner
-Sealed damp hair with Pura Naturals Cupuacu Butter
-Air dried hair in big plaits

Oldies, But Goodies

1. Protective Style Lookbook || Grecian Goddess Bun
2. Sew-Ins & Lace Fronts 101 || Bob Sew-in Tutorial
3. Loc Maintenance || Washing and 2-Headed Dragons
4. Healthy Styles for Transitioning or Stretching Relaxers
5. Fitness Fashion 101

Advisory Group Meeting Jan. 7th

Happy 2013!  Is your new year's resolution to get more involved in your community?  If so, join us at HWC's next Advisory Group Meeting on Monday, January 7, 6:30 p.m., at Friends Meeting House, 135 W. Philadelphia St. in York.

Great volunteers staffing the HWC kitchen

The Advisory Group is a group of interested volunteers and individuals who advise and give feedback to the Guiding Committee of HWC.  These members are crucial to the success of the Healthy World Cafe.  Many of our Advisory Group members are also volunteers at our monthly luncheons at the First Moravian Church.

Networking, fellowship and that feeling you get when helping others are some of the benefits of being involved in the Advisory Group.

Advisory Group meetings are held the first Monday of each month, always at 6:30 and always at the Friends Meeting House.  Mark your calendars!  You can always check our calendar of events at the bottom of our webpage.

Join us on Monday, January 7, and help us grow HWC in 2013!  We've got great news to share!

2013 Plans for My Hair, Body, and Soul || Part III

Now it's time to share my "Soul Plans" for the New Year ...

2013 SOUL PLANS:

Practice daily gratitude.  Years ago, I did a daily gratitude journal and then fell off of it for a few years.  Recently, I went back to gratitude journaling and plan to stick with it throughout 2013.  The biggest benefit of writing down the things you are grateful for each day is that you learn to be thankful for what you have in life.  You also change your perspective to a more positive and open the door to more good things or blessings.  I think this quote (from the "Simple Abundance" journal) says it best: 

"[Gratitude] turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today; and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ MELODY BEATTIE

Remove negativity at first sight.  I have a tendency to see the good in everything and stick around even when it becomes detrimental to my soul.  However, I've been practicing running at the first sight of negativity in order to protect my soul.  This is not a black-and-white decision but requires discernment and wisdom.  This year I will heed my discernment and increase my wisdom.

Leave the past behind.  As an over-thinker it is easy for me to analyze a situation to death.  However, now when I start to think about something that cannot be changed, I cast it down immediately before it turns into dwelling.

Enjoy the present, or carpe diem ("seize the day").  Tomorrow is not promised, but today ... there is much we can do about today.  I plan to spend as much time with family as possible and to enjoy each day a little more.  I want to travel as soon as I can this year rather than put it off until the "perfect" time.

Beautify the outside to elevate the inside.  When it comes to my outer appearance, I tend to be ... hmm ... lazy unless I'm going to an event.  I am not a makeup and high heels person.  I could care less if my twists are super frizzy.  However, I honestly believe that because I couldn't give two #$%^ what I look like on my way to the lab or to school, it impacts how I feel on the inside - sluggish and "meh".  This year, I want to put a little more effort in my outer appearance.  Maybe daily mascara and eyeliner and replacing the routine gray hoodie for one of my nice sweaters.  Self-manicures have already made a re-appearance.

And this wraps up my plans for the New Year.  I hope you all are enjoying 2013 so far!

My "Hair Plans."

My "Body Plans."

Nutritious Bartending || Watermelon Mojito and More

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"A whole day of eating right can go down in the swirl of cocktail -- with crazy-high calories and weakened willpower. So we've put a few drinks on a diet, starting with the Cuban mojito. Instead of using sugar, use a wooden pestle or a big spoon to gently crush cubes of watermelon with fresh mint leaves. Add rum and sparkling water for a sweet mojito with half the usual calories."

If you are looking for more cocktails with fewer calories and more nutrients, check out this slideshow: http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-skinny-cocktails