seeds

What To Do When You Get Kicked In The Pants!

Posted October 28, 2014 by Judy Moon

I recently went to the most beautiful wedding. Good friends of ours got married in a park where the leaves were just starting to turn those soft beautiful shades of gold and the light from the sun peeking through the branches. They stood under an arbor that the groom made himself (it’s nice to have a handy man!), decorated with hydrangea and fall grasses and they spoke their vows to each other with all of us as witnesses. It was lovely. Not a dry eye in the crowd, not even my husband!

The reception was equally as wonderful – a brunch at Bolete restaurant,– farm to table food – chicken and biscuit sliders, halibut ceviche tacos, mushroom flatbreads, duck hash with poached eggs, butterscotch pudding, just to name a few of the highlights. The groom not only is handy, but is also a Mixologist and had a very swanky cocktail menu with catchy names.

Spending a weekend of fun, amazing food, raising your glass for many toasts is one of my favorite ways to spend time with friends, especially if you are celebrating such a special occasion. However it can also leave you feeling like you got kicked in the pants!

Luckily, I happened to see this “secret detox drink” that someone shared on Facebook. I love synchronicity – need a detox – here you go! I have done my share of cleanses, juice cleanses, etc, but I was looking for something new and not as extreme as the 21 day Clean program I usually do in January. This was appealing to me since it’s a variation on some things I am already doing daily- I already drink water with lemon and apple cider vinegar every morning, so this is just more of that with some cinnamon and some cayenne. Kind of like the Master Cleanse, but you only do this for 2 weeks and you just eat healthy meals. You just drink the secret detox drink 20 minutes before your meals. I will keep you posted on my experience and if it rejuvenated me at all!

Photo from Megan Keller Photography

How Far Can You Spit a Watermelon Seed?

Posted July 24, 2014 by Judy Moon

Posted by Judy Moon

I learned something yesterday – in the U.S., July is National Watermelon month – who knew?

It made me instantly think of summers at my aunt’s cottage at the lake, wrapped in a towel after swimming eating watermelon wedges over a flimsy paper plate puddled with juice and seeds. I also had a memory of being allowed to just spit the seeds into the grass, giggling the whole time doing it seeing who could spit them the farthest.

I was surprised to learn that 1 cup of watermelon has 1.5 times more of the antioxidant lycopene than tomatoes. If you want to read more fun facts about watermelon check this out.

Here’s a fun drink you can whip up using watermelon –

Watermelon Cooler Slushie
4 cups cubed seeded watermelon
10 ice cubes
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup white sugar (or substitute agave or your sweetener of choice)
dash of salt

Blend in your blender till smooth
*I think this could easily become an adult beverage with a little vodka , or rum???

So, how far CAN you spit a watermelon seed? I am not sure, but I intend to find out. Happy Watermelon Month! Cheers!

Clean It Like You Mean It

Posted May 16, 2014 by Judy Moon

Posted by Judy Moon

Spring is in the air! Nature around us is exploding.In Chinese medicine, Spring is a time of renewal after the long dormant winter. Bulbs are pushing their way through the soil making their long hard journey towards the nourishment from the sun.

Just as the sap in the trees shifts its flow upward, emotions and energies in our bodies can make their way towards the surface and express themselves sometimes unexpectedly. We also know it as “Spring Fever”.

I have been “swept up” by Spring Fever. I was feeling the urge to do some spring cleaning. This past weekend I washed all of the windows in my house and all of the curtains. I was cleaning holding the intention of “inviting more clarity in to my life”. It stirred a question in me –

“How can I Spring Clean My Mind and My Life?”

Spring cleaning is all about taking inventory, clutter clearing, organizing and refreshing.

1. Take stock – what’s working and what’s not? What really rocks in your life right now? Do more of that. What is draining you? Eliminate those things

2. Clutter clear – get rid of bad habits, unhealthy relationships, negative self talk and beliefs

3. Organize – make some lists and get a game plan. How will you accomplish some of that clutter clearing? Set goals, write it down make it happen, get a buddy to keep you accountable, shut off your phone and take a break from your email occasionally.

4. Try something new/plant new seeds – now that you have created some space in your mind, body and spirit there is room for some growth- try a new recipe, try a new cuisine, walk to work a different way, take a class, or do absolutely nothing if that’s a new concept for you.

Spring is a great time for bodywork and acupuncture – it can help with balancing of the spring energy and facilitating relaxation.

What’s your favorite Spring Cleaning ritual?

Sources:
Acupuncture Today
Huffington Post
Acufinder.com

Health Benefits of Cucumbers

Posted August 20, 2013 by Judy Moon

Posted by Gwyn MacDonald

Cucumber Seeds
I recently planted cucumber seeds and I am forever amazed that a vast, sprawling plant that will feed me is locked away in that tiny, white seed. I look forward to the lovely vine with those gorgeous tendrils and of course the bright yellow flowers that just glow in the sun.

Cuke’ Benefits
While I planted I thought of all the yummy cucumber dishes in my near future. Then I thought about all the other benefits of these fabulous fruits. The few things I knew already had to do with hydration (cukes are 95% water!) and inflammation reduction (think cold cream and cuke slices over the eyes – yes, it works!).

But I did a little research and was pleasantly surprised to learn the following:
• Cucumbers contains loads of vitamin C (especially in the skin)
• They are a good source of B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, fiber and silica (beneficial for joint health)
• A helpful remedy to cool sunburned skin
• One source says rubbing a slice or two on the bathroom mirror helps to prevent the ole fog up from the shower! Who knew? Haven’t tested that one yet, so if you do let me know if it really works.

Incorporate Cucumbers Into Your Diet
My favorite way to reap those health benefits is my old summer stand-by sandwich of cucumber, tomato and onion with mayo, salt and pepper. This recipe does the trick every time!

Also yummy is blending a cuke with some fresh tomato and garlic, a squeeze or two of lemon, some olive oil, pinch o’ salt and your favorite fresh herbs for a quick gazpacho-like cold soup.

Or keep it simple like we do at Judy Moon and Associates…add a few slices of cucumber and lemon to your water for a simple but refreshing boost!

Do you incorporate cucumbers into your daily routine? Lets share! Cheers!

Photo Credits // 1 Broadway Beauty // 2 The Healthy Foodie // 3 Future Executives // 4 Lil Spa Room // 5 Babble // 6 Beauty Punk