Detox Baths - Which ones are best and for what ailments by Sarah the Home Economist

One casualty of the hurry, hurry modern lifestyle is the regular practice of highly beneficial and therapeutic detoxification baths. A quick shower in the morning or after working out has gained favor over a more leisurely soak with bathing ingredients carefully chosen to support internal cleansing, overall health and even to remedy specific ailments or injuries. I first became familiar with the benefits of cleansing baths during my travels in Asia just before I launched into my corporate career after college. The Japanese in particular greatly value cleansing, detox baths, so much so that public baths remain popular even today. The Japanese favor using water as hot as a person can possibly stand with a special type of cloth used to exfoliate and thereby encourage detoxification via the body’s largest organ – the skin. According to nutritional pioneer Dr. Hazel Parcells, 65% of body cleansing is achieved via the skin! In America, bathing is viewed more for relaxation than detoxification as a general rule. The focus on bathing enjoyment can be observed at bed and bath stores where a plethora of artificially scented, hormone disrupting bubble bath concoctions are creatively displayed and are best sellers year round. I would venture to suggest that health cannot easily be maintained over the long term without the regular incorporation of detox baths. If traditional cultures valued therapeutic cleansing baths back when our world was pristine with clean water, air, and unprocessed, additive free food, one can only imagine how important a gentle and regular detoxification bathing protocol is today given our toxic soup world with chemicals and other biologically disrupting agents nearly everywhere! If the body is clogged up with toxins from the physiological stress of modern living and the chemical assault from every direction, it cannot properly utilize the nutrient dense food that is consumed.

How Detox Baths Work The reason water as hot as can be tolerated is typically used is because this initially draws toxins to the surface of the skin, as described by Dr. Hazel Parcells in her book The Pioneer Nutritionist Dr. Hazel Parcells in Her Own Words. Then, as the water gradually cools down, the toxins are pulled into the water via the principle of osmosis – the weak energy from the cooling water draws from the strong energy from the body heated up initially by the very hot water. If the wisdom of cleansing baths appeals to you, below is a primer on four different types of therapeutic baths. Generally speaking, a cleansing bath 2-3 times per week with only one per day maximum works well for most people to keep elimination channels open and gently encourage the detoxification process on a regular basis.

Baking Soda Detox Baths Dissolve 4 cups of aluminum free baking soda (source) in a regular size tubful of water as hot as you can tolerate. Use more as needed if your tub is oversized. Stay in the bath until the water has cooled which will take approximately 45 minutes. Do not rinse after the bath – simply towel dry. This bath is beneficial for exposure to irradiated food, swollen glands, sore throat or soreness of the gums and mouth. It is also beneficial for those with digestive impairment such as the inability to hold food in the stomach comfortably.

Epsom Salt Bath for Detoxing Dissolve 2 cups of epsom salts (source) in a regular sized bath. Use more as needed if your tub is oversized. The temperature should be comfortably warm but not overly hot. Soak for at least 12 minutes and up to 20-30 minutes. Rinse and towel dry. The scientific name for epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. Magnesium and sulfur are both critical nutrients but surprisingly can be poorly absorbed from our food. Soaking in epsom salts overcomes this problem as these minerals both absorb readily via the skin. According to the Epsom Salt Industry Council, a simple soak is beneficial to heart and circulatory health, can lower blood pressure, helps ease muscle pain and eliminates harmful substances from the body. It also improves nerve function by encouraging proper regulation of electrolytes. Soak in epsom salts 2-3 times weekly for general health maintenance or to alleviate the discomfort of bruising and sprains. An epsom salts soak also encourages detoxification of drugs remaining in the body after surgery. This article details the benefits of an epsom salt bath. A fun way to use epsom salts therapeutically is to make bath bombs of epsom salts.

Sea Salt and Baking Soda Detox Baths Dissolve one pound of sea salt or rock salt (source) and one pound of baking soda (source) to a regular sized tub of water (more if the tub is large) as hot as you can stand it. Stay in the bath until the water has cooled which will be about 45 minutes. If the bath is too hot, you can add some cold water if this is the only way you can manage to stay in for at least 30 minutes. Don’t ever add more hot water after entering the bath, however. Do not rinse or shower but simply towel dry after the bath is complete. This bath will likely make you tired so do it in the evening before bed if possible. This bath is therapeutic for any exposure to environmental radiation, x-rays, plane flights or airport screenings by TSA.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Detox Baths Add 2 cups of pure apple cider vinegar (source) to a regular sized tub of water as hot as tolerated. Use more as needed if your tub is oversized. Stay in the vinegar bath until the water has cooled which will be about 45 minutes. Towel dry and don’t shower for at least 8 hours. This bath is a great overall detoxifier and for muscle aches and pains brought on by physical exertion. It is also helpful and the best detox bath choice for those with candida issues that affect the skin as it returns the skin to an optimal, slightly acidic ph which is a difficult environment for candida to thrive. An ACV bath draws excess uric acid out of the body. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down substances called purines in certain foods and drinks. Most uric acid is eliminated via the kidneys in the urine, but some folks such as those with gout can have issues with excess levels. An ACV cleansing bath can provide welcome relief for those with joint problems, arthritis, gout, bursitis, or tendonitis. It also is very helpful for those with excessive body odor problems.

Contraindications Be sure to only do one bathing formula per day. Do not mix ingredients from different bath recipes. If you are pregnant, consult with your healthcare practitioner before commencing any detox bath routine. Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/detox-baths-which-ones-are-best-and-for-what-ailments/

30 things to say to teach kids about growth mindset by Lord Yeung on Lifehack

http://www.lifehack.org/346078/30-things-say-you-want-teach-kids-about-growth-mindset

Djeco Collages So Pop Art and Craft kit

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Djeco-Collages-So-Pop/dp/B00A6I3REW For children aged 3 and over. Make a collage from the thick cardboard pieces which are designed to be easy for young chldren to hold.

Sentosphere Aquarellum Mythical Animals Water Colour Painting set

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SentoSphere-Aquarellum-Mythical-Animals-Watercolor/dp/B01GDOMEZ0 * * * Aquarellum Mythical Animals have beautiful detailing and is a unique art activity set that is similar to painting by numbers kits but is far superior.ﾠ Aquarellum have unique painting sets that feature a patented invisible wax barrier which give perfectly neat results every time. Highly rewarding, Aquarellum painting kits are aimed at older children 8 years old upwards ﾠand adults.ﾠ Comes with high quality, washable watercolour paints, a dropper and palette for mixing colours and a quality paintbrush. Full instructions and a colour chart are included. Pegasus,Griffin and Phoenix are among the animals featured.

The Aquarellum Junior Butterflies set from Sentosphere comes with four paintings to complete each measuring 18 by 25cms. Far superior to the typical paint by numbers for kids, each art board has an intricate butterfly to paint. With a faint wax mask outline on top of high quality watercolour vellum paper to act as a barrier when children are painting artwork is neat everytime and the vellum paper soaks up the liquid paint making the vivid colours seem to appear as if by magic. Aquarellum childrens painting sets have a colour mixing chart and are a great way for kids to learn about colour composition. Comes with high quality, washable liquid watercolour paints, a dropper and palette and a quality paintbrush. Full instructions included. A fabulous gift for any creative child and suitable for children 5 years oldﾠupwards. Box size: 20 by 27 by 3cm. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sentosphere-Aquarellum-Butterflies-by-SentoSphere/dp/B0172K5XTI

Giant Colouring Poster - Cosmos

Great fun colouring in on a large scale - for boys and girls alike with 6 giant posters to choose from. A great colouring project for children to do together - being over 1.15m long there is plenty of room to colour in together! Love all things space? Cosmos has a space theme with rockets, planets and little green men. Aged 3 and over https://www.amazon.co.uk/Design-Colouring-Poster-Cosmos-ToyCentre/dp/B01A9MWSL2

Quote of the Day

And as much about the journey as the destination?

10 Character Flaws That can Derail People by Dr Tom Brunner

Good people can become great, but usually they don’t. Part of the problem is good people are often unaware of how close they are to becoming great. What do I mean? The termination of only a few traits/habits/preferences is often enough to move someone much closer to “greatness”. This can mean greatness overall or in terms of some specific sport or skill. Want proof? Think about three friends or colleagues you know very well, and with each person imagine they no longer exhibited three traits that you know people around them commonly agree are their most annoying personality “thorns”. Then, imagine those three people no longer had their three “personality thorns”. How much closer would those three be to being great instead of just being good or average? I am betting a LOT closer. * * * * * Sports psychologists often help athletes change only 1 or 2 thought or behavior patterns, and that brings greatness. Chew on this: A very small percentage of a person’s psychological makeup (say, 2% of their total set of personal traits/preferences/habits) can undermine the other 98% of their makeup that is healthy and positive. A trainload of healthy habits can be derailed by a few bad habits. Think about it: How many times have you said to yourself, “I really like X except they are so…” and ended your statement by naming one trait/habit/preference only? That ONE trait was a blockade to you forming a deeper, more trusting, longer term relationships with them. That ONE trait is also likely what I call a “derailer” – a major reason they are not promoted, are not a better parents, friends, etc. etc. * * * * * Look in the mirror. Do you recognize the value of insightfully managing your thorns? If not, you are likely derailed and you do not even know it. Studies have shown that even supposedly mature organizational leaders often fail to lead because they have personality thorns that they defensively protect, leading to truly catastrophic consequences. Personality derailers are not simply annoying traits, but often kill your ability to grow, relate, or at work be promoted or lead a team. Good news. We behavioral science experts are learning which personality thorns are particularly likely to derail someone. Advanced behavioral science assessment tools are providing 360 degree x-rays into personality and character for children, parents, athletes, and business people.

The following are 10 derailers that seem to not just irritate others, but stifle the personal and professional maturity process. Whatever age or role in life you are serving, take heed: * * * * * 1. Enviousness You are not truly happy for others success, and you work too hard to “keep up” with others on a material level.

2. Defensiveness Defensiveness toward being corrected or criticized. Generally hypersensitive people don’t mature, they just grow

3. Aloofness If you come off as cold/distant, you will not be trusted or influential.

4. Volatility Overly emotional people are attention hogs, and focus on themselves, not on the reality around them.

5. Eccentricity Eccentrics are funny in the moment, but when building a team may lack the ability tone down their eccentricity to build rapport. Deeper relationships are absent.

6. Entitlement You believe you deserve everything you want. A rampant epidemic attitude in our society.

7. Unreliable Character You are unpredictable, and not trusted or confided in.

8. Eagerness to Please You are more of a pleaser than an honest communicator. But your displeasure with things builds up and explodes at times.

9. Morally Scrupulous You find fault with even small misbehavior. No one meets every one of your rules. Your best friend is yourself.

10. Making Destructive Comments Needless sarcasm and cutting remarks erode any rapport you may have built up. Your relationships never “run deeper”.

This is not a complete list, and if you want to know what your derailers are, you or your child can undergo a 360 degree evaluation which comprehensively yet concisely assesses your personality. For more information you may want to check out the following credible books, which are as applicable to parents (who can cultivate a child away from these tendencies early on) as they are to business clients/athletes: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, by Marshall Goldsmith (New York Times Bestseller) & Why CEO’s Fail, By David Dotlich & Peter Cairo Please feel free to forward this blog to anyone who might benefit. - See more at: http://www.doctorbrunner.com/10-character-flaws-that-can-derail-even-good-people/#sthash.vMFPHgVD.dpuf http://www.doctorbrunner.com/10-character-flaws-that-can-derail-even-good-people/

12 Immune Boosting Foods and Herbs by Elon Haas and Sondra Barrett

12 Immune Boosting Foods and Herbs That Add Powerful Healing Properties to Your Meals Adding immune boosting foods and herbs to your meals is a powerfully effective way to stimulate healing and rejuvenation in the body. Spice Up Your Immunity With Powerful Immune Boosting Foods and Herbs Adding herbs and spices is an easy way to create variety and expand the flavors of your meals—and load up the immune-boosting properties of your food, too. Herbs are typically leaves, roots, and stems used in cooking or for medicinal purposes. Spices usually come from bark or seeds, are intensely aromatic, and are generally added to dishes in much smaller amounts. Most of our common herbs and spices originated in Asia or the Mediterranean region, where many were known healing foods and immune boosting folk remedies generations before manufactured drugs or supplements were derived from them. Scientific research and analyses of these immune boosting foods and herbs have provided measurable evidence of how, or if, these herbs and spices work in any healing capacity. However, large clinical studies of these plants are still relatively rare, so we offer the following dietary ideas with a word of caution. As tasty additions to your meals, there is likely no risk. These immune boosting foods, herbs and spices can simply season your meal, or they can be taken as nutritional supplements when necessary. In general, they provide antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory functions—both essential for good immune health. But if you consume them as supplements, exercise caution. Many substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity can alter blood clotting, and some herbs can interact with prescription medications. Immune boosting foods and herbs can help the body and alleviate symptoms of various medical conditions, but since this isn’t an article on herbal medicine, we’ve provided a simple basic review of those herbs and spices that may improve your immune functions and your meals. Here, we offer suggestions for spicing up your dinner—and your immune health.

1. Cayenne Pepper Hot and spicy cayenne pepper is a member of the nightshade family, which includes potatoes, tomatoes, other peppers, and eggplant. The heat-producing component in the cayenne fruits is capsaicin, and patches or gels containing capsaicin can be used to soothe localized pain. It turns out that capsaicin is a potent inhibitor of pain-producing substance P made during inflammation. Substance P when released by neurons worsens pain sensations. Cayenne peppers are also powerful antioxidants, as you would expect from the bright red color. Remember, most highly pigmented foods contain antioxidants. Cayenne, used sparingly, stimulates blood circulation and stimulates secretions to clear a stuffy nose making it an excellent immune boosting food. Some people sprinkle a little ground cayenne in their socks to warm their feet in cold weather or take it in capsule form for its warming effects. Also, be cautious with amounts used of spicy peppers, cayenne, and even black pepper until you know your level of sensitivity. Some people are very sensitive and reactive or don’t like the warm or hot feeling that peppers generate.

2. Cinnamon Cinnamon comes from the dried bark of a tropical species of evergreen tree grown in Asia. The cinnamon more commonly sold in North America comes from the related cassia tree. It helps prevent infection and may stimulate immune activity, making it a welcome and tasty addition to your collection of immune boosting herbs and spices. There’s considerable research indicating that cinnamon can prevent clumping of blood platelets by blocking the release of inflammatory fatty acids from cell membranes. It also inhibits the formation of other inflammatory substances. Some research suggests it helps regulate blood sugar (a factor in inflammation), has antioxidant activity, and may reduce pain. Try it on your morning oatmeal.

3. Clove Eugenol (clove oil) is widely used in dentistry as a local analgesic agent, so you may already be familiar with the smell and taste of cloves. Both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, the sweet, fragrant immune boosting cloves have been used to prevent gum pain—in addition to giving gingerbread and the Indian drink chai their signature aromas and flavors.

4. Garlic This potent and pungent cooking staple provides antiseptic and antioxidant activities. In one study, garlic was shown to prevent colds or at least shorten the duration of the symptoms making it an important immune boosting food. Allicin, a potent sulfur compound found in garlic and onions, provides both their powerful pungent aromas and supports antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Make Your Own Garlic Oil Chop 5 to 10 cloves of garlic and place them in a small bottle of olive oil, or pour 4 to 8 ounces of olive oil over the garlic in a bowl or container. Let it sit for a couple of days to allow the garlic to infuse in the oil, and then put it in the fridge for several days. You can add other herbs, like rosemary, to the oil as well. Use this in cooking or rub it on your chest to soothe cough and congestion. Note: Don’t store garlic in oil at room temperature for more than a day or two, as garlic-in-oil mixtures could cause some bacterial overgrowth, with the growth of botulism being the biggest concern.

5. Ginger The pungent root of the ginger plant decreases inflammation in ways similar to aspirin, and it’s an antimicrobial against bacteria and fungus, making it a key immune boosting food. Some sailors, pregnant women, and people undergoing chemotherapy have found that ginger helps prevent or soothe nausea and motion sickness. Nausea and vomiting are complex processes controlled by the central nervous system and influenced by psychological issues. Studies show mixed results especially with chemotherapy-induced nausea, although ginger has reduced its severity. It’s been shown to be helpful in preventing pregnancy morning sickness. It also aids circulation and heat generation in the body. Ginger is readily available in ginger ale, as capsules, and in candied form. Fresh ginger livens up the flavor of whatever you’re cooking or drinking, so try it in your morning oatmeal or evening stir-fry. Or use freshly grated ginger to make tea as a wonderful cold remedy. Avoid ginger if you’re taking blood thinners or aspirin.

6. Licorice Most people think of licorice as a chewy candy, but its health benefits date from ancient times. Licorice, another root, has been shown to have powerful cortisone-like activity, which means it can help diminish immune responses and inflammation, which is why it has been revered as an immune boosting herb for millennia. It works well in the gut to lessen the symptoms of an inflamed stomach. Research indicates that at medicinal doses, it is antimicrobial and an antioxidant.

7. Shiitake Mushrooms This fungus has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 6,000 years and offers another tasty and health-promoting food to your anti-inflammatory repertoire. This mushroom lessens the likelihood for heart disease by preventing immune cells from sticking to the thin walls of your blood vessels (the stickiness is a consequence of inflammation), making it a unique but important immune boosting food. Rich in vitamins B and D, shiitake mushrooms should be gently sautéed for a few minutes to enhance their flavor. Soak dried shiitakes for a few minutes and then rinse; they cook better when hydrated. Add a few to chicken soup or a veggie sauté for more flavor and immune support. Taken at a medicinal level, shiitake extracts can both suppress and activate immune functions, so consult with your health practitioner before supplementing with high amounts.

8. Onions This flavorful, versatile addition to meals contains several immune-boosting chemical components. One is quercetin, a bioflavonoid also found in red wine, green tea, apples, berries, and buckwheat. Quercetin is not only anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, it also acts as an antihistamine. Eat onions daily.

9. Oregano A powerful antimicrobial herb, oregano is effective in treating some fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections, making it a great immune boosting herb to keep on hand or growing in the garden. Oregano has more antioxidant activity than apples, oranges, or blueberries! The popular seasoning is commonly used in Italian dishes like pizza, spaghetti, and minestrone soup.

10. Rosemary The highly aromatic needlelike leaves of rosemary contain substances that increase circulation, improve digestion, and are anti-inflammatory. Some studies suggest it may reduce the severity of asthma attacks. In animal studies, an extract made from rosemary leaves was shown to have powerful and measurable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In a study at the University of Florida, white blood cells isolated from 10 people were incubated with hydrogen peroxide, which causes oxidative damage to DNA. Blood cells from people who consumed capsules of rosemary (or ginger or turmeric) for a week were protected from this oxidative damage. The rosemary also lowered the inflammatory markers in the cells. Rosemary grows wildly in many parts of the world and is an easy immune boosting herb to have on hand dried or freshly growing in a pot.

11. Thyme Thanksgiving stuffing, fragrant with thyme and onions, may actually protect us from infections during the holidays. Thyme contains some of the same components as oregano and is especially high in thymol, which gives thyme its antimicrobial properties against bacteria and fungi, which is why it’s a first rate immune boosting food. Also an antioxidant, thyme has been shown to prevent oxidative damage to DNA in human lymphocytes. In other words, it protects genes. It also contains quercetin, found in onions, which inhibits histamine.

12. Turmeric (Curcumin) The slightly bitter, bright yellow-orange turmeric root contains curcumin, a main ingredient in curries. Used for its intense yellow color (think mustard), curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory that may protect the liver from toxins. Preliminary research suggests it may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, lessen the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, and even prevent some cancers, which is why it is revered as a powerful immune boosting food worldwide.

Quick Tip: Antioxidant herbs contain chemical components called phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other phytochemicals. Some examples: cayenne, cinnamon, clove, garlic, licorice, onions, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Except for oregano, all these herbs and spices have anti-inflammatory qualities. Herbs with antibiotic, antibacterial, or antifungal activity include cinnamon, garlic, ginger, licorice, oregano, and thyme. This article on immune boosting foods and herbs is excerpted from Ultimate Immunity: Supercharge Your Body’s Natural Healing Powers by Elson Haas and Sondra Barre - See more at: http://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/immune-boosting-foods-herbs/#sthash.EhY1uKnG.dpuf

Overnight Coconut Buckwheat Porridge by the Healthy Foodie

Overnight Coconut Buckwheat Porridge Serves: 2 Ingredients 1 cup buckwheat groats ¼ cup chia seeds 3 cups coconut milk (or any other nut milk like almond, rice, soy, etc.) 1 cup water 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon cinnamon Pinch of salt Toppings: ½ cup walnuts (or any other unsalthttp://www.foolproofliving.com/overnight-coconut-buckwheat-porridge/ed nuts of your choice) 1 ½ cup berries, pomegranate seeds, etc. (any fresh fruit you have at home) ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut Instructions Mix buckwheat groats, chia seeds, coconut milk, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cover it with stretch film and let it sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, place it in a pot, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes (or until thick and creamy). Garnish it with fruit, coconut, and nuts. Serve. Notes Note: To keep it healthy, I didn't add extra sugars to this recipe. But if you like it sweeter, you can add one or two tablespoons of natural sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. http://www.foolproofliving.com/overnight-coconut-buckwheat-porridge/

The Superfood you should be adding to your Coffee by Tero Isokauppila

Mushrooms might not be the first things that come to mind when you picture your morning coffee, but hear me out. Though they may not be as "sexy" as other superfoods on the market today, medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane come packed with some hefty nutritional benefits. At the beginning of the 21st century, fungi were used in more than 10 of the 20 most profitable products used in human medicine—including penicillin. Today, thousands of studies have been conducted on their healing properties.

Researchers have compiled promising evidence that antioxidants in Chaga mushrooms can help lower inflammation in the body; while Reishi mushrooms might improve heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol levels, Cordyceps can boost natural energy levels and oxygen intake by up to 15 percent, and Lion's Mane might influence brain health by stimulating the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production in the body. Incorporating even small amounts of nutrient-rich mushrooms into your daily routine can help you tap into these significant health benefits. Not to mention they can be added to almost any diet—no matter if you're Paleo or vegan. The only downside is that these healthier mushroom often have a bitter taste.

That's where mushroom coffee comes into play. Coffee comes with health benefits of its own, and it's one of the few bitter foods that people consume regularly. However, drinking coffee can be very taxing on our adrenals and tough on our stomachs due to its acidity. But combining coffee with mushrooms may help alleviate these issues. This superfood combo of mushrooms and coffee might sound outrageous, but it tastes much better than you'd imagine. Here are two of my favorite morning coffee recipes. Not only will they help you wake up; they'll improve mental focus, boost brain health, and support overall immunity.

Quick & Easy Mushroom Latte One packet Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane (which comes in a powder form similar to other instant coffees) 1 cup hot water A splash almond milk A tiny bit of vanilla-flavored liquid stevia Mix everything together with a spoon or milk frother.

Hard-Core Mushroom Coffee 16 grams high-quality coffee beans of your choice 1 cup hot water One packet Four Sigmatic Chaga Elixir 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 teaspoon ghee 1 teaspoon maca and/or mucuna extract Grind the coffee beans and throw them into an AeroPress or a French Press. Extract them with hot water for 60 to 90 seconds, depending on the size of your grind. Mix the fresh-brewed coffee and all other ingredients in a blender for a few seconds, and you’re done. Just remember to open the blender lid carefully after mixing a warm drink. http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24153/the-superfood-you-should-be-adding-to-your-coffee.html

Quote of the day

5 Reasons Getting What You Want might not be Good for You by Steven Aitchison

You’ve wanted this thing for so long. This person, this car, this house, this job, this ______ (insert desire). It’s all you can think about. You want it so bad. It’s all you can think of. You look at pictures, daydream about it. It almost consumes you. Your neighbour just got that same car you wanted and you’re dying inside. You are happy for them but jealous at the same time. You’ve had your eye on that internal job for months, but your co-worker got it instead of you. So why not you? Why you can’t have those things you want? Why is it that all those things you want, seem to elude you? We all hear that good things will come to you if you stay positive and put out your intention. So where is it and why did the other guy get it and not you? Sometimes not getting what you want is a brilliant stroke of luck. Here’s why.

1. The business just collapsed. You thought you really wanted that job in that business but instead you took another job. 6 months later that business you thought was awe some just closed down. Lucky you. But is it luck? The universe knows and lined you up to prevent you from future stress. Not all jobs you think you want are actually good for you. The money may be good but money isn’t everything. Not getting that job has given you the opportunity to rethink your career path.

2. That person that you have been admiring for a while and would really love to date? They’re in jail now. Phew. Ok so maybe a bit extreme but you get the point. We think we know someone and they appear to be so great at the start and you are sure they are your perfect match and you daydream for hours about marrying them. Then boom. Turns out they aren’t so picture perfect after all. The universe saved you again. It also is giving you time to prepare yourself for that person who is perfect for you.

3. Changing the course of your life. We really don’t know what is ahead. We can plan tomorrow but anything can happen between now and then. Life will throw many curveballs at you but the trick is to learn how to juggle them and toss them back. With every experience and every thing you thought you wanted and lost, you learned something new and grew.

4. There is something better for you. You thought that person or job or car was great and when you didn’t get it, it made you sad but then out of the clear blue comes something totally unexpected. Something fantastic and way better than what you first thought you really wanted. A better job, better deal on a car, nicer partner. Bigger better nicer, there is something definitely better just around the corner for you. Be patient.

5. You’ll get better at rolling with changes. When things don’t go your way, things don’t come to you, you get turned down for things, etc. Eventually you will grow from all the changes and become more open minded and learn how to deal with them. You will also see that better things happen and your attitude will be more positive too.

The saying holds true. Not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck. At first we don’t recognize it as such. For a lot of us, what happens is we get frustrated, angry or even depressed when what we want doesn’t transpire for us. We question it and ourselves. We wonder what we did wrong and why can’t we have it. In reality, you have done nothing wrong and it has everything to do with the fact that the universe knows exactly what you need and when you need it. Have faith and let go. http://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog/5-reasons-getting-what-you-want-might-not-be-good-for-you/

8 Secrets of People who don't have Clutter by PureWow

8 Secrets of People Who Don’t Have Clutter Cut the crap with these simple tips Your old stand-mixer. Your kid’s broken recorder. That box of candles you’ve been meaning to regift. Despite your best intentions, clutter has a way of piling up…and taking over. Here, eight secrets of folks who are magically able to keep their homes free of stuff. 1. THEY DON'T KEEP GIFTS THEY DON'T LIKE It might seem callous, but there’s no shame in parting with gifts that aren’t your thing. If you're worried you'll offend your mother-in-law, rest assured that she probably won’t ask you where that Santa paperweight went. And if she does, you can always lie and say you’re keeping it at the office. 2. THEY DON'T OWN CLOTHES THEY DON'T LIKE This one seems obvious, but think about it: How many ugly sweatshirts are you hanging onto just because you might wear them to paint the garage some day? Put those suckers out to pasture. (And when painting day comes, we promise you’ll find a way not to be topless.) 3. THEY DON'T DISTINGUISH BETWEEN SUMMER AND WINTER WARDROBES You thought that box of bathing suits in your basement was an honest effort to stay organized. But in reality, it’s giving you an excuse to hold onto stuff you don’t need. (C’mon are you ever going to wear that rainbow string bikini?) A good rule of thumb: Your entire yearly wardrobe should fit in your drawers and closet. If it doesn’t, you need to purge. 4. THEY DIGITIZE Some things--like your first edition Alice in Wonderland--are nice to own in the flesh. Other things--like tax returns from 2006--are better off kept in the cloud. Take stock of your papers, books and emovies to see what you could easily digitize and store on your computer or online. 5. THEY INVEST IN SMART GARBAGE SOLUTIONS Dear anyone who has a stack of magazines or empty water bottles in her mudroom: If you have dedicated recycling bins (preferably tucked away or built into a cabinet), you are far more likely to keep trash out of sight until collection day arrives. 6. THEY CLEAN THEIR COUNTERTOPS DAILY Ever try to wipe down a countertop that’s covered in crap? Not so easy, is it? 7. WHEN THEY BUY A NEW ITEM, THEY THROW OUT AN OLD ONE Think about the stuff in your house in terms of finite numbers. You have 20 pairs of shoes. You have 3 spatulas. You have 6 tubes of lipstick. When you buy a new pair of boots or even just a fun, little cooking utensil, an old one has to go. 8. THEY DON'T HAVE A JUNK DRAWER Yes, it’s tempting to have a place to store the stuff you’re not quite sure what to do with. But mark our words: Once you allow that old cell phone charger into junk-drawer purgatory, it’s a slippery slope toward total chaos. Best to throw it out, or assign it a proper home in the first place. http://www.purewow.com/home/Secrets-of-People-Who-Dont-Have-Clutter?utm_campaign=mindbodygreen.com&utm_source=pubexchange&utm_medium=syndication&utm_content=pubexchange_module

The Only Beauty Product you'll ever need by Ella Woodward

Coconut oil is an absolute miracle ingredient and an all-around superfood. It's usually thought of as a food full of important vitamins, minerals and fats. But coconut oil isn't just great in the kitchen — it's also a rock star beauty ingredient. I always have a pot of it in my bathroom as it has so many amazing properties that help your whole body glow. I use it as a moisturizer, hair mask, makeup remover, exfoliator, nail softener, lip balm and a bath time wonder. It's a serious all-rounder! Just make sure to use raw, unrefined, virgin, organic coconut oil.

Moisturizer Coconut oil acts as a sweet, smooth, tropical-smelling lotion that works as an amazing moisturizer. I use it on my face and body before bed, and find that I always wake up looking fresh the next morning with my skin looking happy. Coconut oil is full of microbial and antifungal properties that help skin heal itself, whilst all it's vitamins and healthy fats nourish, plump and moisturize the skin. As a body moisturizer, it gets rid of dryness, especially around areas like cracked feet, elbows or even eczema patches. It's the perfect answer for soothing cracked, dry lips in the winter and even sunburns in the summer, as its so deeply moisturizing. The vitamin E content also helps reduce the appearance of scars so if you ever burn yourself, be sure to smother the burn area in coconut oil!

Hair Mask I also use coconut oil as a hair mask to deeply condition and soften the ends of my hair. I add a spoonful to my ends and then try to leave it on overnight, but even ten minutes makes a difference. It instantly revives dry, limp hair and leaves it looking bouncy and beautiful. If you're prone to dandruff or a particularly irritated scalp, massaging a Tbsp into your scalp for a few minutes will help calm and revitalize your hair roots for happier locks and a healthier head. Though it'll need a few rounds of shampooing to fully wash out, it's worth it!

Makeup Remover The next use for coconut oil is as a makeup remover. I just add a pea-sized amount to my eyes and gently rub it in to take off all eye makeup. Trust me, even waterproof mascara stands no chance! It melts away any makeup, meaning you'll never again wake up with panda eyes in the morning!

Exfoliator I mix coconut oil with brown sugar for a completely natural body scrub. It gets rid of all lumps, bumps and dead skin from your body while leaving it feeling soft. It also moisturizes your body as you scrub, which is an awesome added bonus.

Nails Coconut oil also feels lovely rubbed into your cuticles and nail beds before bed, especially if you've been wearing nail polish.

Lips I use coconut oil to soothe and moisturize cracked or dry lips in the winter and even sunburn in the summer.

Bath A spoonful of coconut oil in your tub helps create a perfect bath. It infuses the water with a calming scent while also moisturizing and nourishing your body as your soak. Your skin will feel soft and velvety when you get out, especially if you're exfoliated also. Just add a spoonful into the hot water and swirl it around before you slip in. Photo courtesy of the author http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16277/the-only-beauty-product-youll-ever-need.htm