AnTEA Up!

Everybody loves tea. Except for the people that don't... and if you don't, you probably shouldn't read the rest of this post!

 ANYWAYS, it's no secret to those close to me that I just adore tea! I have a whole cabinet dedicated to tea, and I don't think that I would change it for the world.

That being said, do I always know what kinds of tea I have?

 No, not always, so I guess some sort of tea-oriented inventory is due... is it weird that I'm excited about this? Okay... onto the interesting stuff!

Tea has been touted for centuries for its benefits for the human body and mind. Many teas have beneficial antioxidants, it contains less caffeine, its naturally gluten and dairy free, and it has NO calories! Hurrah for tea.

Don't forget about those powerful little antioxidants; they have cancer-fighting properties that, while most studies remain inconclusive, has this tea lover (and many others) convinced that a boost of anti-carcinogens are entering my body with every sip I take! Add that with the extra antioxidants in natural honey, and you have a cancer-fighting concoction! Please, of course, remember that all results pertaining to tea and it's anti-carcinogenic properties are inconclusive. 

My favourite teas are varied! I love the bittersweet taste of black teas, but green teas flavoured with fruit are tied for first... and don't forget Rooibos' tasty-ness! I can't pick a favourite tea, but I can let you in on some to try.

If you haven't read my post on Thai Iced Tea, you can do so here: http://kathfrenchonionsoup.blogspot.com/2012/02/wanna-try-something-new-today.html

If you haven't visited Teaopia (now "Teavana"), you should! You can order online, but going into the stores is great as well! That way, you can smell the teas before you buy them, have them made up for you... and buy cute little tea sets! They're not easy on the wallet, but boy... are they cute!

 Anyways, my favourite "Teavana" teas include:
Green Tea Blend "Love Spell"
Herbal Tea Blend "Vanilla Honeybush"
and "Azteca Fire" Herbal Tea

The Spa Ritual in Calgary also has a signature blend of teas that taste amazing as well!
Tom and I love "Rejuvenating Blend" from the Pure Ritual line of teas. You can't order The Spa Ritual's signature teas online, but you are more than welcome to head into their spa boutique and check out the teas!

 Photo courtesy of The Spa Ritual, Calgary, Alberta

Ready for Reiki?

As the field of energy work and Reiki becomes increasingly popular, curiosity surrounding these techniques grows and, in our uninformed Western World, we don't always know the basics about such modalities or the masters behind the work.

We were lucky enough to have Registered Massage Therapist and Reiki Master Stacey Frizzell answer a few of our questions about Reiki and energy work. Stacey is the owner and operator of her successful, home based business Life Balance. 

Visit Stacey's website here: http://www.lifebalancelive.com

Life Balance's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Life-Balance/327210540646080

 Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and about your company, Life Balance

I have run a home based business for the last 3.5 years. My focus is preventative health care in the form of energy healing, massage, and reflexology.  

Q: What made you decide to begin studying massage and Reiki?

I was a very sensitive intuitive Being for as far back as I can remember. I did not know how to use it and felt very lost. It was by ‘chance’ about 11 years ago I went for a Reiki Treatment , I had no idea what to expect, but kept an open mind. When I drove home that day after my treatment, I felt better and more peaceful than I had in years! It was a life changing event for me and opened the doors to Eastern Healing and Philosophy. A few years into studying Reiki and other forms of healing, massage came as the natural next step to incorporate physical healing modalities as well.

Q: Why do you love it, and why do you stay in the Health & Wellness field?

It is my Passion!! I do not know where I would be if I did not learn of the subtle but powerful tools of self healing. It increased my physical health, mental health, and opened me to my own beautiful spiritual path. I plan to stay in this line of work to help empower others in taking charge of their health and following their own intuition.

Q: What exactly is Reiki and why is it beneficial?

Reiki is a form of energy healing, founded in Japan in 1922. Its is a gentle laying of hands along a persons body feeling their energy flow ‘chi’. Reiki helps promote energy flow and releases blocks in the body caused by stress. The goal for this energy healing is to release stress and stuck energy in the body before it manifests into physical illness. If the physical illness or pains are already present Reiki can be profound in managing and possibly eliminating aliments.

Q: You also hold meditation classes and are vocal about the benefits; what got you interested in meditation?

Again my passion for this comes from my own experience and profound personal gains I have received through meditation. Scientists show that 12 minutes a day of meditation can change your brain chemistry, improving your mood and increasing your energy! My biggest joy of meditation is I have learned how to have peace and quiet in my mind when I sit with this intention.

Q: As a registered massage therapist, your job is very hands on and must be tiring! How do you unwind, relax and rebalance your muscles and mind?

I have learned balance is key. Being self employed allows me to spread out my schedule to keep myself from burn out.  Also I do my best to practice what I promote! I do this by meditating daily, yoga, and going for regular massage and Reiki treatments!

Q: What does a day in the life of a Reiki Master look like?

Ha-ha my life is pretty normal. I do take note of people I meet more by their energy field than what they say. It has helped me become more compassionate and sensitive when it comes to understanding others.

Namaste!

Mysterious Ailment...

Some days I really can't catch a break - this morning (well, semi-afternoon) I woke up with a painful growth in my left eye. Went to the doctor- long story short, ouch, needles, and I'm stuck wearing a patch over my eye until at least Monday.... hurrah!!

I haven't had the best bout of health lately - I was just in the hospital for kidney stones and I just havent been feeling up to snuff.

I need to find some balance.

One of the Buddhist principles is: "A sound mind is a sound body, and a sound body is a sound mind"

This is loosely attributed to the Buddha, after his realization that ascetism was NOT proper.

Not that I'm like that; I could be healthier.

Anyways, our anniversary is coming up soon!

We're looking for restaurants to hit up (and of course, French Onion Soup will be a focal point for choosing the lucky restaurant) so, any suggestions from our non-existent followers?

:P

If we try somewhere new, we will absolutely update our list!

Stay healthy, soup lovers!