Garden Gatherings

This Thanksgiving season, I hope you’ll take a few minutes each day to remember with gratitude all that you have. When we look past all the hoopla and hype of the day we discover valuable lessons, experiences and people that give our lives substance and purpose.

I’m grateful for my exceptional health. My affair with nature’s food continues to soar as I learn the many ways foods contribute to the beauty, wellness and flavor of life. One of my seasonal favorites is:

         Cinnamon: A warming, aromatic spice that warms the body in cold weather; lowers triglyceride levels; stimulates circulation & digestion, relieves gas & indigestion. It’s helpful for preventing winter colds. Who knew that cinnamon toast could be so healthy?  Sprinkle  ground cinnamon on hot cereal,  baked sweet potatoes or baked apples. Enjoy the season and be well . . . and grateful.

Autumn has arrived . . . is your Immune System ready? I’m offering  FREE classes to help you prepare-protect & prevent for the upcoming Fall and Winter season.

Reserve your space for Monday October 12th or 19th from 6-7:30 pm at Salon Influence by calling 303-779-1022. You’ll learn how to create your own wellness arsenal to fend off the “ugly-buglies” and sail through the season without a sniffle! Call today!

The seasonal changes are becoming more noticeable as the days pass. I hear many concerned comments about flu season . . . more specifically the swine flu. Do you know how to “prepare-protect-prevent” most viral or bacterial attacks?

I’m presenting two classes that will focus on measures you can take to insure a healthier season.  Join me on either of these dates & times:

    Friday, September 18 from 5-6:15 pm OR Saturday, September 19 from 7:45-9:00 am. The cost for each class is only $15  payable with your reservation by 9/14.  Please call 303-584-1612 or email seasons4wellness@aol.com for more information. Life is about being well!  I look forward to sharing with you.

This time of year offers some of the best backyard weather! I recently enjoyed a family & friend gathering in my backyard and the highlight was the home-made peach ice-cream. I clipped a recipe from a Southern Living magazine nearly 20 years ago and it’s still a favorite today. Colorado peaches are IN, so I encourage you to try this late summer delight.

1-qt. blended peaches / 13-oz. can evaporated milk / 13-oz. can sweetened condensed milk / 1 cup sugar / 12-oz. apricot nectar. Combine all ingredients in large bowl or blender and mix thoroughly. Pour into ice-cream freezer container and add whole milk to the fill line. Follow freezer instructions with ice and salt. Makes one gallon. Enjoy!

These cool mornings are a reminder that summer doesn’t last forever! Are you ready for the change of seasons? The Garden Gatherings will resume in September with emphasis on the Incredible Immune System. What should you know about the swine flu? Can you really prevent  winter colds & the flu? Respond to seasons4wellness@aol.com if interested in upcoming Gatherings. See you in September!

I love August! The raspberry bush in my garden gifts me every morning with juicy ruby-colored fruit.  “The early bird gets the freshest berries”  is the motto in my yard!

These luscious gems provide a high content of Vitamins A & C and are great toxin cleansers! So, pick plenty and eat heartily while raspberries are in season.          

My next favorite thing about August is my annual trek to Texas for the Pshigoda Reunion. This year marked the 48th annual gathering of Pshigoda cousins. What a fun time to re-connect, catch up and sample lots of “passed-down” family recipes.

What are you doing during this transition season? The hot days of August bring summer to an end . . . make the most of every moment.

Don’t forget the Garden Gathering in Golden on August 13th.  I hope to see you there. Call 303-584-1612 to reserve your place!

It’s a busy but fun summer! My goal of taking the Garden Gatherings on the Go is coming into fruition this season. I had the  pleasure of speaking at my friend Lisa Schultz’s Wine, Women & Wellness gathering on July9. I love to visit other gardens! Great attendance and discussion on establishing strong roots in health during this hotter season.

On July 20 & 23 I presented Summer Wellness tips & recipes at Whole Foods in Highlands Ranch. What a great group of women attending. . . and sharing their tips with me! The rosemary water was a hit! Just fill a pitcher with cool purified water and add clean, fresh rosemary sprigs. This herb traditionally was used for “conditions of the head”  such as headaches, dizziness, memory loss and mental tension. Drink up!

Don’t forget the Garden Gathering coming up on August 13 at Pickets in Golden! We begin at 6:30 pm—please call 303-584-1612 to register. It’s only $10 for a fun girls night out–summer wellness, refreshments and shopping! See you at the Gatherings!

I celebrated Independence Day hiking, touring castles, zip-lining and ending the weekend with more hiking by the light of a full moon—-in other words, truly appreciating the  freedom optimum health allows me. How about you?

Hiking up to Hanging Lake, I observed numerous twisted tree roots embedded in  and along the path. Some served as steps up the path, others just got in my way! Nevertheless, being well-rooted in mind-body and spirit is as important to your health as to the health of those trees. Don’t let summer “up-root” your health—-see you at the Garden Gatherings!

7-20-09 and 7-23-09 at Whole Foods Market in Highlands Ranch

7-24-09 and 7-25-09 at my Garden—see previous posts for details.

seasons4wellness@aol.com