B Holistic

B Systematic: Work / Life Balance

It's become very obvious...balance has become my life's purpose.  With two small children, a young business, and relationships to maintain, this is no small feat.  On top of everything, the household chores can become overwhelming and admittedly have come close to sending me over the edge. I've learned that a defeatist attitude breeds chaos, and that even the most daunting of tasks can become pleasurable with the right attitude.  Here are a few systematic things that keep the cogs moving... 

The grocery store is my least favorite shopping experience.  So, I make a list and my husband goes for me over the weekend.  The list is a very important part of the system.  Inspired by what we have in the refrigerator I'll choose three entrees.  Entrees that can be prepped in advance, freeze well, and provide leftovers make sense for our family.  Everyday Food magazine makes this system easy to apply.  In fact, it's my savior.  Just when I'm burnt out and threatening strike, a new issue arrives filled with great options and helpful techniques.

Mondays are marked as my domestic days. Our weekends are usually pretty busy, so Monday has become the new Sunday.  I'll wash the laundry and prep food for the week.  One of the best things I've applied to our system is to prepare a fritata of the week.  This is a great way to use up vegetables and have a nutritious breakfast/lunch on hand.  

On Tuesday nights, Caroline Myss has a radio program that broadcasts on Hay House Radio.  I look forward to listening to this program while I fold all of Monday's laundry.  It's just a great way to spend an hour in the  evening.  There are a lot of great hosts on this program.  Sometimes the new agey stuff can be a little painful, but Myss's program is down to earth and insightful.  Of course, NPR offers great programs as well and are easily downloaded into your computer via itunes.  My favorites being This American Life and Planet Money.  

Fridays are kept light and usually left open for a little adventure.  I do however, try to clean the bathroom(s) and the kitchen.  One of my latest additions to the household is the steamer mop.  My floors and the environment prefer the vinegar/water mixture to the Murphy's oil, and these days I prefer it over the all-consuming hands and knees method.  

The most important aspect to this system is the realization that all of the household chores will remain as they are.  The kids on the other hand will not.  First things first.

 

B Resourceful: Business with a purpose

This business reminds me what the future holds; holistic business models.   Blackstone Bicycle Works, is resourcefulness at its best.  Utilizing the abundance of bikes in the neighborhood and recognizing the need for youth intervention, Blackstone Bicycle Works enriches the community by teaching kids the mechanics of bikes and business.  The kids gain confidence and learn  something while working for hours that are applied to their own bike.  Brilliant.

This business is linked with the experimental station, a not-for-profit organization that adheres to sustainable and mutual business practices.  The proceeds and tax deductible donations for Blackstone Bike shop are used for expanding their youth programs. 

If you're in the market for a new bike OR have an old bike to donate- Visit the Blackstone Bicycle shop at 6100 Blackstone ave.  Chicago, IL 60637

B Rescued with Epsom Salts

 Making time for ourselves is a challenge worth meeting.  An epsom salt bath or foot soak may be all we need for R & R. 

Mang Xiao, a.k.a.Epsom salts or Magnesium Sulfate has herbal properties that "soften hardness".  This is why Epsom salts can be used for mild forms of constipation.  Soaking in a tub with epsom salts penetrates the muscles, eases tension and reduces lactic acid buildup that causes muscle pain. 

Exfoliate with a dry brush before the bath.  Add a handful or two of epsom salts with a couple drops of essential oil for aromatherapy.  If you're really in the mood for pampering, layer your face with an exfoliating mask.  Relax and let this herb diffuse your cells to relax your muscles, tendons, and ligaments.  Moisturize with your favorite oil or lotion and enjoy a restful nights sleep. 

B Afloat and restore your mind/body

The only deprivation I've experienced in the last few years has been of the sleep variety.  But, at SpaceTime Tanks, sensory deprivation is the goal, and mind/body restoration is the effect.  They say that a two hour float is equivalent to an eight hour sleep.  That alone is worth a visit.  If peace and quiet has become a luxury than treat yourself to a floatation experience. 

B GONE COLD and FLU: EVIL Buggers

Chinese Medicine views cold and flu bugs as "evil" exterior pathogens.  Meaning,  the viral or bacteria pathogens have come from the environment and is penetrating our space or "defensive Qi".  Our defensive Qi is the most superficial layer of Qi and protects us from these pathogens.  If our defensive Qi is in a weakened state, usually from burning the candle at both ends, we end up vulnerable and unable to fight off the pathogen.  Just recently, I was hit hard with a virus I would most definitely consider evil.  Here's what I suggest for combating these evil buggers:

1. ACUPUNCTURE:  Seriously affective for colds and flu.   Acupuncture can help tame symptoms and hasten recovery.  It will also help if a cold or flu has left you feeling weak and depleted.  Acupuncture is restorative as well as preventative.

2.  STEAM: The initial onset of colds and flu is said to be on the outside layers of your body, i.e when you feel achy and chilled get to a steam shower as quickly as possible. Steam is great for purifying your pores and sweating out the pathogen.   Don't stay in there too long as to deplete your defensive Qi.  

3.  WET SOCKS.  A naturopathic favorite.  I finally got to try this out for myself and will be forever a favorite.  This treatment reduces fevers and helps relieve headaches and head congestion by  increasing blood circulation and activating the immune system.  Here is a how-to description.

4. NASAL IRRIGATION:  I don't know how I've ever lived without this thing.  The nasaline is my personal favorite but a neti- pot works well too.   It's amazing how much mucous gets released.  Mucous is the enemy.    

5.  HERBS and TEA:  Nothing works better th an raw herbs for acute syndromes.  But, they aren't the most convenient.  I sell this tea and add my own tinctures to provide relief.

6.  TIGER BALM is great for the achy neck and a little dab on a Q-tip with vaseline is great for the nasal congestion.

7.  CHICKEN SOUP: Here's my new favorite Chicken soup recipe.  The pure comfort alone is worth it.  But, the Chinese love the benefits of Chicken.  Cooking this soup with the whole Chicken is very tonifying.

8.  REST REST and more REST  If anything else, Colds and flu are reminders that we're doing too much.  As a people pleaser, I often try to be everything to everyone, sometimes at my own expense.  We're really pretty useless when a fever's got us down, so let it be a reminder that we almost always need to put ourselves first.

B Still: Letting Go

Letting Go is an important process that helps us move forward in our lives.  Sometimes letting go can be emotionally challenging (child's first day of school).  But, it can also be challenging to let go of negative behaviors (smoking, over-eating etc.). Negative thought patterns (self-doubt, envy, resentment) also inhibit us from moving forward.  It's important to recognize transitions and patterns without judgment and let them GO so that we may move forward...freely. 

Join us for a discussion and guided meditation on April 25th at 11a.m. at B Holistic in LaGrange.  All are welcome!  Cost: Donations accepted.

B in the workplace

Meditation is a valuable tool for creating peace and calm within.  Create this tranquility in your workplace to boost morale, increase creativity, and improve employee and customer relations.  Let me come to you.  Schedule a meditation training for your office.  Contact B Holistic for more details.
 

B Green with KYO

Spring is a period of awakening, an emergence.  Go with the flow of Spring and engage your own energy.  This is a great time for internal renewal. 

 Green drinks are a great way to Spring clean the body.  After a long winter complete with heavy meals it's time to adjust our diets.  Incorporating leafy greens is ALWAYS a great idea, but especially good in Spring.  This powdered drink mix is a great way to gain all the nutritional benefits of green foods without the prep.  Click here to order and read more about the nutritional value of Kyo-Green.  

     

B Replenished with Qi Gong

It never ceases to amaze me, that when we need something, doors will open.   A new wellness studio has opened in the Harrison Street Arts District in Oak Park, Illinois.  Hug the Moon Wellness studio is owned by Xie Ling Welch, a clinical massage therapist and Qi Gong teacher.  Recently, I went to Xie Ling for un-remitting neck and shoulder tension.  Along with the tension, I've been dragging my feet feeling depleted and deficient.  My tension was signaling me to focus on myself.  So often, we give and give until we have nothing left.  In the end, we either dissolve relationships or face more serious health issues.  It was very clear to Xie Ling that my body type was not strong enough to continue as I have been.

Qi Gong means to cultivate Qi or life force through a series of movements.  These movements are subtle and suitable for all age groups and levels of physical ability.  This ancient practice utilizes the Qi in our surrounding environment to replenish and strengthen the Qi we have in ourselves.  By understanding the way Qi flows throughout our meridians,  Qi Gong uses movement to open pathways so Qi can flow freely.  Stagnation is what occurs when we experience stress, trauma, poor lifestyle choices, over exert ourselves and so on.  Stagnation is the root to all forms of imbalance or disease.  Qi Gong is an excellent way to replenish our internal energy system so that we promote health and longevity.

Hug the Moon is having an open house March 14th (1-4)

A presentation will be given from 1:30 - 2:30

415 Harrison Ave.,  Oak Park

Feel free to email me for more information!!

B Expandable and switch to cotton diapers

    The time has come when we all need to start expanding the way we do things.  It's important for us to take the steps when we can to eliminate waste, while cutting costs on our family budgets.  Switching to cotton diapers is one way to do just that.  Cotton diapers have come a long way since rags with pins.  These diapers are not only adorable, but healthy for the baby.  These are great for sensitive skin and help to eliminate diaper rash. 

    A friend found the Fuzzibunz diaper to be the best cloth option. They have a pocket insert for a bio-degradable absorbent pad. The snap buttons allow for growth so that you get the most out of each diaper.  Resale of these diapers is a viable option at 75% of total value.  They are so colorful and fun, they would make great gifts. You can buy a set and give individuals away to friends, neighbors, and coworkers.