This is the first official post on this new blog.  Welcome, welcome!

Blank pages and new projects never failed to elicit within me a certain thrill, like opening a gift.  One never knows what may be behind the lovely wrapping nor what the gift will come to mean.

I hope the words you continue to find here will be a gift to us both.  And I hope you took the time to read the “About” page in order that before you begin, context is established.

I want to start with something as simple as a recipe.

I’ve avoided caffeine since my brief affair with coffee in my college years but I’m not averse to drinking caffeinated tea.  The following is my daily energy tea recipe. I enjoy a cup every morning.

1 T. Raw Honey (if available, or I settle for regular store-bought), 1 t. Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 T. Fresh Lemon Juice, 1 T. Maca powder 1 scoop Collagen Powder, 2 Organic Green Tea Bags.   Mix up first four ingredients in hot water, not boiling water. Aim for about 160-170 degrees. Boiling water kills the effects of the lemon juice, catechins in the tea and some of the enzymes in the honey. Use regular honey if raw is not available. Add two tea bags and let steep. I prefer the potency of two tea bags in one cup, though it’s comical to my family. 

Benefits of Raw Honey:   Click on the link from this excellent source for a full list.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:  Helps blood sugar control, aides digestion through probiotics and other beneficial bacteria, lowers cholesterol, supports heart health, boosts energy (some sources claim it also aids with weight loss and maintenance). 

Benefits of Lemon Juice: Aides digestion, boosts the immune system, balances pH levels, clears skin, energizes, enhances mood and hydrates the lymph system. (PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU TAKE A THYROID HORMONE MEDICATION, DO NOT CONSUME CITRUS WITHIN THREE HOURS OF TAKING YOUR MEDICINE AS IT INTERFERES WITH PROPER ABSORPTION!) 

Benefits of Collagen Powder: Can improve skin health, helps relieve joint paint, could prevent bone loss, could boost muscle mass, promotes heart health, increases hair and nail strength, treats leaky gut syndrome, may improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. 

Benefits of Maca Powder: May increase libido, boosts energy, improves mood, promotes natural antioxidants in the body, reduces menopausal symptoms and improves memory. 

Benefits of Green Tea: High catechin content (power antioxidant), improves blood flow, lowers cholesterol, enhances memory, blocks the formation of plaques that can lead to Alzheimer’s, keeps blood sugar stable, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, aids healthy cells in all stages of their growth. 

Drinking this is a perfect way to increase your vitality.  It makes a daily difference for me!