Moon Time Fasting

Full Moon today. I should have eaten a light diet today, but we lunched out at 'The Admiral Rodney' on sandwiches & coffee. Tomorrow I will be working until lunchtime and l intend to do a light diet then, as Christmas day will be full of indulgences. At new moon and full moon times, it is good to do some kind of fasting. If you are not accustomed to this, then perhaps just eat lightly. I will be eating fruit and drinking plenty of water, and having homemade chicken soup for dinner.

After a full moon and during the waning phase the cells are able to release toxins and other unwanted materials, which the body no longer requires. It is also a good time to give up old unwanted habits, while the moon's influence is waning and you gain a stronger will power.

After a new moon and during the waxing phase the cells are more able to take in and store nutrients and take on new thought patterns, so this would be a good time to start new habits, like new life style routines.

Happy Christmas

Clearing My Clutter 8

Well, here I am again. Sunday night and another load of old rubbish. Of course I mean my surplus to requirements, clutter, which is now lining the hall. Today I winkled out an old duvet and a few more clothes. I found my old school exercise books, but put them back for another day. I think I might do a blog about them next year, so I can scan the paper originals and then chuck them out. It's sometimes good to revisit past achievements or just to see how my mind ticked in those days, compered to now.



We also visited my Mum and went out to lunch with her. She too is clearing some clutter, so I helped her, by bringing it home, to take with me to The Bridge End Centre tomorrow! I now have her electric Neptune Bath Lift, which I am going to sell for her, as she no longer requires it. It is fairly new and in excellent condition, so if you are interested here is a picture of it. The Neptune goes down to 2.8 inches in the bath, so you can be in much the same amount of water as without a bath lift. The sides fold up as the seat goes down and they open up again for ease of getting out. It has a lifting capacity of 25 stone and has a battery operated hand control, with charger included. It costs £524.00 New. I am offering it for £250.00, buyer collects. NEW HOME FOUND

Cold Sores and Shingles

Today I noticed, what might be the start of a cold sore. I have only recently started to suffer with these. I always keep a pot of L-Lysine handy, so I began a course this morning, along with increasing vitamin C (2 - 3 MG per day and more if I thing a cold is coming on). L-Lysine is an amino acid, which is used to kill off the zoster virus in cold sores and shingles. Stress is a causative factor, as the virus takes a hold when the body is below par, which is why cold sores develop when you also have a cold. I regularly take multi-vitamins and echinacea to improve my immune system and support my liver in the cleansing process. I cut down on the sugars in my diet and drink lots of water (at least 8 full glasses per day - 2 litres).

Clearing My Clutter 7

The FlyLady talks about Hot Spots. I have identified two in particular. One is my dresser, which over the past few weeks I have done very well at keeping in clear. The other is the bed in this room I use as an office. That became full of Christmas stuff until yesterday, and it has acquired some today. My coat hanger collection took up some space until it was sorted out, and now there are just a few Christmas gifts waiting to be wrapped. I am happy with the progress I've made so far and am keen to continue.

Clearing My Clutter 6

Well, I'm cream-crackered today. Last night we had some friends round for dinner. What a good idea shortly before Christmas. It helped me to gear up my clutter clearing and tidy things away. Although, I realise that I still have far too much stuff, at least it is beginning to move - OUT. It was lovely knowing that my guests could look in every room, if they wished and I didn't have to close any doors or make anywhere off limits, because of clutter.

Today we emptied the dishwasher and tidied away the last of the dinner things, ready for next time. I went out for a wander around town and he went off to golf. We were both a little fragile, hence the cream-crackered. I actually washed, dried, ironed and remade our bed. All in one day! I even managed to fit in an afternoon nap. I have just done a clear out of my coat hangers, of which there are MANY. I decided to keep most of the black hangers and discard most of the others. I filled a carrier bag to bursting and put it in the hall ready for the off. Don't know if the Bridge End can make use of them.

I also put all my current wearing clothes in one wardrobe, with the intention of moving things over as I wear them and then reviewing what is left, to see whether I still actually want them. In the process a few more items went into the charity bag. I think the next job will be looking at my hand bag drawers, (I have two, soon to be one!).

Clearing My Clutter 5

WOW! Phew! Huff! Just finished a marathon task up in the loft. I need to just catch my breath. I am shattered and exhilarated at the same time??



I seem to tackle more clutter on Sunday evenings. I think this might be due to my weekly visit to Bridge End, on Mondays. Today's task was simply to put the Christmas decorations' boxes back up in the loft. However, I decided to have a little look around. Whoops! I spotted clutter. So hey ho and off we go. I ripped open bag after bag and box after box, finding things I forgot I still had and wondering why I did! Yes I do use a lot of exclamation marks!!!



The front hallway is now well and truly cluttered. There's a small path to the door in-case we get callers. I won't be embarrassed if they see all the mess, as I will be able to tell them all about 'Clear Your Clutter' by Karen Kingston.



I now have two clutter clearing Guru's. I felt unfaithful and guilty at first, but then I realised that the art of clearing clutter is the art of letting go. So, I let go of the guilt and carried on.



My second Guru is 'The FlyLady'. I bought her book 'Sink Reflections' by Marla Cilley. It came highly recommended on Amazon. I have to say that I have been a bit sceptical over this book, but continued to read through. I am two thirds through and getting it. This book is yelling at me to develop some routines, which is something I have avoided all my life.

I intend to finish the book and then read it again and start implementing the Baby Steps that FlyLady talks about. Mind you, I have started to wash up before going to bed at night, though I do leave the dishes to drain till the morning. I am happy with that. We have a new kitchen, so it is easier to keep on top, and I have a wonderful DH (Dear Husband for non-FlyBabies), who is retired and does quite a lot around the house. He just doesn't want to feel that he is doing everything! I lean towards obsessive compulsive and every now and then he lets me know I am ignoring him. I get quite engrossed in my new projects, to the detriment of all else. Clearing my clutter is freeing up time to enjoy together. Back to my sink: It is black and I have been instructed not to use bleach on it. So tonight I gave it a bit of a scrub with a plastic scourer after washing up. It looks better and as FlyLady says that disorganised people are perfectionists, so I decided not to perfect it tonight. This bears out when I realise that I often avoid doing a job if I feel I do not have time to do it properly, so it gets left. Or I start jobs and find I am overwhelmed and leave a mess behind. My DH says that I make more mess when I am tidying up than at any other time!

The benefit of using both methods of clearing my clutter is that; with 'Clearing Your Clutter' by Karen Kingston, I am mainly dealing with the clutter itself. And with 'Sink Reflections' by The FlyLady (Marla Cilley), I am dealing mainly with the housework. I am giving out these books as Christmas presents to friends and family, whom I feel would a) benefit and b) appreciate them.

My main difficulty at the moment is winding down in the evening, like now, at 10.30pm. My DH has since retired to bed, which is where I'm headed right Now! Goodnight....Zzz zzz

Clearing My Clutter 4

Received a lovely comment to 'Clear My Clutter 3', from Karen Kingston herself! Have a look see.

I visited my brother recently and took some of my clutter to him, which he seemed to appreciate. It was a nice visit and we went out for lunch. However I noticed he needs some help with his clutter, not that he's got nearly as much as me! His clutter seems to be more connected with household chores. I have bought him a Christmas gift, which I am hoping he will be similarly appreciative as taking on my old stuff. I can not say what it is in case he reads this posting. I'll try to remember to post about this in the New Year.

I phone my cousin, who as you know I have already sent a copy of 'Clearing Your Clutter', which she is thrilled. She is still clearing and wading through her stuff. She sounds most excited and is passing on her enthusiasm to her friends. She has now cleared out her wardrobes; inside and on top! And has bags and bags of rubbish waiting to go to the recycle centres. She told me that her daughter is very happy at her mum's new found energy and uplifted mood. She has even passed on her late husbands clothing, which I think is great. What a woman!

As for myself: Well I have certainly shifted quite a bit, but there is plenty more to go yet. I've been to 'The Bridge End Centre' every Monday evening to drop off a car load. I have also given up the obvious sugars in my daily food intake. I will indulge myself over Christmas, but the urge to scoff sweeties is getting weaker and weaker by the day. The office space behind me is piled high, but that will be sorted tomorrow, when I put the Christmas decorations' boxes up in the loft, (minus the old dec's, which have already gone). I am reclaiming the house in time for guests on Friday and then keeping it that way and more...

Nose Aerobics

Just got back from a fab night out with friends. Had dinner then played 'Nose Aerobics'. A few more tears were shed and shrieks and laughter. Another hilarious night. Whoever designed this game should be applauded. I hope they won a top design/invention award. My friends all want one, so I am going to order some more.
Nose Aerobics is a very therapeutic game as laughter is the best medicine available. It aids social inclusion across countless barriers, including ageism, sexism, and other isms. It aids coordination, eye and head control, concentration and determination. It brings people together. Alcohol not needed. I strongly recommend anyone to try this game. See previous posting for further details.

Clearing My Clutter 3

Like 'Raiders of the Lost Arc', I ventured into the dark crevices, commonly known as my garage. Or should that be our garage? Well I think I will stick with my garage, seeing how it's mainly my clutter within! I was rooting around for my 'InnerTalk' Cd's as mentioned earlier. So I did some clutter clearing at the same time. Ever noticed, how when you can't find something you do some tidying up? I was up on a stack of garden chairs, you know, those cheapy white plastic one's. Excellent value for money, (I'm all for that). It's always embarrassing when your neighbours see inside your garage and it's full of junk! Well one of mine was passing with their Spaniel. The little darling darted straight inside; my neighbour protesting and apologising. I just shouted, "don't come in her, you might never get out". What else was I to say? Of course being up high and the garage door being only half open, (so's nobody could see inside!), my neighbour was forced to bob down, which lead to them seeing even more of my rubbish! I climbed down and came out into the dull sunless day. Explaining how I had read 'Clear Your Clutter'. (You'll be thinking I have shares in this book by the way I keep mentioning it, but it's just that good). Explanations over and my neighbour going on their way I got stuck back into my quest.

Yes I did find my InnerTalk CD's and yes they are now on Amazon if you're interested. I also found two mirrors, which Karen mentions in her book 'Clear Your Clutter'. So they had to go straight away. One was destined for the bin, because it was scratched and bitty, so would give off very bad energy even if used somewhere. The other is going to 'The Bridgend Centre'. I recovered a few other items, which are now destined for their appropriate places and I feel really good about it.

Blogging has taken up quite a bit of my time today, but I've still managed to get through quite a few things; even going out for lunch with him indoors, which was very enjoyable. My problem now is stopping myself long enough to have a good nights sleep.

The Christmas stuff came down from the loft today, and I tell you, it's not all going back up at the end of the season! We've got enough cards to open our own shop. Mind you, we will be sending over 100 to friends and family. That's why I don't do cards for neighbours or work colleagues; I can wish them a Happy Christmas in person.

My next challenge is to complete updating my address book and printing off my Christmas card labels in time for posting on 1st Dec, (only 6 days away!). The plan for next week-end is to take stuff to my brother's and on Sunday to put up our Christmas decorations and take the surplus to 'The Bridgend Centre'. Hey it is fun getting rid of clutter.

Clearing My Clutter 2

Two weeks in to Clearing My Clutter and I'm still going strong, despite the time of the month arriving and the coming of a full moon. In the run up to either of these I usually get very tired and lose the energy and inclination to do anything. It is a time when I seem so accumulate more clutter and in a sense I have, because I have been ordering books from Amazon as if they are about to go out of business, (which of course they are not!). Then again it is also the run up to Christmas and I have been preparing; by buying presents and fun games to keep everyone amused around the Christmas dinner table.

One very good table/party game is called 'Nose Aerobics', you'll have to try it, but I have just bought the last one from http://www.amazon.co.uk/ : Not sure when they will have them in again, so if you're interested try www.hawkinsbazaar.com, where I have just ordered more sets. The story goes: Christmas 2006 around the dinner table we had all had our fill of Christmas fayre and where resting before diving in to Christmas pud etc... I got out the 'house' present. As I donned the special glasses everyone looked puzzled. They are "very silly, but there's nothing wrong with that! The special glasses have 13cm protruding stem to which the other components can be attached to play all sorts of ridiculous games and activities using only movements of the head. Nose Hoola-Hoop and Basketball requires skill and practice, the Ball Bearing puzzle patience and subtlety whilst vigorous head shaking is usually sufficient to operate the Clackers. At least one set should be purchased for any gathering of young or mixed ages; everyone can join in, have a go and look completely ridiculous". (passage taken from Hawkin's Bazaar). It was Absolutely Hilarious! Everyone was crying with laughter. I intend to take a set on a night out with friends next week so watch this space.

Back to Clearing My Clutter. At week-ends I normally have a nap in the afternoon. However, over this last two weeks I have been clearing my clutter and other exciting things, which I won't go into as I may get distracted again and the point of clearing my clutter is to become more focused. I often run headlong into new projects (typically Arian), and later when I get the gist of it, I loose interest. This is a project I will continue for the rest of my life. I am also ensuring I use positive affirmations while writing my blog and in all other aspects of my life, but that's another distraction for another day.

Last week-end I went around my house opening all the windows and doors. I also opened all cupboards and drawers. After opening the last drawer I left them all open for half an hour. I felt this was a good way to freshen up the place and assist with my clutter clearing. It invigorated me and helped me to see into all the spaces in my home. I was able to decide on the next course of action; which was desk clearing. Alhough there are still things on my home desk, at least I can now see my desk!

This last couple of weeks I have cleared out a few drawers and whisked the clutter off to charity shops and recycle centres. I have parted with a few gifts that I felt guilty for not wanting, even though I liked them and appreciated receiving them. I have sold some unwanted books on Amazon, which will help make up for books I have bought!

I have made a start on updating my address book in preparation for printing labels for our Christmas cards, and will be fetching the cards we bought a few weeks ago from the loft, as well as some left over from last year. 'Waste not, want not'. So long as the energy keeps flowing.

I have become aware of the 'clutter' places around my home and which parts of my life they are affecting. My garage is a biggy and so is the loft. I will be tackling these a stage at a time, so I don't get overwhelmed, which is something I used to do quite often. Each time I find myself thinking of too many things at once and start to make a mental 'to do' list; I check myself and either write my 'to do's' down or put the ideas on the back burner and if they are really important I know they will surface again, or I decide they were not attainable and ditch them altogether. I'm learning how to say no to my mental clutter.

I have made a firm date with my brother to take him some of my clutter, which he will find useful. 'One man's rubbish is another man's treasure'. I now ask my Angels to help me, also take my old fridge to my brother next Saturday.

Today I will once again venture into the murky depths of my garage and salvage some 'InnerTalk' CD's. InnerTalk are a collection of positive affirmation CD's, which can be played while you do other things. I will write more on these in another posting, as I am also intending to sell them on Amazon. I have a set for my own use and no longer need the rest.

That's enough jobs for now. I will post more developments another time. Breakfast calls.

Clearing My Clutter

I have just discovered this brilliant little book: 'Clear Your Clutter' by Karen Kingston and I fully recommend it to anyone who finds themselves running round in circles and never quite getting all that they want out of life. I find it difficult to completely relax in my wakeful hours, so I am always very busy or asleep. This is part due to my clutter, and by this I mean physically - around my home, garden and garage; in my unattended commitments to family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and other associates; unfinished projects, courses and professional business. Then there are all the new ideas that pour into my head, which I am unable to act upon because of my clutter. In the past I have been a starter and not a completer. Well! Now I am a completer thanks to 'Clear Your Clutter'. I have only had the book a week and have offloaded one car-full of clutter and have the car full again; waiting to go to the local charity shop.




I am also clearing clutter, which has been lying around my workplace for years, and sapping all my creative energy. I bought the book 'Clear Your Desk' by Declan Treacy, which is recommended by Karen Kingston in her book. This too is a brilliant read and has enabled me to make a start on sorting my desk and office space.




If any of you have read 'The Celestine Prophecy' by James Redfield, then you will know what I mean about coincidences, when I tell you that while clearing my clutter of books I came across my April 2007 issue of 'Natural Health' magazine. On the front cover it advertises one of it's articles on Feng Shui Secrets, so I read it and found it had just the sort of basic ideas I need right now to spur me on further.



I am working towards my job promotion at present and using my new 'Clear My Clutter' skills.

I sent a copy of 'Clear Your Clutter' to my cousin, whom I have recently visited and is an even worse hoarder than me. She phoned me up and excitedly told me how she had cleared two corners of her lounge and found a new owner for an old TV & stand she kept in her bedroom.
SHE HAD ONLY READ UP TO PAGE 20!

I get most of my books from http://www.amazon.co.uk/

I better get back to clearing my clutter. Instead of doing just fun stuff; I can do fun and useful stuff!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Preferably organic Apple Cider Vinegar. One cap full in a 1/2 to full glass of warm water before meals; helps to:

• Aid digestion.




• Balance the body's acid levels.




• Reduce indigestion.




• Reduce acid reflux.




• Reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

If you suffer from heart burn, then your stomach is probably producing too much acid. Many over the counter & prescribed antacids are designed to neutralise stomach acids. However, when this happens; the stomach lining then thinks there is not enough acid to break down food materials, so it then produces more acid and the cycle goes on. When you take apple cider vinegar; you are telling the stomach to stop over producing acid as there is enough to digest the food, the cycle is broken. The apple cider vinegar also contains nutrients and fibre to further aid digestion.


Arthritis is a condition where the acid levels in the body have become high, and toxins have collected within joint tissue; causing inflammation and pain. Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the acid levels, so that the digestive system is more acid and the body more alkaline; as it should be.






My personal favourite is Aspall's Apple Cider Vinegar available from supermarkets, and independent health food stores.






If you have a query regarding the use of Apple Cider Vinegar then please feel free to post me.

Sale of Manicure Station & Gel Nails Kit

Hope Holistics has now ceased to run as a going concern and I am selling off some of my stock and equipment. In this posting I am advertising a Nearly New (Hardly Used New Condition) Manicure Station. The original price was £269.00, a Bargain at Only £150.00. This would make a wonderful Christmas present for a new small business nail technician or as an upgrade from a portable table, (much more professional). Still got the packaging.
Gone







I also have a Rio Gel Nail System - Almost New

£39.99 new.
Bargain at ONLY £18.00 SOLD
Also, a few other Nail accessories available on request.

Small Beginnings

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Dorothy. Born in Liverpool and growing up in Runcorn, one of the 1960’s overspill towns. Dorothy left school with 7 CSE’s. After leaving school she worked in light engineering for over 13 years, progressing from an assembly operative, through supervisory and on to the drawing office, where she worked on computer aided design, (CAD), and gained a certificate in general engineering.

However, Dorothy found that her career in the engineering industry became repetitive and lacked fulfillment. She decided to change direction to work with the public sector. When the opportunity arose to work for Social Services Dorothy was keen to use her caring skills, so worked as a Homecare Assistant for 7 years. She enjoyed the contact with people and liked to think she had made a difference in their lives.

Since Dorothy can remember she has suffered bouts of fatigue, repeatedly visiting Doctors. It was time to do something about this. After reading a book about natural ways to more energy, Dorothy embarked on a new regime. She spent 18 months visiting a consultant of Natural Medicine and changed her diet. Loosing nearly 2 stone in weight was just a bonus compared to her new lease of life.

Dorothy gained a Diploma in Holistic Therapies with The Federation of Holistic Therapists. This included Aromatherapy, Traditional Massage & Reflexology. Also Diet & Nutrition, Counseling, First Aid and Health & Safety. She completed her Reiki 1st & 2nd Degree’s and qualified in Malish Indian Head Massage.

Natural Medicine is very good for healing the body. One area of interest is in Natural Nutrition for which Dorothy studied with The College of Natural Nutrition at Salford University, to further her knowledge and ability to assist people. She is a firm believer that the body is designed to repair itself, given the right ingredients and environment.

While running her own business in Complementary Medicine, Dorothy spotted a job in a local newspaper, which had the components of all her life’s experiences including hobbies and interests. She had to apply. Not one to refuse going through open doors, Dorothy headed straight for Psychiatry and is now working with people who suffer severe and enduring mental health illnesses.

She has since gained her Teaching Certificate and teaches IT Skills from complete novices to students moving on to college, voluntary work and paid employment.

Dorothy has a special interest in Dyslexia and believes herself to be dyslexic, although she has not been assessed as yet. May-be some encouragement from fellow bloggers will prompt her to go for assessment.

This year Dorothy started to research her family ancestry and this is going strong.

Here’s to Blogging!