Or in my case -borrowship. But here is a list of the TOP 10 HEALTH BENEFITS of having a pet according to Dr. Dave Hepburn who owns a Havanese pup named Leo.
1 Several studies have shown that having a pet helps youget in shape. One study showed that new dog owners lose an average of 14 pounds in the first year.
2 Pets help people survive heart attacks. Pet owners have healthierhearts. Those who own a dog are eight times more likely to survive one year after a heart attack.
3 Pets are great for mental health. Patients who have pets are less depressed or anxious and show lower scores on the depression severity scale. So, if you’re feeling blue take two Shih Tzu and call me in the morning.
4 A study out of the University of Missouri showed that within minutes of petting a dog, there is a massive release of beneficial hormones ( in the petter) known to be associated with health and feelings of well being.
5 Dogs are beneficial in speech and language development. (My Spanish is already getting better). Dogs are instantly loyal and eager to please — perfect companions during sometimes difficult speech- therapy sessions.
6 Pets help blunt pain. By initiating and maintaining the relaxation response, a pet can distract a patient’s focus from his or her pain and elevate his or her mood.
7 Pet owners often feel needed and responsible, which may stimulate the survival incentive. There is the feeling of the need to pull through a surgery or major illness to take care of their pets. Many cancer patients with pets admit to striving hard to live longer because they felt that their pets need them and only them.
8 Pets in the home teach empathy and responsibility and even raise IQs. In fact, dogs can improve children’s reading scores. Trained teams of dogs and humans help children who have trouble reading to jump grade levels in just a few months in a program where children read to dogs.
9 Seniors who have pets have far fewer doctor visits and sleep better.
10 To many researchers, the most exciting facet of these studies is that positive human- animal interaction may delay production of harmful body chemicals associated with diseases such as cancer. Studies indicate an improvement in body chemicals associated with a healthy immune system. We may see a time when people at risk for certain illnesses including cancer may be prescribed a Chihuahua.
Dr. Dave Hepburn, Postmedia News. Watch Dr. Dave on “Buyologic” on OWN, Tuesdays at 6: 30 p. m.
Also **Don’t miss listening to “Transforming Health” with host Brad King for the most evocative and informative up-to-the-minute interviews with leading health professionals – Live every Wednesday @ 12PM-PST/3PM-EST on VoiceAmerica.com – #1 internet radio station in North America.
Fala is a fashion designer with her own line, a friend and someone I worked with at 4th Ave. Boutique. She’s a quadruple threat….young, smart, talented and beautiful. Fala currently spends her time jetting between New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai & Taiwan. She recently showcased her newest collection at New York Fashion week where she garnered attention from the media and was named new up and coming designer. You go girl!
Fala’s signature: simple, playful garments, each with its own unique personality like dresses that can be worn inside out, dress and jacket alter-egos with adjustable sleeves and other adaptable combinations. As Fala says, “fashion should be fun and playful.”
ABOUT FALA CHIEN – As a professional woman and a fashion designer, Fala understands the difficulty of balancing strength and femininity. This is the reason Fala is inspired to design clothing that make women feel both sexy and powerful at the same time. Her aim is to present clothing with “multi-wear” functionality that can be worn from morning until night. Simple yet Detailed. After ten years of working in various areas of the fashion industry, Fala debued her brand during Vancouver Fashion Week in 2008. Since then, she has been featured in several prestigious international fashion shows, and has often appeared in fashion magazines and newspapers worldwide. In addition, “Fala” by Fala Chien has become the brand ofchoice for many celebrities when they attend movie premieres and fashion events. From New York to Hong Kong, one can detect the newest collection from “Fala”by Fala Chien in many local prestigious boutiques & shops. I’m so proud of you Fala & I love my clothes made by you.In my Fala designed wool coat
Organic Greens, Endive and Pear Salad with Crumbled Stilton
I was recently taken out for dinner to La Cigale French Bistro where a friend ordered a starter of endive salad with walnuts and crumbled blue cheese that tasted divine. Unfortunately for this friend three of us dove into his plate & attacked the salad….then decided to order one for ourselves.
Did not ask for the recipe but I do know that….
Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill has had a very similar salad on the menu since it opened in 1999.
My birthday dinner there a few years back was very memorable and owner/chef Pino Posterero made a visit to our table to check on our meal. He says the secret to the success of this salad is in the vinaigrette which is simple to make, yet has a complex flavour.
Recipe:
120g (4 oz) Organic Salad Greens (including watercress or arugula)
16 leaves of Belgian Endive
1 ripe Bosc pear, skin on, cored and thinly sliced (ideally)
60 ml (2 oz) lemon shallot honey vinaigrette (see recipe blow)
Crumbled Stilton (preferably) or blue cheese (about 2-3 oz) or 80g.
Crumbled walnuts (this is not part of original recipe) but I think it would be a nice addition.
In a mixing bowl, combine salad greens, Belgian endive and pear. Add vinaigrette and toss lightly. To serve, divide the salad among four plates and sprinkle Stilton (& optional walnuts) on top.
Lemon Shallot Honey Vinaigrette
150 ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice
90 ml (5 ½ Tbsp) honey
50 ml (3 Tbsp) white wine vinegar
50 ml (3 Tbsp) Dijon mustard
50 g (2 oz) chopped shallots
80 ml (6 Tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil
pinch of sea salt, pepper
In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, honey, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and shallots. Whisk in olive oil gradually until well emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
It will keep refrigerated in an airtight container or glass jar for up to one week.
Makes 500 ml. Makes 4 servings. This would make a beautiful side to fish, pasta or almost any dish.
Let’s take a look back at Wednesday, June 15, 2011. That was the date of a rare public disturbance that broke out in the downtown core of Vancouver, British Columbia – known as theVancouverStanley Cup riot. A riot to remember. There is good likelihood that this will never happen here again.
We have faith that this will not happen here again – Vancouver is LOVE.
The riots happened immediately after the conclusion of the Boston Bruins’ win over the Vancouver Canucks in game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals, which won the Stanley Cup for Boston. At least 140 people were reported as injured during the incident, one critically; at least four people were stabbed, nine police officers were injured, and 101 people were arrested that night, with 16 further arrests following the event. A total f….up.
Real Fans Don’t Riot
With anything good…or….bad….there comes ART. Here, some of the artful abuse (aka graffiti) which is preserved at the Vancouver museum on one large wall.
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Lauren Hutton, 69
People don’t grow old. When they stop growing, they become old – Anonymous
Aging can be fun if you lay back and enjoy it – Clint Eastwood
Iman, 57
Maturity is a bitter disappointment for which no remedy exists, unless laughter could be said to remedy anything.–Kurt Vonnegut
Helen Mirran, 67
You can free yourself from aging by reinterpreting your body and by grasping the link between belief and biology – Deepak Chopra Another belief of mine: that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise.–Margaret Atwood
Kim Basinger, 59
Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.–Franz Kafka
Kim Cattrall, 56
At age 20, we worry about what others think of us.
At 40, we don’t care what they think of us.
At 60, we discover they haven’t been thinking about us at all.–Jock Falkson
Jaclyn Smith, 68
60…..I can wait but these women although famous actors/models make it seem effortless & are the role models for aging gracefully. I can only hope.
I don’t have to tell you that the combination of low temperatures, decreased humidity, and blasting heaters can leave your skin flaky and itchy. But here’s what you may not know: because the outermost layer of our skin helps keep bacteria from entering your body, the cracks created by water loss can make you more vulnerable to infection.
Using a humidifier and lotion will help, but you can also moisturize from within. Research suggests that ceramides (lipid molecules that help prevent skin from becoming dry) found in whole grains may help build up the barrier that keeps moisture in. Add more biotin-rich foods (like swiss chard, eggs and nuts) to your diet – they’re members of the B vitamin family and promote the production of moisture-retaining fatty acids.
Dr. Oz on Winterproofing your Health from “O” magazine.
**B Vitamins should be added to your diet if you wish to achieve healthy skin. Vitamin B1, for instance, boosts circulation in the body and gives your skin a certain glow. If you’re a woman taking birth control pills then you are at risk of Vitamin B1 deficiency. Egg yolks, nuts and raisins are great sources of Vitamin B1. Niacin of Vitamin B3 helps your skin receive plenty of oxygen, which prevents development of acne among other benefits. Niacin-rich foods include tomatoes, broccoli and carrots.
***Don’t miss listening to “Transforming Health” with host Brad King for the most up-to-the-minute interviews with leading health professionals – Live every Wednesday @ 12PM-PST/3PM-EST on VoiceAmerica.com – #1 internet radio station in North America. Here’s the link: http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/1686/transforming-health
**After 11 years at their 6th Ave location Heather Ross [in house ] has recently moved & rebranded their art salon/boutique to heather ross (natural eclectic). See address below.
NATURE is a constant source of information for Artist & Designer Heather Ross who is known for her wonderful sense of color & keen eye. Her paintings, while abstracted, draw upon the elements of earth, water, air & sky with soothing color palettes.
Her boutique is a favorite amongst designers, art directors and decorators who covet Heathers unique vision & the way she brings unexpectedly beautiful items together with warmth & sensitivity.
In her inviting space she creates a compelling mix of new and old. Lush pillows, antique textiles and unique finds from the flea markets of Europe mingle with contemporary ceramics, fresh décor & endearing gifts. Her clientele will discover art in her paintings and photos which grace the walls in an inviting atmosphere.
Here is what a few magazine’s have written:
This is the thinking decorator’s dream shop. I could not extricate myself from its intelligent, captivating spell. It has the feeling of an underwater garden, inspired no doubt by Heather’s upbringing on the coast and her love for all things natural’
Heather (right) & sister Janet (left).
“Heather Ross [natural eclectic] conjures a home dressed in driftwood hues, vintage finds and elegant objects… rather than a typical store, poured concrete floors, clean white walls and a purposefully raw atmosphere form an uncluttered setting for her restrained vignettes” Canadian House & Home Jan 2010
“One third each evocative gallery, chic boutique, and European Atelier, Heather Ross (natural eclectic) offers an eclectic collection of hip items for the home.” Style at Home Magazine
AND I add to that “you must look up at the ceiling.”
Heather is currently working on a book & design blog, The Natural Eclectic™
New Location is at 2170 Fir Street at 6th in Vancouver (they’re just getting set up).
These healthy energy cookies are packed with natural flavor and are bound to give you a nice boost after your workout or anytime you need it.
Recipe:
3 large ripe bananas
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla
1 cup (250 ml) cooked organic quinoa (cook like regular rice 1-1)
1 cup (250 ml) organic rolled oats
1 cup (250 ml) coconut flakes, unsweetened
½ cup (125 ml) coconut sugar
½ cup (125 ml) dark chocolate chips
chopped ginger & dates, optional
Preheat oven to 325 F.
In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas with a fork and add vanilla, quinoa, coconut and coconut sugar. Mix until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips (& ginger and/or pitted dates if using).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so batter doesn’t stick. Drop heaping Tablespoons onto baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cookie holds together. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
*TIP – try toasting the coconut flakes first on their own on unlined baking sheet in oven for about 10 minutes or just until they start to brown.
**You can find unsweetened coconut & coconut sugar at Granville Island or your specialty bulk food shops.
***Dark chocolate chips are getting a bit easier to find although it is difficult
to find anything beyond 60% cacao. You can substitute a higher percentage (72-80%)
by chopping up a chocolate bar instead.
Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Samuel Ullman
Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick. Gwyneth Paltrow.
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
“When you’re a beautiful person on the inside, nothing in the world can change that about you. Jealousy is the result of one’s lack of self-confidence, self-worth, and self-acceptance. The Lesson: If you can’t accept yourself, then certainly no one else will.”
― Sasha Azevedo
“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,but true beauty in a Woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.”
― Audrey Hepburn
“Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates.”
– Kate Angell, Squeeze Play
“There are those who say that spiritual enlightenment is achieved through the denial of oneself; you must deny yourself many things, go and live on a mountaintop, never mingle with other people, talk to the birds..but I say to you, why should you dismantle your home? Where is the meaning in removing the bricks from your walls one by one? What is the purpose in uprooting your floors? Is there any significance in only allowing yourself a tin roof and a muddy bed? Why deny your house its structure? A truly enlightened soul is strong enough, is bright enough to live and shine through, even in a beautiful house! There is no need to ransack the house in order to see an inner beauty etched against a distraught surrounding. A bright and beautiful soul can shine forth even from inside an equally beautiful surrounding.” – C JoyBell C.
1 Several studies have shown that having a pet helps you get in shape. One study showed that new dog owners lose an average of 14 pounds in the first year.
Using a humidifier and lotion will help, but you can also moisturize from within. Research suggests that ceramides (lipid molecules that help prevent skin from becoming dry) found in whole grains may help build up the barrier that keeps moisture in. Add more biotin-rich foods (like swiss chard, eggs and nuts) to your diet – they’re members of the B vitamin family and promote the production of moisture-retaining fatty acids.
In her inviting space she creates a compelling mix of new and old. Lush pillows, antique textiles and unique finds from the flea markets of Europe mingle with contemporary ceramics, fresh décor & endearing gifts. Her clientele will discover art in her paintings and photos which grace the walls in an inviting atmosphere.
These healthy energy cookies are packed with natural flavor and are bound to give you a nice boost after your workout or anytime you need it.
Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Samuel Ullman
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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