Looking for some “me time” then take a walk.

Yesterday, I decided to take a long walk in the late afternoon, just the three of us, me, myself and I, and had a grand old time. It does not snow around these parts, but I always like to take walks in my neighborhood during this time of year to see how the people who live on nearby streets decorate the exterior of their homes for the holidays.

On the one hand, some people keep things relatively simple and understated and just use props like candy canes in the yard, wreaths on the doors, candles in the windows and a string of lights to outline the house.

But on the other hand, some neighbors go all out and dress (or should I say, style) their houses to the nines with the reindeer on the roof, life-sized nativity scenes, inflatable snowmen families and color-coded lights of all shapes and sizes, all synchronized to festive music. It’s like walking in winter wonderland, California style. Tacky as it might be, it’s truly a spectacular sight to behold and I, for one, appreciate all of the effort that’s involved.

The thing is, it really doesn’t matter how elaborate the decorations are from house to house. Each home has its own charm and it’s just fun walking around from street to street, seeing all of the houses lit up like Christmas trees.

If you’re looking to carve out some “me time” for yourself this month, take a walk. Not only will you get some fresh air and exercise, you’ll also take your stress level down a few notches. And you may just happen upon a cute little cottage that looks like a gingerbread house! Walking is one of life’s simplest pleasures and whether you go by yourself or invite some friends, why not turn walking into daily habit all year round.

Enjoy the light show!

Until next time.
Helen.

Drink a cup of tea to avoid holiday stress

In my opinion, drinking a cup of tea is one of the best ways to create some ME time during the holidays to avoid being stressed. 

There’s nothing better than taking a few minutes in the middle of the afternoon to sip a warm cup of tea. Can you hear the kettle whistling? Have you warmed up your tea pot and tea cup or mug? – most people forget that step but doing it takes the flavor and the experience to a whole new level. Have you chosen your favorite tea blend from your stash? Have you invited a friend over to join you? Did you remember to put out the cream, sugar, lemon, and honey and of course a plate of cookies?

Here are some of my favorite quotes from literature on the pleasures of drinking tea to inspire you to sit down and have a cup of tea at least once before the new year and to give your friends the gift of a tea sampler (available from specialty shops or online) so they can enjoy some tea time, too.

“The Tea Party

I had a little tea party
This afternoon at three.
'Twas very small-
Three guest in all-
Just I, myself and me.

Myself ate all the sandwiches,
While I drank up the tea;
'Twas also I who ate the pie
And passed the cake to me.”
― Jessica Nelson North

“What kind of tea do you want?"
"There’s more than one kind of tea?...What do you have?"
"Let’s see... Blueberry, Raspberry, Ginseng, Sleepytime, Green Tea, Green Tea with Lemon, Green Tea with Lemon and Honey, Liver Disaster, Ginger with Honey, Ginger Without Honey, Vanilla Almond, White Truffle Coconut, Chamomile, Blueberry Chamomile, Decaf Vanilla Walnut, Constant Comment and Earl Grey."
-"I.. Uh...What are you having?... Did you make some of those up?”
― Bryan Lee O'Malley, Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life

“A cup of tea would restore my normality.” ― Douglas Adams

There is something in the nature of tea that leads us into a world of quiet contemplation of life.” ― Lin Yutang, The Importance Of Living

“Tea tempers the spirits and harmonizes the mind, dispels lassitude and relieves fatigue, awakens thought and prevents drowsiness, lightens or refreshes the body, and clears the perceptive faculties.” ― Confucius

“Okay, this is the wisdom. First, time spent on reconnaissance is never wasted. Second, almost anything can be improved with the addition of bacon. And finally, there is no problem on Earth that can't be ameliorated by a hot bath and a cup of tea.” ― Jasper Forde, Shades of Grey

“A cat purring on your lap while you sip hot tea, is there anything better? Oh, and you’re floating in a zero gravity environment.” ― Jarod Kintz, Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal With Change by Deciding to Let Indecision Into Your Life

“Dad was at his desk when I opened the door, doing what all British people do when they're freaked out: drinking tea.” ― Rachel Hawkins, Demonglass

“If you are cold, tea will warm you;
if you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are excited, it will calm you.”
― William Ewart Gladstone

“Nowadays, people resort to all kinds of activities in order to calm themselves after a stressful event: performing yoga poses in a sauna, leaping off bridges while tied to a bungee, killing imaginary zombies with imaginary weapons, and so forth. But in Miss Penelope Lumley's day, it was universally understood that there is nothing like a nice cup of tea to settle one's nerves in the aftermath of an adventure-- a practice many would find well worth reviving.”
― Maryrose Wood, The Hidden Gallery

“I don't drink coffee I take tea my dear
I like my toast done on one side ..."
 (Englishman in New York)” ― Sting, Nothing Like the Sun

“Peter was not very well during the evening. His mother put him to bed, and made some chamomile tea: "One table-spoonful to be taken at bedtime.”
― Beatrix Potter, The Tale of Peter Rabbit

My kettle is boiling -until next time,
Helne

Give the Gift of Yoga

Before things get out of hand and you find yourself stressed beyond measure, make a promise right now to carve out some ME time during this upcoming festive, holiday season. Take a look at your calendar and make sure, while you have the chance and before your time gets booked up with other obligations, to schedule at least 15 peaceful minutes a day for yourself --- and then honor that time.

Taking a few moments to quiet your mind is the key to enjoying this special time of year and practicing yoga is one of the best ways I know to stay calm and relaxed.

Some of the many health benefits of practicing yoga on a regular basis include:


Stronger immune system
Increased energy
More efficient breathing
Better digestion
Balanced hormones
Improved muscle flexibility and strength
Straighter posture
Healthier body weight
Improved sleep
Decreased pain
Improved balance
Increased sense of well-being
Better mood
Decrease in anxiety, depression and anger
Improved concentration and memory
Decrease in total cholesterol levels
Lower blood pressure


You can also use yoga as a theme in your gift giving this year. Encourage your friends to join you in a yoga class with a gift certificate and buy everyone things like yoga mats, yoga pants, instructional videos, thoughtful books, relaxing music, water bottles, eye shades and a special bag to carry everything in.

And since everyone’s feet are bare during yoga class, how about throwing in a gift certificate for a pedicure, too? It just might help your friends who may be new to yoga, to start things off on the right foot, so to speak.

I realize even the most basic yoga moves can prove quite challenging for some people, but with consistent practice, the health benefits of yoga will far outweigh any awkwardness that may surface initially. Yoga is one of those things that you have to stick with for awhile but it’s worth it. You just might find that adding some yoga stretches to your daily routine will really help make this holiday extraordinary.