18 November 2011

Christmas: Baked gifts, Online shopping, Gift games/ alternatives, Recipe

Put the joy back into the festive season
If you often celebrate Christmas with your extended family, buying presents and being organised for Christmas can be more stressful than enjoyable.  Of course it is always nice to give and receive presents but is it worth the stress?  Often buying something that your extended family member, who you may not know very well, needs or wants, without it being exchanged after Christmas (even after all the effort it took you to buy it), can be very difficult and stressful.  Put the fun back into Christmas and perhaps try one of the suggestions below.


Make Yummy Gifts
Making presents can be time consuming but I find it a lot less stressful than going to the mall!  I love cooking and if you do too why not make some yummy things for your loved ones this Christmas?

This website has lots of food gift ideas
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/gift-guides/yummy-packages-38-homemade-gifts-from-the-kitchn-recipe-roundup-133621

I think labne (yoghurt cheese) is delicious gift idea and it looks beautiful.  Caramelised onion marmalade is a great gift also and adds flavour to so many dishes.

See here for how to make labne.
http://theblissbar.blogspot.com/2011/06/marinated-labne.html

See here for how to make caramelised onion marmalade
http://theblissbar.blogspot.com/2011/10/caramelised-onion-marmalade.html

Make your own caramel (dulce de leche).  This is so decadent and beautiful and can be used in lots of sweet recipes, or you can stir it through ice-cream, or make caramel melting moments and spoon it between shortbread!
http://theblissbar.blogspot.com/2011/11/dulce-de-leche.html

Or for a healthier gift idea, why not make some bliss balls?
http://www.teresacutter.com/2011/11/spirulina-protein-power-balls/


Shop online
So much less stress involved in shopping online than going to the Mall which is so crazy at this time of year.

For Australian, handmade arts and craft goods have a look at:
http://madeit.com.au/

For something fair trade, have a look at Oxfam
http://www.oxfam.org.au/shop


Kris Kringle
Sometimes it can take some coercing of other family members to come around to the idea of Kris Kringle, but once you have done the switch you won’t look back!  Remember to set a dollar limit for how much you will spend on each other...
  1. Put all names of those participating in a hat
  2. Pull out a name
  3. Keep it a secret
If Kris Kringle isn’t your thing why not try setting a dollar limit amongst friends and family anyway?


Dirty Santa Game
Another great present game is what is know as the “Dirty Santa Game”.
  1. Everyone buys and wraps up a present (best to set a dollar limit to $10 or whatever you choose), it doesn’t matter what it is. It can be funny, silly, useful...
  2. Write numbers on little pieces of paper corresponding to how many people there are and put them in a hat.
  3. The person with number one gets to choose their present first
  4. The person with number two can decide to open a new present or to take number one’s present
  5. Each time someone gets up, they have their choice of one of the unwrapped gifts or one of the wrapped ones.
  6. If a person gets their gift taken from them, they go back up to choose an unwrapped one. It goes on until everyone has a gift.

Spend time with Friends
Instead of buying lots of presents for all of your friends it might be nice to suggest that you all put some money aside and agree on spending time together after Christmas and doing something different that you will all enjoy, like going out for dinner, to the theatre, or to a concert...  It definitely takes the stress out of Christmas...  Less presents to buy and you will have a memorable time together.


Recipe: Summertime Salad
For a Christmas mango salad recipe suggestion see:
http://theblissbar.blogspot.com/2011/11/martin-jus-summer-salad.html





This post is brought to you by Kristie Ussher, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.

Christmas: Cookies, Getting organised, Catering, Gifts that give

Stay out of the malls this year as much as you can! Bake at home, buy charity gifts online and plan, plan, plan so you are ready to set sail during the festive season.

Reduce or remove everything that harms your body and the planet. Rejoice in simple food, good company, restful relaxation and the joy of sharing.


Home baked treats
Cashew brownies
Fudgy chocolate and creamy cashews – a winning combination!

1 Egg
125g (4oz) Butter
1 cup Sugar
1.5 cups Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
2 dessertspoons Cocoa Powder
1 cup Cashews (or nut of your choice)
½ tsp Salt

Cream butter & sugar, add egg, flour, baking powder, salt, nuts & cocoa. Roll into balls or spread over a greased slice tray and bake at 180C for 15 minutes.  If making as a slice, cut while still hot using a sharp knife, allow to cool slightly before removing from tray.


Shortbread
Nothing beats simplicity – shortbread delights young and old with its buttery goodness!

225g (8oz) Butter
125g (4oz) Icing Sugar
125g (4oz) Cornflour
225g (8oz) Flour

Cream butter & sugar well, add sifted flour & cornflour.  Knead well, roll out about 15mm thick.  Cut into pieces, place on greased tray, prick and bake about 30 minutes at 150C.

For a heavenly taste, top with Orange Flower Icing:
http://dorothymcnett.com/recipes/divulge/943/orange_flower_or_rose_flower_icing_recipe.html


Getting organised for celebrations and holidays
There’s nothing better than sailing towards the holiday season knowing that all your gifts and cards are done, menus for entertaining are planned, the house is clean and tidy, holiday arrangements are taken care of and the budget remains intact.

Does that sound inviting?  Why not check out Flylady.net for a totally free system to get yourself organised and enjoy life with less stress, less clutter and more space to enjoy quality time with your friends and family.

They have a special holiday section with checklists, reminders, recipes and clutter-free gift ideas so that everything is covered well in advance:
http://www.flylady.net/d/cruising-through-the-holidays/


Easy holiday catering & outings
Wine, nibbles & other drinks
Grab several bottles of drinkable wine on sale and stash it in your pantry, closet or laundry – wherever you’ve got some room!   Places like Dan Murphys will often have heavily discounted stock to bring people in the door (hoping you’ll also pick up some other goods with high profit margins).   Work out how many functions you’ll be going to over the season and get this many bottles, plus some spares for those last-minute invites or quick gifts.

Also make sure you’ve got plenty of wine and beer if you’re hosting events.  For all purchases, if you’re not a big drinker then keep the receipts somewhere safe and you can return them in January if you have any left over.

Also stock up on non-perishables such as chips, crackers, biscuits, sweets and ingredients for your favourite “bring a plate” recipes so that you can quickly grab something from the cupboard as you head out the door.  And grab some paper plates/ platters etc if you’ll be bringing food to events.

Of course, ensure you’ve got plenty of wrapping paper and blank cards.   If you get plain green, red or gold wrapping paper in bulk rolls then you can use it throughout the year.  Similarly, blank cards can be bought in bulk and used for any occasion.

All of these advance purchases will help you to avoid a stressful and expensive last-minute dash to the shops on your way to an event.

For entertaining at home, keep some lime and/or lemon cordial in your cupboard (the adult versions, eg Schweppes).  You can also stock up on plain sparkling mineral water.  With some Angostura bitters, you now have what you need to cobble together a “Lemon-Lime-Bitters”.  These cordials make it easy to serve refreshing non-alcoholic drinks other than water, and they save you having to buy sugary soft drinks.

You can also use good quality fruit juices as you would cordial, like the 100% juice with no added preservatives in the supermarket fridge.  Purchase some on special and freeze for when you need it (if you’re really sneaky, freeze it as ice cubes to add straight into drinks).   Mix juice with sparkling mineral water for a healthy and economical “soft drink”.


Quick entertaining
Be ready to multiply your food at the last minute when unexpected guests drop round.
Keep plenty of natural yoghurt in the fridge as this can be used to make or bulk up dips (eg add a sachet of French Onion soup powder to a couple of cups of yoghurt for French onion dip).  You can extend pesto by mixing with yoghurt to make a creamy basil dip.  Or blend yoghurt, garlic and sundried tomatoes for a simple tasty dip.  Yoghurt is a healthy and light alternative to sour cream.

Serve dips with crackers and chips as nibbles before a meal, and save the nice cheeses for after the meal, French-style.  This way, your guests can savour the lovely cheeses for their flavour and texture, rather than gobbling them up because they’re too hungry.  (Tip: buy those yummy soft cheeses now so they're nice and aged when it's time to serve).

Have a dozen bread rolls in the freezer to add bulk to the lunch table when you have extra last-minute guests.  Cut open, spread with butter, rub with a cut clove of garlic and toast under the grill for a special touch.  Or grill with cheese as the milk fats and proteins will make them more filling.  Cut the rolls into quarters to reduce wastage – people can always come back for more.

Carbs make great salad bases as they’re inexpensive and filling.  For example brown rice salad, pasta salad or potato salad.  Just use Google to find plenty of options and adapt to what you already have at home.

Home-made hommous
This is so quick, simple and nutritious and it’s a real crowd pleaser. Make sure you’ve always got these ingredients at hand:

Juice of 1-2 Lemons (can freeze in ice cube trays; or substitute 1-2 tbsp vinegar, preferably Apple Cider)
About 1/3 jar Tahini
1 tbsp Ground Cumin (available bulk from Saini Emporium, Dee Why)
1 clove Garlic, crushed
2 tins Chick Peas, drained & rinsed
About ½ cup Olive Oil

Whiz the first 4 ingredients in a food processor.  With the blades running, gradually add the chick peas. When all chick peas are added, it will probably be quite pasty.  Now keep the blades running and drizzle olive oil in until it reaches your desired consistency.  Just before serving, drizzle with olive oil and dust with paprika.


Sharing with others - Gifts that give
“Nearly 4 out of 5 Australians say they’d be happy with a donation to charity instead of a gift.


Instead, this Christmas Australians will spend over $750 million on unwanted presents. That’s an amazing statistic. It means we’re spending millions every year buying things for people who don’t actually want those things.” 
St Vincent de Paul Society (http://www.vinnies.org.au/christmas-appeal-2011-national)

The build-up to Christmas can be overwhelming for both adults and children.   Not only is everyone tired at the end of the working year, but everywhere we are seduced with images of excess – excessive food, expensive consumer items and sparkly plastic trinkets.

We know that a lot of the Stuff that we are tempted to spend our precious funds on is produced in undesirable ways, in polluting factories staffed by poorly paid people.  The Stuff is then shipped using fossil fuels to our shores, to be hungrily purchased and wrapped and fleetingly enjoyed.   The Stuff then gathers dust or breaks and is thrown away in land fill, polluting our fragile Mother Earth once more!

The frenzy of desire passes quickly and we are left with empty pockets, struggling livers and Stuff we neither need nor want.

If this sounds like your experience of the festive season then please take a moment to think about what you can remove or reduce.  Less gorging and guzzling, less last-minute buying of factory-made Stuff.
Maybe see if you can find ways to connect with others, to share the abundance of good fortune that we so freely enjoy.

Can you donate to UNHCR to help the famine crisis in East Africa?  Would you like to give gifts, donations or virtual cards from Oxfam, World Vision or The Smith Family?  Could you set up a monthly donation to the Wayside Chapel in someone’s name?
www.unrefugees.org.au/
http://www.oxfamshop.org.au/
http://trans.worldvision.com.au/Gifts/GiftCatalogue/
http://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/site/page.cfm?u=420
http://www.thewaysidechapel.com/donations.php

Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child” is a program that delivers a small box of toys to children in poor countries – you choose and buy the toys yourself (mark this on your calendar for October next year – it’s a great way to involve children in the ritual of sharing at Christmas time).
http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.au

Some stores, shopping centres and banks have programs to purchase toys for children living in poverty. Again, it’s a great way for your children to experience the joy of generosity.
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/you-can-help/christmas-appeal/kmart-wishing-tree.html?s=812482020
http://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/site/page.cfm?u=38

You can pack up a hamper of treats and non-perishable Christmas food for local charities to distribute to those in need.
http://salvos.org.au/christmas/how-to-help/food-and-gifts.php

Charity Card Market offers a selection of 70 charities to choose from:
http://www.charitycardmarket.com.au/


And of course, all of the above charities greatly appreciate your cash donations. A simple gift of a cash donation to someone in need is a blessing to all concerned.


Wishing you a peaceful and happy festive season



This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.


Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.

15 November 2011

Christmas: Yummy gifts, Garage sale, Kid-made gifts



Yummy gift ideas
Rum Balls & Apricot Balls are easy to make and not too expensive.  Kids can help make for their teachers, coaches and tutors as there is no cooking required.


Rum balls
1 tin condensed milk (light is OK)
125g crushed plain biscuits (can use wheat free varieties)
2-3 tablespoons cocoa, sifted
1/2 cup sultanas
2-3 tablespoons rum
1 packet dessicated coconut

Combine all ingredients other than coconut in a large bowl. Add just enough coconut to the mixture until it is firm enough to roll into balls (don't add the whole packet!). Pour more coconut onto a plate. Take teaspoons of the rum ball mixture, roll into balls between your palms, then roll in the coconut until coated and no longer sticky. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.


Apricot balls
1 tin condensed milk (light is OK)
1 cup dried apricots, chopped finely
2-3 tablespoons dry sherry
1 packet dessicated coconut

Combine all ingredients other than coconut in a large bowl.
Add just enough coconut to the mixture so that it is firm enough to roll into balls.
Pour more coconut onto a plate.
Take teaspoons of the apricot ball mixture, roll into balls between your palms, then roll in the coconut until coated and no longer sticky.
Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.


These simple but tasty treats are best made at least a couple of weeks in advance so that the alcohol can permeate them properly. They are delightful served as an after dinner treat, or any time, really!


De-clutter and help charity
Organise a street garage sale in the first few weeks of December to raise funds then the proceeds go to a nominated charity to purchase christmas hampers. It means you can meet your neighbours, get rid of some clutter and give back to those less fortunate.


Kid-made gifts
Friendship bands - have the kids collect old wool, string, leather from the neighbours and make their friends and teachers christmas presents.





This post is brought to you by Tracy Gough, Remedial Massage Therapist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl.

Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.

Christmas: Gifts that help others

How many times have you opened a present at Christmas and thought “oh no, how can they think I would like this?

That also means that probably the gift you give may not be wanted either.

How much money is wasted on buying useless gifts that could be spent on helping someone in need, somewhere in the world?

For example, instead of buying your family a gift this Christmas why not donate the money to Oxfam?

This is just one idea, there are many charities out there that need your help. Imagine if you could agree with all your family to do it this year, how good will you feel knowing that your donation can make such a huge difference to people’s lives.

You could buy:

• breakfast for a child in Africa
• a hygiene kit for people in a village
• a rice bank for a village in Laos
• change the life of an indigenous football player
• buy a goat, or a duck or some seeds ….

Have a look at the website http://www.oxfamunwrapped.com.au/ and make your own decision.

Have a happy Christmas!




This post is brought to you by Sonia BartonBowen Therapist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.

01 September 2011

Free course: Learn to meditate

    

5-week Meditation Course
25th October - 22nd November 2011
Tue evenings 7:00-8:00pm


These 5-week courses are designed for those new to meditation, and for those wishing to refresh their practice. Suitable for those of any religious faith - or none.

Special insights and techniques from the Tibetan approach to this ancient art.




The Amitabha Foundation is a registered not-for-profit organization offering a range of meditation and other courses from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, and supporting charitable and development aid projects in India, Nepal, Tibet and China.

More details on the website www.amitabhafoundation.metta.org.au or by phone on (02)8250-5213.

All courses are held in the Amitabha Foundation (formerly the Uniting Church), corner of Edgeworth David Ave and Palmerston Rd., Waitara.




This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.

Welcome Tracy Gough, Remedial Massage Therapist

  

We are delighted to welcome remedial massage therapist Tracy Gough to Ocean Acupuncture.




Tracy is available on Saturdays to help you de-stress, relieve tension, resolve pain and tightness and recharge your energy.

Tracy is also a Reiki II practitioner, so your massage treatments come with an extra boost of gentle healing energy.


*Introductory Specials for October and November 2011*
  1. Your first massage - $10 off Subsequent massages - $5 off
  2. Book and pay for three one-hour massages before end of November and save 20% ($204)
Note each of the the above specials is not available with any other offer or package.


*Treatment Packages*
Book and pay for 5 sessions and receive a FREE gift voucher for yourself or someone else for a further session.

Gift voucher valid for 6 months from date of purchase.


*Gift Vouchers*
The perfect gift - Massage vouchers available for birthdays, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Christmas, baby showers, anniversaries, new mums or just as a special treat.




For bookings, treatment packs and gift vouchers:


This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.

Sleep tips: 7 steps for good sleep

Do you often find it hard to get to sleep?  Do you wake thinking, find it hard to get back to sleep and then wake up tired?

Maybe you can make some changes that encourage better sleep. Start with these simple sleep tips.




1: Stay to your sleep routine
Go to bed and rise at the same time every day, even on weekends and holidays.  Consistency reinforces your body's sleep-wake cycle and promotes better sleep.


2: Watch what you eat and drink
Leave a couple of hours between your evening meal and bedtime, but don't go to bed too hungry either.  Don't drink too much water right before bed if you are prone to having to go to the toilet at night.

Reduce nicotine, caffeine and alcohol.   Nicotine and caffeine are too stimulating, and even though alcohol might make you feel sleepy at first, it can rebound and wake you later in the night.


3: Have a bedtime ritual
Do the same things each night to tell your body it's time to wind down.  You can keep the lights low and meditate, listen to music, read or have a warm bath or shower.  This can help you to start feeling drowsy and wind down from the busy day.  Avoid television and computers as the bright screens and movement are too stimulating.  Don't have a TV in your bedroom.


4: Be comfortable
Your bedroom should be cool, dark and quiet.  According to your needs you can use room-darkening curtains, earplugs, white noise machines, a fan or anything else that addresses discomforts like heat, noise and light.  Make sure you've got a comfortable mattress and pillow, not too many blankets, and enough room to sleep comfortably.


5: Daytime naps
If you must nap in the day, limit yourself to about 10 to 30 minutes at around 3 or 4pm - set an alarm to wake you.


6: Exercise every day
Daily exercise promotes better sleep, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep.  Some people need to exercise earlier in the day as evening exercise can be too stimulating.


7: Reduce stress
When you have too much to do and too much to think about your sleep will be affected.  Make sure you're well organised, ask for help and delegate when you can, and prioritise the demands on your time.  Take plenty of breaks and time out to clear your mind during the day.  Make time for social and leisure activities.  If you have something on your mind, write it in a notebook as part of your bedtime routine so you clear your mind before you lie down in bed.


If you would like more information, please:


This post is brought to you by Sonia Barton, Bowen Therapist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.