Archives

In the last two issues I reviewed some of the dietary factors that influence chronic inflammation in your body, the foods to avoid and the foods to include in your meals.  This subject is so incredibly important to your survival, not just good health, than I feel all of us should do all we can to learn and be knowledgeable.

It is a huge challenge to even try to keep up with the information coming in. Finally, so many mysteries are being solved as to how our total lifestyle can and should be altered to make optimal health possible. Science has discovered how the way we think and our happiness affects our health and much more. It has found how our thoughts and feelings can effect our aging as well. Our ability to perform in our work and endeavors as well as our intelligence can be affected. Finally we are finding out what the actual chemistry causes these things to happen.

In this issue, because space is limited, I will concentrate on what most of us think are the causes and how to find out if you are in trouble.

Normal causes are:

• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise or excessive exercise
• Stress – not just the external stress, like work, but the stress of hurt feelings, dwelling on negatives, childhood abuse, lack of support and more.  Being unhappy with yourself is not healthy.
• Hidden or chronic infections (parasites, yeasts, bacteria, etc.)
• Hidden allergies (food or environment, molds and yeasts)
• Toxins such as heavy metals or chemicals
• Neglected teeth and gum disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Here are some things you can do about it:

1. Follow the guidelines for what to avoid and what to eat in the  October and November issues of Alive
2. Regular exercise- there is so much value to your body and your emotions, along with your heart and immune system. Advice on what to do and how much from an expert is highly recommended.
3. Relax – meditation has been scientifically proven to improve areas of your brain.
4. Take supplements – a good multivitamin with chelated minerals and, past 40, probiotics and antioxidants.
5. Avoid any foods you are allergic to. If you are following an anti-inflammatory diet already gluten and dairy are out.
6. When you are in for a physical exam ask for a “C-reactive protein” test to be included. This test reveals the presence of inflammation. Ask the doctor what he/she thinks about chronic inflammation and any other test they might use. You should also enquire about the health of your intestine, especially if you are irregular or have spent a lot of time in not so clean countries. If a stool sample reveals a parasite it must be treated.

One can feel totally healthy and have a raging inflammation going on. Sometimes, due to symptom reducing drugs for diseases like arthritis or asthma the inflammation is hidden allowing it to produce damage and disease in other areas. The answer is not anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin or steroids. Again, you are just masking the symptom while the problem gets worse and many die from these drugs.

It is becoming more apparent that the many facets of medicine are so specialized that true diagnosis and proper treatment plans are hard to come by. These new discoveries, I hope, will force doctors into a more integrated approach to medicine where they more understand the underlying cause of the symptom that appears in the area of their specialty.

In treating more than the symptom known to their specialty and going after the cause, your doctor could be saving you from problems in other areas. Even if you know someone who already has a disease like cancer or heart failure, it is extremely important to control and eliminate the biggest single factor that caused it –chronic inflammation.  Their chances of survival can be greatly increased.

Robert Brown, DDS has a TMJ, orthodontia, and sleep apnea practice in Danville and thoroughly enjoys discussing holistic medicine. You can contact him at 925-837-8048, at info@aodtc.com, or visit his web site at www.aodtc.com.

I’m getting very weary of something. It’s hard enough when one side of the political spectrum, the conservatives were first, starts using catch phrases like “mainstream media,” when talking about journalists. That side will use it when it wants to put an exclamation point on its point of view, but now we have both sides bashing the “mainstream media.”  The liberals are saying that “mainstream media” is owned by corporations and doesn’t serve the middle and lower classes.   The most recognizable conservative talk show host talks about “mainstream media” constantly. Now I’ve heard a couple of liberal hosts pick it up.  I wonder whether they have looked at who signs their paychecks? Both sides. I’ll bet it’s a corporation. Is it a conservative corporation?  Is it a liberal corporation?  I’m not going to use personality names here because it’s not as much about personalities as it is the role they are playing. They both have picked up the talking points—dueling talking points—same target.  Pretty ridiculous, huh?

When I landed here in San Francisco, I was hired by ABC.  During the time I was there it was sold to Capital Cities, Disney, Citadel—all corporations. I did newscasts. We were a major market major player. Not once—not one time—did anybody from corporate talk to us about editorial content.  Not once did any of them sit in on editorial story meetings. Even the President and General Manager stayed away.  Our only directive was to make sure we covered both sides and had points of view from all sides on controversial issues.

I worked for the ABC Radio Network on occasion. It never directed the editorial flow of the newscasts. I substituted for Paul Harvey News and Comment, who in turn worked for ABC.  Paul was conservative. The network didn’t tell him what to think, write, or report. When I was substituting for him, he didn’t give me editorial guidance. Neither did the network.

Cable TV has changed that.  Fox has a conservative bent, MSNBC liberal, and CNN somewhere in between. They have become mini “talk shows.” I don’t consider them “mainstream media news.”  They are trying to appeal to a niche audience.  When I do my talk shows and commentaries, I understand they are informational but also have a point of view. That is not mainstream news. The real “mainstream media” is just trying to cover stories.

The name callers are not doing a good job of framing things. In mainstream news, people want to hear information, good clean, as editorially neutral as is humanly possible. I’d say the vast majority of journalists do that.  Blaming the “mainstream media” when it isn’t even defined properly is pointless, stupid, and in the business sense, counterproductive.

So called “Mainstream Media” isn’t the devil, but maybe those people trying to find something to stir up an audience, are.

The weather is downright chilly (at least, by California standards) and the traffic is outrageous. A quick review of the week’s social obligations provokes an anxiety attack. And with each passing day my holiday gift list seems to grow rather than shrink. Welcome to December.

It’s not all gloom, however. No matter how difficult the logistics might be, gathering with friends always soothes my soul. And there is never a shortage of good food to lift my spirits. Or good spirits to lift my food.

This month more than ever, shopping at the farmers’ market is a win-win situation: I not only avoid the craziness of a mall, I feel good knowing that whatever money I spend goes directly to the people who grow the food we eat throughout the year. While I purchase all the produce and other specialty food items needed for the coming week, I inevitably find a few “tasteful” gifts to cross off my list. Along with the rainbow of bargain-priced fresh flowers and plants to brighten both my home and those of my hosts, there’s a wide variety of artisan jams and jellies; local honey; California extra virgin olive oil; and plenty of top-quality dried fruits and nuts just ripe for giving. Baskets filled with plump raisins, apricots, walnuts, and almonds are perfect for any foodie, but a big bag of California dates will place your gift over-the-top.

Most supermarkets sell small boxes of pitted diced dates that taste as though they were chopped in 1978. The perceived“convenience” of this product is far outweighed by the fact they are little more than dry nuggets of sweetness. Whole dates, purchased pit-in to ensure freshness, are a different matter altogether.Especially this month, when the newest crop is available at the farmers’ market. One taste, and you’ll eschew the box forever.

Date palms have thrived in the southern California desert for over a century. The most common varieties of dates you’ll find at the farmers’ market are the papery-skinned Deglet Noor, and the fat, meaty Medjool—often considered the Rolls Royce of dates.Check with your grower for information on round dates, and other less-popular but equally tasty varieties.

The best dates are inherently sticky, but that is not a problem. Simply spray the blades of kitchen shears (or a sharp knife) with no-stick cooking spray, and you’re ready to get the job with the least amount of residual goo.

Eating a few nutrient-rich dates out of hand is sure to cure any sweet-cravings…and has the added value of being a genuine super-food. I also like to serve them as appetizer—perhaps stuffed with California goat cheese and a toasted almond. After dinner, dates can be a satisfying accompaniment to walnut halves and chunks of good Parmesan cheese drizzled with honey. For a heart-healthy blast of natural sugar, try adding a few bite-size pieces of pitted dates to your morning oatmeal or other cereal; salads; smoothies and shakes; stuffings; stews; or rice pilaf.

There are plenty of great recipes out therefor date breads and cookies and bars, but Sticky Toffee Pudding remains in a class by itself.  If you haven’t tried it, December is a good time to go for broke–when “diet” is a 4-letter word. This is the sort of dessert I enjoy only once or twice per year, so I can ignore its caloric shortcomings without guilt.

Lest you be confused by the name of the recipe, please know that in British food-speak the word pudding is simply code for “dessert.” In this case, it’s a moist date cake topped with a wicked-good toffee sauce. This is uber-rich, so serve small portions. But be prepared for guests to ask for second helpings. How sweet it is!

Sticky Toffee Pudding

8 ounces dates, pitted and chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 1/4 cups water

1 teaspoon baking soda

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Toffee Sauce (recipe follows)

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the dates and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda. Let stand for about 30 minutes, so the dates break down and soften completely. (Don’t worry if the mixture discolors from the acid in the baking soda—this is normal.)
2. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Generously grease a 9-inch square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper, and grease the parchment.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until light and very fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.  With a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, mix in the flour and baking powder. Add the date mixture and mix just until well blended. Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is just beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with no more than a moist crumb. Remove the pan from the oven. Using a toothpick, poke holes all over the top of the cake and drizzle with about 3/4 cup of the warm Toffee Sauce. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles. Serve the “pudding” warm or at room temperature. Top each serving with a scoop of ice cream and drizzle the remainingwarm Toffee Sauce over all. Serves 6 to 8.

Toffee Sauce

1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 1/2 cups (packed) dark brown sugar

3/4cup heavy (whipping) cream

1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 2 tablespoons brandy

In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, cream, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

1. Stir the vanilla into the warm toffee sauce. Serve at once, or refrigerate, covered, for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before serving.Makes about 2 cups.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad and Prospect, is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For specific crop information call the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at 1-800-949-FARM, or visit their web site at www.pcfma.com. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well.

 

Okay, the Holiday Season has officially started. No, it’s not the pre-Halloween decorations in the stores and it’s not the Peppermint Hot Chocolate at your favorite coffee place. It’s that I have dusted off my favorite Christmas movie—White Christmas!  If I watch it early enough in the season, I get the joy of watching it again closer to my favorite holiday.

White Christmas is a 1954 masterpiece. Post World War II, this film is nothing short of amazing. Let me tell you why. Number one: Bing Crosby.  This man was made for the 50’s favorite movie genre, the big screen musical.  He has a voice that simply soaks into your being and wraps itself around your heart. Close your eyes, can you hear him singing White Christmas?  I can. Number two and three (not sure in what order): Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye are the perfect co-stars. Number four would be the ultimate dancer, Vera-Ellen.

White Christmas’ music and lyrics were the genius of the one and only, Irving Berlin. I wonder if he had any idea how his song, Sisters, would be pure magic for me and my sisters, Jane and Kelly, or even my daughter, Laura, and her daughters, Emma and Sophia. Kelly and her four daughters have even used it for their phone ringtones. Well, I guess I could go on with the sister-thing but I think you get the picture. While I’m at it, I suppose I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Bing Crosby, who is no longer alive, has sold over 100 million copies of the song, White Christmas, while another 300 million have been recorded and sold by other artists. It is the most recorded song of all time! Let’s see, then there is Snow, Mandy, Count Your Blessings (instead of sheep), When You’re Dancing and Love, You Did Me Wrong. You may not remember these songs until you’ve watched the movie again, but I guarantee you’ll be humming them through the season.

I just love the full orchestra, beautiful costumes and yes, the cheesy sentimentality. The war is still fresh and the free world is full of patriots. America and their allies have saved the world and life is great… so, let’s sing and dance!

Unbelievably small-waisted and tiny Vera-Ellen is the only real dancer in the lead cast and she has mind-boggling talent. She has a scene where she does this toe tapping thing that is so fast you can hardly see her foot move. I have no idea how she managed to dance the way she did in stilettos. Vera-Ellen is not as strong as a singer but definitely carries her weight (pun) in the cast.

Rosemary Clooney was at her pinnacle. They almost didn’t cast her because she was not a dancer, but her vocals more than made up for the maneuvering that had to be done on set. An incredibly talented and sexy woman, she had a long and illustrious career. Modest and tender hearted Danny Kaye was the perfect complement to Bing Crosby. Danny had a great voice and was an amazingly good dancer. He was also a UNICEF Ambassador for over 33 years.

White Christmas is a movie for the whole family from the youngest child to the oldest grandpa or grandma. This is definitely going to be a family Holiday favorite for years to come so you might as well buy the DVD instead of renting it!  As always, let me know what you think at chastings@rockcliff.com

 The Holiday Season is upon us and many are immersed in the good feelings of family get-togethers, gift giving, stuffing ourselves with enormous amounts of food and a myriad of other activities of this festive season. One of the most recognizable and all encompassing manifestations of the season is the preponderance of holiday music. We hear it everywhere – radio, television, department stores, carolers, holiday concerts, in churches and in the homes of our families and friends.

Where did most of our familiar Christmas music come from? The early Christmas music, of the first European Americans, originally came from Western Europe. The pilgrims brought much of their European heritage with them to the new world. Among their musical traditions was music that was sung and played at Christmas time. However, in England in 1645, Puritans, led by Oliver Cromwell actually banned Christmas as they thought the celebration of Christmas was decadent. This practice was repealed during the rein of Charles II and the English people could again celebrate Christmas.

The Anglican Church instituted carol singing on Christmas Eve in1880. In Boston, from 1659 to 1681, celebrating Christmas was declared illegal. The fine for celebrating could cost as much as five shillings. Can you imagine?

Musicologists have traced the antecedents of the song, Holly and the Ivy, still sung today, back to the middle ages. Leaders of the Protestant Reformation – Martin Luther (1483-1546) of Germany and Charles Wesley (1707-1788) of England, were both influential in advocating the use of Christmas carols in church worship services.

After the American Revolution the restrictive customs of England began losing popularity, especially celebrating Christmas. Interestingly, the American Congress met on Christmas day in 1789, the first Christmas after the constitution was signed. It was almost a century later, in 1870, when Christmas was made a federal holiday in the United States.

The early Christmas music had a decidedly religious theme inherit in the words and music. It, of course, had its roots in sacred music of the church.

According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, “A carol is a popular hymn of a joyous nature in celebration of an occasion such as Easter or Christmas. The earliest English carols date from the 15^th century. The carol is characterized by simplicity of thought and expression. Many Christmas hymns composed in the 19^th century have been called carols.”

As time went on, music that was related to Christmas themes became more secular in nature. Some milestones in the evolution of Christmas music and the singing of carols are: O Come All Ye Faithful, (Adeste Fidelis) written in the mid-1700’s, originally in Latin, was later translated into the vernacular. Angels from the Realms of Glory, written in 1816, is one of the most famous carols with words by James Montgomery and music by Henry Smart. Away in a Manger with music by William Kirkpatrick, was written in 1885. Clement Moore wrote the famous poem, The Night Before Christmas in 1822. This text has been set to music many times.

“Rudolph the Ninth Reindeer,” A poem by Robert L. May in 1939, became the seed for the song, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” written in 1949 by Johnny Marks. Gene Autry made it a best seller Christmas song, second only to White Christmas, made popular by singer, Bing Crosby.

In addition to the previously mentioned carols, some of the more popular include:  Angels We Have Heard on High; Away In A Manger; Deck The Halls; Ding Dong, Merrily On High; The First Noel; God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen; Good King Wenceslas; Hark the herald Angels Sing; Joy To The World; Silent Night; O Holy Night and O Little Town of Bethlehem. Popular American Christmas songs include: Jingle Bells, Jolly Old St. Nicholas and Up On the House Top.

When we trace the history of many of our favorite carols, we may be surprised to find how many of them are of European origin. We can thank our English and German cousins across the “pond” for a large number of these carols. Our musical heritage at holiday time is rich and varied. This season take some time to listen, participate and enjoy the beautiful sounds of the season in the rich heritage of Christmas music in America.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By any measure outside of playoff performance the Oakland A’s have been very successful. They keep their payroll low, they win in the regular season and they routinely churn out gems from their farm system. The problem is, since 2000, the A’s have failed on baseball’s biggest stage. At one point Oakland lost nine elimination games in a row. That was NINE games when the A’s could have eliminated their opponents.

Who can forget such calamities as Jeremy Giambi failing to slide into home plate; Eric Byrnes failing to touch the plate when he thought he didn’t have to; Gil Heredia surrendering six runs in the top of the first of a series deciding game; Miguel Tejada not running out an obstruction play; and Tim Hudson becoming injured and unavailable at Fenway Park?

The one time they won a series (they beat the Twins in the 2006 Division Series) the A’s lost to the Tigers in the American League Championship series four games to none. More recently the A’s ran into a buzz saw named Justin Verlander as they lost twice to Detroit. That almost seems mild by comparison.

Off the Bench has a theory. It seems like the A’s take their cue from their Moneyball leader and lack that little extra spark during the playoffs. Billy Beane says he can relax with his dog at his feet once the playoffs begin. He can sit back and enjoy the games because he knows he is the master of his domain. Can you imagine Tony LaRussa thinking that way? Never mind Vince Lombardi!

Every way that Beane measures himself involves the regular season. It’s how he gets paid and how he gets his satisfaction. As long as he is a part owner that won’t change. Until the A’s convince Beane the playoffs are vital the results are likely to be the same. It is likely that the A’s will continue to succeed in the regular season and then utterly fail in the playoffs.

So what does this mean to the fans? Will they be willing to show up year after year and just fall short? What about the players? Sure they get paid handsomely, but will they be willing to put everything on the line when their leader clearly doesn’t get himself up for the biggest games?

It says here that it won’t work. The fans will stay away until the very end of the season as they’ve done the past two years. The players will win as best they can during the regular season and then tank in the playoffs. One only needs to see how Larry Baer roots on the Giants during the playoffs and World Series to see how it could be done.

The East Bay’s major league baseball team is flawed by every measure, save what is important to Billy Beane. That is both a flaw and an advantage. When it comes to October baseball it is clearly a flaw.

Pho is to me as “meat in tube form” is to Anthony Bourdain—top billing! Therefore it is not out of the ordinary to find that this is the second pho restaurant that I am reviewing in the last year.

My last article on Vietnamese Food came from a place that I call “my place;” that is to say that they know my wife and me there. That was the first restaurant I went to when I returned home from Africa. They have great pho!

This article is based on other aspects that transcend menu fare, and are applicable to anybody that wants to run a successful business.

Pho Asian Bistro in Dublin is a small, unassuming one door/one window establishment, situated in a shopping center where every other building is mammoth in comparison. The astronauts could easily shop at Hacienda Crossings from the comfort of orbit. Not only that, but the restaurant is tucked away down a side alley, which actually plays very well to the Vietnamese authenticity, as many of the best noodle places in Hanoi and Ho Chi Min are tucked away as well. Split the alley between Mega-Fudruckers (also a past article nod) and Cold Stone Creamery and look for the bamboo out front.

Once inside you will not be hard pressed to find Toan Phung. He is the owner, and wears a smile that after multiple visits has proven to be un-removable. Toan is the type of owner that culinary classes should bring their students to, simply to watch for a day. He waits every table, pays attention, know what he’s talking about (for they are his creations) and affects people deeply with his passion. What is not taken into consideration for the lay diner but has always impressed me tenfold is that by simply doing the above mentioned actions, he is controlling his labor costs, assuring the continuity of his brand, and providing his diners with a reason to come back. This is what sets this place apart.

All too often I hear of new restaurants popping up and I will go to discover them, and unfortunately, all too often the owner is not in and there are children (a relative term) being the face of the newly opened eatery. The owner has committed what I consider the first mistake of restaurant ownership and one that could prove to be a nail in their coffin. The internal dialogue goes like this-

“I love to eat out, so I will open a restaurant.” Or “I want to free up time in my personal schedule so I will open a restaurant.”

No dice! Does not work like that. Walnut Creek Yacht Club has been the top “award winning” seafood restaurant this side of San Francisco for 16 years because the owners are there EVERY DAY and “touch” almost every table that comes in! That is what it takes, and Toan knows this.

By now, Toan’s food speaks for itself, and I am assuming that he has built up enough regular business to comfortably come in only a couple times a week, but this will never happen. Toan is not working with autopilot as his goal. He is working because he knows he has been blessed with the opportunity to do something that he loves to do and provide a decent life for himself and anybody that relies on him, and that is the goal. That should be the goal.

Let me tell you as well, the pho here is PHENOMENAL. The broth, which is the foundation for any Vietnamese soup and usually handed down from another generation, holds that old worldly, 100+ year, “made with love,” flavor. It lands on the all-spice side of broth that some places either have or do not. I (of course) love both.

But it is Toan’s attention to the individual patron that has made me a believer.

4920 Dublin Blvd. #420 (Hacienda Crossings)

 

Finding the perfect gift for “her” can sometimes be overwhelming. What to choose?  Something extravagant or practical?  Unexpected or a specific item?  Or maybe, he’ll be off the hook, and she’ll pick it up herself while she’s buying the rest of the Christmas gifts?  A recent survey showed that nine out of ten women agree that jewelry is ALWAYS an acceptable holiday gift.  Here are a few ideas:

For the trendsetter: A uniquely designed Chain Reaction Key necklace from Jennifer          Montana Design. Inspired by the “keys that open doors in one’s life,” each piece is produced by individuals from Harbor House, a non-profit community center in Oakland. (Photo 1, available at Flaunt Boutique in Danville)

For the diva: A sterling silver, 18k gold or rose gold bangle from the Atlas Collection at Tiffany & Company will win big points. The design is striking and contemporary, honoring a Tiffany icon (the clock at the flagship NYC 5^th Avenue store). With or without diamonds, these pieces are forever stunning. (Photo 2, available at Tiffany & Company, Walnut Creek)

For the nature-lover: Earrings made by hand from natural materials from the earth and sea such as stones (minerals, precious and semi-precious gems), pearls, shells, wood and other natural, petrified or fossilized materials. Each piece celebrates a connection to Mother Earth. (Photo 3, available at Kathlyn Stone Jewelry, Danville)

For mom: Personalized jewelry from K. Pepper Jewelry will become a cherished                        keepsake. Designer Karen Hazarian creates rings, pendants and bracelets with the etched signatures of family members in sterling silver or bronze. You can duplicate a child’s first signature or a special message for one amazing gift.  (Photo 4, available at www.karenhazarianjewelry.com)

Finally, for the crafty gal: Perhaps a jewelry-making session, followed by lunch, of course…and create something together. Who wouldn’t love that?

P.S.  There is no “recent survey,” but seriously, giving jewelry at Christmas is a really great idea. Happy Shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you noticed that combining unrealistically high expectations with the chaotic pressure of the season is a “perfect recipe” to create holiday stress? In addition, when insecurities are stirred into the mix, the natural joyful flavor of the season…often soggily sinks to the bottom.

Can you relate? I sure can. Unfortunately, the holidays can escalate our stress levels—especially if we allow our own competitive (or perfectionist behaviors) to take over. Meanwhile, when we relentlessly push ourselves to check off tasks from our mile-long “to-do” lists—we often end up with intense holiday overwhelm that prevent us from enjoying (or appreciating) the moment. In this way, we transform a holiday—an uplifting celebratory event—into an exhausting drama!

So, now that we’ve illuminated the shadow side of the season (and hopefully clarified how we don’t want to spend our holidays), let’s focus on how we can create what we do want. Here are my 4 TIPS to Create “Stress-LESS” Holidays.

~ Mindfully G.I.V.E. ~

The acronym G.I.V.E. (Generous Intentions = Vital Energy) is an invitation to trade in holiday exhaustion for holiday exhilaration.

G: Generous

I: Intentions

V: Vital

E: Energy

Okay, let’s explore the individual aspects now:

1. G: Practice opening your heart to an attitude of GENEROUS abundance.

When you open to a sense of generous abundance you shift away from scarcity thinking, such as: there aren’t enough positive resources—like attention, love, or joy—to go around. If you practice embracing sincere generosity, then you align yourself with free-flowing abundance.

2. I: Ask yourself, what is my INTENTION for:

• Buying (or making) a gift for someone?
• Creating (or attending) a celebratory event?

First, notice if your intentions include perfectionist tendencies or being overly concerned with, “What will people think?” If you identify these stress-generating intentions, then remember that you CAN’T control what anyone else thinks. So, consider focusing your energies on what you CAN control.

Next, clarify and connect with positive intentions. For example, when it comes to gift giving: “I’m buying a gift for my brother to express love and care. I don’t need to compete with other family members by spending more than I can afford.”

And, when it comes to attending a celebratory event: “I’m going to my friend’s holiday party to connect with people I care about and to have fun. I don’t need to impress anyone to feel okay about myself.”

After clarifying your intentions toward various holiday activities (especially the ones that feel stressful), spend a few minutes jotting down your thoughts on paper.

3. V: Nurture your VITAL needs. Maintaining your needs is essential year round—and crucial to create “stress-LESS” holidays. So, remember these basic daily needs and:

• Breathe deeply and slowly…to calm yourself (especially while sitting in holiday traffic)
• Keep yourself well-hydrated (even at the mall)
• Exercise regularly (according to your doctor’s recommendations)
• Eat balanced, healthy meals (avoid skipping meals and increasing “overly zealous” holiday snacking)
• Make time for lots of nourishing sleep (savor those z-zzz’s)

4. E: Honor the natural ebb and flow of your ENERGY during the holiday season. If you need a break while shopping, decorating your home, or cooking, then listen to your body and momentarily hit the “pause button.” Then, head for a café (or your kitchen table), sit down, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. On the other hand, if you’re home, consider taking a short nap. The good news is—resting, regrouping, and recharging leads to increased energy.

Finally, you might want to keep these 4 tips in mind as you G.I.V.E. to yourself and others. Then, invite in the exhilarating gift of Generous Intentions = Vital Energy. My best to you as you consciously create…a stress-LESS and play-MORE holiday!

Save the date and join Trina for her upcoming 2014 workshop for women and men: Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating—John Muir Women’s Health Center: Tuesday, February 18, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $40 (Includes Weight Loss: 2-CD set). Seats are limited—register today for this inspiring workshop: (925) 941-7900 option 3. For more info, go to www.TrinaSwerdlow.com & click on “Private Sessions & Workshops.”

Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author of Stress Reduction Journal and the 2-CD Set, Weight Loss: Powerful & Easy-to-Use Tools for Releasing Excess Weight. Trina has a private practice in downtown Danville. You can reach her at: (925) 285.5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com.

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

 

I have been decorating clients homes for a few years now and the best advice I can give is, it is best to have a plan, year after year. Take photos of your beautiful creations so it is easy to replicate and store your decorations in plastic bins sorted by room. Having a plan means never having to recreate the wheel and takes away the stress because you will know exactly how much time it will take to complete the task. Keeping organized also helps to delegate tasks so no one is confused as to what goes where.

Decorating a tree is usually standard practice, but designing a tree with a color theme takes it to a whole new level. Come up with a fun style that mixes purples and silver with fun glass ornaments and loose garland. If you have room, this tree could be the second entry tree with a fun pop of non-traditional color. On your family tree try thick gold ribbon instead of garland for a more modern twist and add in your sentimental ornaments while mixing in smaller holiday stuffed animals in the bottom branches. This will add some weight and interest, with the unexpected fabric material, to the bottom of the tree.

Next, it is time to think about the fireplace mantels. Garland with lights and ribbons tied into large bows are always my go-to. They add an attractive twist to the already beautiful mantel and leave room for the family stockings to hang below. Incorporate additional ottomans and seating around the fireplace for guests to cozy up on cold winter nights. Keeping overhead lighting to a minimum and relying on the glow from the fireplace, your tree and mantel lights, and lovely winter scented candles will set the mood for any occasion.