AMY'S SPOT

FOOD IS IMPORTANT

2011-07-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

Important to survive and flourish.

But for many of us it can be our enemy.

I have been on the vicious yo yo diet cycle all my life.
Since I was 8yrs old, food was used to comfort, to feed Boredom, to celebrate, and to socialize.
I've lost hundreds and hundreds of pounds over my life.
I was put on diet pills as a child of 11, from then on I was on every popular diet you can think of.
I would always gain back the weight and then some.

I was never really taught how to really take food as proper fuel.

You know the old phrase "eat to live, not live to eat", well the latter was my motto.
It had to take getting sick with fibromyalgia to bring me to a point of total disgust and frustration with my self. All the different drugs I had to take, feeling like a guinea pig, feeling useless, unproductive, always so tired, and not to mention still in so much pain!
I began to look for another solution to getting my health back.
One day as I was lying in bed ( something I did for almost 2 yrs ) watching a documentary, THE BEAUTIFUL TRUTH, my eyes were opened!
I started to do a lot of reading and research, testing the waters of changing my life for the better.
Over the recent years between minimising my meds and gradually changing what I eat and how my food is grown and prepared, I am becoming as close as to a new woman I can be at this point in my life.
I enjoy life more, I'm a much more productive person in my family and in my life.

GOOD DAYS

2011-06-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

Good days are more frequent these lately.
I'm not saying that I'm completely pain free but I'm not suffering and needing pain pills or counting down the hrs. till I can take another.
Today I've had an uneventful day, not much stress.
I'm not going to let the fact that today, our 2 dogs decided to make a snack out of our leather sofa.
I'll let my husband worry about that.
I have a terrible time with hot weather but thankfully we've had pretty mild weather for this time of the year. I also have my husband to thank for finally getting our pool liner repaired so when I can't handle the heat I just take a dunk in the pool, aah so sweet.
My sleep has been pretty good, better than usual and when I get the 5htp I'm hoping for much improved sleep.
I need to get exercising again, I was walking up to 5 miles several times a week but my work out buddy got sick and I stopped.
I'd love to get back to yoga,
even though some poses were difficult because of my bilateral carpel tunnel syndrome.

SLEEP

2011-06-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

Sleep is so precious and so important to every one, and I've learned how much I need a good nights sleep .
If I don't get a good nights sleep I'm a mess the next day. I get head aches I'm more sensitive to stimuli, noise, light, and I get irritable..
Sleep has been a big problem for me, I'm a lite sleeper, my husband used to snore very loudly, he needs to have the TV on to fall asleep and I need quiet, with darkness.
I wake to the least little sound, nothing like interrupted sleep... it's like not getting any sleep!
I take melatonin to help me fall asleep but I don't always stay asleep.
I've recently learned that in cases where people like me can't stay asleep, need something to level the serotonin . 5HTP is what is supposed to help so I'm going to give it a try.
I've already tried all the drugs the Drs have prescribed but I'd wake with a drug hang over, sometimes it would last all day.
I can't wait till I can sleep like I did when I was a kid.

BLA DAYS

2011-06-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

I know we all have those days when we feel like hell, every move we make hurts and even when we don't move we hurt.
Sometimes I just want to scream when some one says "it's all a part of getting old"!
That's when I have to remember sometimes you just have to let it roll off your back like water on a ducks' back.
Today I'm taking care myself as much as I can.
I have laundry to do but I'm taking my time, listening to soothing music, taking rest breaks in between loads.

Because I paced myself I was able to vacuum and mop the floors; in half the house. That's enough Major cleaning, I'm pooped.

I have a friend who is frequently having me meet her somewhere to get together and that's great for me because if she didn't I'd probably not get out of he house plus she makes me laugh and I find that therapeutic, but there are days I just am NOT up to it.

I think she's finally catching on, that I cant just drop everything to go "play". I have to pace myself or I get over whelmed and stressed and in a lot of pain.

Take care of your self, pace your self, try not to let things get over whelming. ;)

SUPPLEMENTS AND HERBS

2011-06-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

I take many.
Sometimes I just can't eat all the foods I need to get the optimum benefit.
Some of the supplements are to help me with easing my pain, help me sleep, giving me a clearer mind, and a calmer over all, day.
Others supplements I take are to give me stamina,
healthy liver,(because of the meds.I take), and so on.
I just discovered a Dr. on face book that agrees with what I've had to learn by exploring, lots of research and trial and error.
Dr. Rodger Murphree, is who I found and I've learned a little from him, but what was nice was to read that he believes there is a natural way to take care of our selves.

WANT TO BE HEALTHY ?

2011-06-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

We need to put healthy food and supplements in our bodies.
I try to have at least one green smoothie a day.
I use organic or pesticide free fruits and vegetables.
Whats a green smoothie you say?

Green Spinach Smoothie

Ingredients

At a glance

Equipment

Blender

High Speed Blender

Course

Green Smoothie

Makes

1 blender full

Blender full of baby spinach

2 x frozen bananas

Juice of 2 oranges

1 x mango

A little water, enough to blend to a good consistency for drinking

Methods/steps

Blend all ingredients together to the desired smoothness.

Additional Tips

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Any greens are good in green smoothies and there are as many recipes as there are greens. Take time out to invent your own favourite.

I also make my own kiefer water which is a probiotic to balance our tummy juices.

Utube has a lot of info on recipes for healthy eating and Smoothies!

I have learned so many things about the "Standered American Diet, SAD"

I don't want to over whelm any one, just take things one at a time.

Do what's comfortable for you.

See how much your MD knows about nutrition and what healthy, natural changes you can make in your diet and supplement regimen.
My Doc turned me on to D-RIBOSE powder.
I also payed attention to my body. If a medication made me too groggy, even if the Dr said" it'll take getting used to it" after a week or two I would go back and tell him I need to be as alert as possible not a lump on the couch!
Then we'd try something new. You be the boss, IT'S YOUR BODY, YOUR LIFE!

KNOWING WHEN

2011-06-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

There are times when friends and family need us for one reason or another, moral support, help getting over a cold or getting through an illness of some sort.
Yes we want to be there for them, but we need to decide if it will be too much for us and our illness. I do as much as I can to help, but when I start to feel emotionally and physically taxed in the way that I'll fall ill to the point of needing major down time then I have to excuse myself. Most of my friends and family understand. We need to take care of our selves so we can be there for the ones we love
.

KEEPING STRESSLESS

2011-06-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

After a some what stressful and very physically busy weekend, I find it important to try to have de-stressing time.
I listen to soft relaxing music as I'm busy doing some daily chores.
.
I'm also nearly finished with my little sanctuary on the side of the house. I created an area where I can sit under a shade tree, look at all my colorful flowering plants that I've planted or potted myself (a hobby that I enjoy in so many ways). I listen to my wind chimes ringing in the summer breeze, which I find to be so beautifully soothing.
.
When I'm in my room I usually have the window open to hear the birds sing, which I've lured to the yard with bird feeders.
I love the out doors, wind, water, animals, rustling leaves in the breeze, flowers, and, birds singing.

For some it might not be heaven, but to me it's pretty close.

DIET

2011-06-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

This very important.
I know everybody talks about diet for health and it's so hard to to make changes, but this is your life!
Make little changes add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, snack on dried cranberries and fresh (raw) nuts.

I noticed a difference in me and how I was feeling physically,( just over all) when I cut fried foods out of my diet. I continued to change things with my food by going organic, getting away from pesticides in my food, wow! Big changes in how I felt, so much better!

EXERCISE

2011-06-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

OMG!
How can I exercise when I'm in so much pain? Right, that's what I kept saying.
Walking is what I was told to do but that still hurt. You know how it is when a normal person exercises, the pain diminishes over time; nope not for me. I kept waiting for my body to get used to it.
When I started aqua exercises, things changed for me.
Exercising in water really helped and got me started me on my way to health.

STRESS

2011-06-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

Often stress is the worst that could happen!
Sure it is bad for most people but if you have fibromyalgia your body goes through some weird and sometimes uncomfortable reactions.
Here are a few of mine:
I react physically to the least little unexpected event, uncomfortable pins and needles rush up and down my arms and legs, (that's my most common reaction ) my heart pounds, my head starts to pound, I start to shake inside and out, I get slightly confused, I sometimes get a panicked feeling.
This all happen in a matter of seconds. Sometimes the pins and needles happen when I just think I forgot to do something important. It's not a fun experience.
When the reaction is really bad I'll have to take some down time, in a quiet comfortable place, maybe play some soothing music, maybe even take a nap. It can become quite debilitating at times, but no one knows what's happening because it's all internal.

2011-06-07T21:16:00.001-07:00

2011-06-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

I hope what I have to say is helpful to most.
First for those who aren't too sure what fibromyalgia is all about .
Common signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include: wide spread pain, allover achenes, deep pain in the tissues( not the joints as you may have heard in the commercials selling drugs) "at least not for me", presser points on the body that are very sensitive to the touch, (as seen in the pictures above), temperomandibular joint syndrome ( jaw pain ), myofacial pain, ( pain in facial tissues ), muscle twitching and weakness, pins and needles in the legs, chronic headaches, sleep disorders, fatigue, weight gain, memory loss, fibro. fog, (cognitive or memory impairment ) anxiety, depression, temperature sensitivity, and more...symptoms vary for the afflicted.

When I first found out what it was I had, was really something with a name rather than just getting old before my time or burned out from work and parenting I was so relieved because some Drs. say or think it's all in your head!.
It all started with bilateral carpel tunnel syndrome from repetitive motion in the 22 yrs as a chair side dental assistant, working four handed dentistry, in general and specialty dentistry.
I had surgery done on my right hand but the recovery was so difficult from the fibromyalgia that I decided not to go ahead with the other hand.

Fibromyalgia

2011-06-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time coming .
I always used to think the computer was too time consuming and it can be at times when a person has a life, family, friends, and kids!
Today I've decided to write a blog about surviving and living with Fibromyalgia because I feel lucky to be as active as I am, and I know there are people out there suffering.
I hope to give others like me, the benefits of my experiences.

2009-11-20T11:13:00.000-08:00

The holidays are here!

Last minute addition to my schedule

Come and join me at the Holiday Boutique
7401 Jordan Ave. Canoga Pk.
We are having a raffle for a $25.00 Gift
certificate
HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY BY AMY
Ask for Amy !

2009-11-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

"Holiday Open House at Adelaida Cellars:
with Book & Author Fair, Jewelry Trunk Show, and Holiday Desserts"
Dec. 5th, 2009 1-5 pm
5805 Adelaida Road, Poso Robles Ca 93446

Handcrafted Jewelry By Amy will be there showing some of Amy's unique pieces.
If you are in the area please stop by and say hello to Amy and Brad, we'd love to meet you!

"If you mention where you heard about this event you will receive a 25% discount on your purchase ".

2009-11-10T10:31:00.000-08:00

Big news! Dec 5th. 2009 I'll be showing some of my jewelry pieces at the

processed meats news and articles

2009-10-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

processed meats news and articles
It's scary what we've learned over the years about our food.
I used to enjoy the addictive food in this article but now I'm a organic vegetarian and 70% raw.
I've learned that the foods I used to love (sometimes missed) were killing me.
I have Fibromyalgia, which affects the nervous system, I was always in pain all over my body, depressed, tired, withdrawn, and more.
Today I'm feeling so much better, much less pain, I feel more energetic, and alive. I use less pain medication less antidepressants. My goal is to be totally off my prescription meds. and live as healthy and normal and long of a life possible.

Living the raw life style

2009-09-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

After a life time on fad diets and yo yo dieting I've finally found some thing good for me. It takes a while to work up to the goal I want to achieve but I'm already reaping the benefits.
I have fibromyalgia and until maybe two months ago I was practly bed ridden, always in pain, depressed, no energy, apathetic about every thing.
But I've found a new life style a new way to eat and be healthy. I'm almost like my old self.
I feel so much better I have energy and am able to get up early in the morning and help my husband get ready for work, prepare him his smoothie and lunch. Slowly my kids are sampling the food and smoothies and are incorporating them into their daily regimen.
I still take my medications for the fibromyalgia but I did stop one, I'll wait a while to see if the Dr. and my body tell me if I can do with out the others, I'm on several. I do take less pain meds than I have in the past.

Raw living

2009-07-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

Since I started my "RAW" lifestyle, I've gone from practically a recluse, always in bed, too uncomfortable to be able to leave my bed to be with my family, depressed, antisocial, in so much pain I'd take several prescribed pain meds and muscle relaxers to be able to survive the simplest house hold chores.
I've been eating raw for almost 3 months and have turned into almost a new woman! I still have many of the fibromyalgia symptoms but now I'm spending more time out of my bed and out in the rest of the house with my family.
I have more energy, I'm using much less pain meds and if I do need something, I usually use Tylenol.
I feel so much better over all, I've lost lbs, inches and I have more stamina to keep up with daily errands, my three teens, and actually living life. :)

I'm getting in the swing of it

2009-07-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

I made dinner with out a recipe book in front of me.
yes, I did remember a recipe I had used in the past weeks but I put my own twist on it.
Beet ravioli with spinach pesto sauce yummy!
I'll down load the photos as soon as I can.
I don't always measure if I'm creating, so I'll give approximations and any one trying this can make their own adjustments.
First take 2 beets , peel them then on a mandolin slice as thin as you can without breaking. .
There will be a top and bottom for the ravioli with all your beet slices, set aside.
Next take about 1&1/2 cups of fresh spinach, and about a 1/4 cup fresh basil and 1/2 cup sweet orange,yellow, or red bell peppers, 1/2 cup of pine nuts, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 table spoon of olive oil, about 1 table spoon of Bragg's liquid Aminos,( sea salt,or Nama Shoyu ) your choice to taste. I had about 4 or 5 mini portabello mushrooms so they were added. Put all the ingredients in a food processor, till smooth and Set aside.
The filling I used was a cashew herb cheese that I had made earlier in the week.
First soak 2 cups of cashews for about two hrs. drain and place in a clean food processor, 2 or
3 cloves of garlic, about 1 table spoon of nama shoyu, 1 table spoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 table spoon of natural yeast, 1 tea spoon of oregano. Blend till smooth, if you find the mixture to need moore liquid add an other table spoon of lemon juice. You want a thick creamy consistently.
Now it's time to assemble, place the cheese in between 2 slices of beets, then add a table spoon of the pesto sauce on top of the ravioli.
ENJOY!

Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change? - Trailer and Photos

2009-07-02T18:11:00.001-07:00

Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change? - Trailer and Photos

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Tranquility

2009-07-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

That's what I strive for, not that I live it all the time but I do steal a few moments here and there.

Changes

2009-07-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

Show off...
Well I've entered into a whole new world.
I knew about vegetarian, vegan, and now I'm learning about raw vegan,and raw fruitarian!
It's been an interesting trip. I tried to be a vegetarian for a while but my daughter stopped and I couldn't do it alone.
With each time I tried a healthy food lifestyle my family has slowly become healthier eaters. I've gotten them used to only having whole wheat high fiber bread in the house, whole wheat pastas, no red meats,lots of fruit and veggies. They may not always like what we have but for the most part they're used to it.
My husband and I did juice fasting for some time here and there so the kids were used to us not having big meals every now and then.
I came from a family where I'm sure some of you can relate,that my father would get mad if my brother and I didn't "clean" our plate. We had to eat every crumb off our plate!
Needless to say that was my eating mentality and habit for most of my life.
So today I only try to eat when I'm hungry and if it's a meal time, like dinner or visiting friends and such, I tell the kids that they don't have to eat every thing but at least try new things.
Our youngest daughter,13yr old does just that she's always been more willing.
Now my husband and I have been eating raw for about 5 weeks or so, who's counting, my husband is but I'm trying to take it one day at a time as the ol' 12 step plan says. I used to go to over eaters anonymous yrs. ago not to mention all the other weight loss people who advertise on TV!
I think I've tried just about every thing in or not in the book, to loose the hundreds and hundreds of lbs. over my lifetime starting at the ripe old age of 11, when my Mom took me to the "diet Dr"back in the '60s.

PROM

2009-04-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.handcraftedbyamy.com/

PROM

Here I am, a mom dealing with a 17 yr old girl freaking over what to where to prom, who's limo to ride in (of her many groups of friends), weather or not to have her boyfriend to pay for some thing to do with the festivities, because she invited him( he already graduated last year)

who should do her hair and how should she where her hair, and who's doing her makeup

and so, on and, so on, and so on...

I don't remember it being so complicated when I went to prom.

The guy took care of everything for that night except for my dress, hair and such.
I did my own hair and makeup and my mom took me to buy my gown, handbag, and shoes.

The only drama there was was being ready on time!

Am I dating myself or is it really that complicated these days?

Well, at least I've got the jewelry covered!!!

Let me know how you survive all this prom drama!!

PLEASE...

2008-11-24T11:52:00.000-08:00

I've got much more to photograph and I'm working on a more modern web store.

You can still visit my current site :

www.handcraftedbyamy.com

This will also be the same address when I finish with the other site

Thanks for tuning in!

Visit www.handcraftedbyamy.com

STORE WEB SITE

2008-04-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I want to share the site address to see some of the jewelry you can purchase. I've got to photograph my new stuff, I think you'll love it I've had great feed back!
www.handcraftedbyamy.com

Come and visit,feel free to explore.