I was talking to RF about Ayurveda and the seasons. Kapha is like the Vegan season, Summer is the Vegetarian season and Vata should be the carnivore season. However, let me make it clear that even within the seasons you will have imbalances of all three doshas. You may be eating a different, seasonal diet, but for some folks they might have to prepare their meals vata style - warm and brothy, never raw etc. Although here in the south were going from spring to summer right now, my vata is still outta whack so pitta is rising and I'm extremely overheated. I have a cold sore outbreak and my acne although much more calm than other times in my life was particularly bad this past cycle. Kapha is the season to slack off, and I admittedly have been. If I had cleansed earlier I may have curbed a lot of these symptoms. Last night I slept with a cold pack on my head, this morning I took a luke warm shower. Today at work I'll probably wrap a wet peppermint infused wash cloth around my neck. Although I do have AC in the daewoo it is no where near powerful and you can tell how much strain it puts on the little crappy engine, so I generally roast when I'm in the car. This will spoil my lunch runs and I'll end up bringing mine in. And hey I'm not complaining about that, I needed something to make me do it!

Read more...

Bleh kapha sucks. Tis the season of lethargy, about everything. Tis the season to be bored. It's true! I have no interest in writing (I'm backed up in yelp reviews), books, cooking (yes I cannot even be bothered to grocery shop). I haven't cleansed yet, I just couldn't get it together to prepare my meals etc.

The lightening bugs are out already. It's still magical. I had my first serious allergy attack due to pollen the other day, thank goodness I'm not as sensitive as some folks. I've been using some homeopathic stuff I got at the chiropractor, who by the way I absolutely 100% believe in now.

One of our cats pulled the whole 'I'm missing' stunt on us for 4 days this past week. Let me tell you, it is the worst feeling in the world. If this ever happens to you and your cat, do your research, turns out most cats hide close by and then wander home when they feel it's safe after some kind of traumatic event. Don't give up hope. I read stories about cats who had been gone for 3 weeks and then wander up to their houses at night when it's quiet. I've never seen Drack more down before, so glad his boy came
back.

Posting something that maybe some people would be interested in.

Vata Pacifying

Symptoms of too much vata:
-Insomnia, stress, worry, constipation, colds and flus, joint pain.
Balancing Vata:
-Meals should be warm, moist, heavy such as such as soups, stews, steamed veggies, warm herbal teas. Avoid cold, dry, raw and light foods, especially salads.
-Stay warm no matter the weather but not hot, especially at night.
-Follow a regular rhythm of sleep, gentle morning exercise, peaceful regular mealtimes and rest.
-Daily Self-oil-massage, use of nasya oil, lubrication of the ears, and oil applied to the soles of feet can help.

Pitta Pacifying

Symptoms of too much pitta:
-Irritability and impatience, heartburn, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, sensitivity to heat, lethargy, sarcasm, skin rashes, boils, acne, low blood sugar, difficulty falling asleep.
Balancing Pitta:
-Meals should consist of cooling foods; a balance of whole, freshly cooked foods and fresh, raw easy to digest foods.
-Keep yourself cool but not too cold.
-Follow a regular rhythm of sleep and moderate and frequent exercise during the cooler times of the day, peaceful regular mealtimes and rest.
-Daily self oil massage and nasya oil.

Kapha Pacifying

Symptoms of too much Kapha:
-Cold, cough, allergies, congestion, flu, fatigue, depression, weight gain.
Balancing Kapha:
-Meals should be warm and consist of whole, freshly cooked light, dry and warm well seasoned foods. Drink only room temperature or warm drinks.
-Keeping warm and dry, no matter what the weather.
-Follow a regular rhythm of sleep avoid stagnation (both mentally and physically) exercise vigorously and often in the morning, mealtimes and rest should be peaceful. No naps or midday sleeping. Up at 6am!
-Daily self oil massage, neti pot with filtered warm saline water followed by nasya.

Read more...

If it could stay this temperature through out May, it would truly be wonderful!

I thought I heard a Cicada the other day...but it is not our year. I think they'll all be coming out in Virginia.

I start a cleanse tomorrow. I'm only doing it for 3 days instead of the full and traditional 7 days. I'm not thrilled about it but I definitely want to see how my body responds.

I've discovered that a small drop of lavender essential oil on a mosquito bite is instantly calming. It doesn't necessarily zap the venom but soothes the skin and relieves the burning sensation. I'm planning on making my own lotion with my stand mixer. I just need a proper storage container or the essential oils I may cause some disintegration. I'll basically whip some coconut oil and vitamin E oil for a few minutes till it's light and fluffy. It should be easier to spread on skin. I've decided to do a combo of lavender and peppermint essential oil with maybe some eucalyptus. If it turns out I may venture in to the beeswax department and make lip balms and stuff.

My landlord came over last night and he was telling us tales about his backyard beehives. I may be getting some real organic raw honey pretty soon here. I may even get a chance to go over there and suit up. Bees are one of the most fascinating insects. If anyone knows any books about beekeeping that are for the non-scientific reader let me know! I will be sure to take loads of pictures if we get to go over there.

Read more...

I was driving the other day and I suddenly felt like I really loved Nashville. I sometimes think about how I'll feel about Nashville when I've left. I don't think I'll be here forever, I don't get that gut feeling. But I know Nashville is on the rise. My chiropractor, who is a Nashville native told me today that the changes between 1991 and 2000 were pretty significant and awesome, but that the changes between 2000 and 2012 are twice as exciting. She said she felt like things are changing faster every year. More and more places are opening, trendy, hip, cool, big city restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, parks... I've been reading a lot about Nashville's response to the 2010 flood. Over 10,000 people turned out to volunteer to help those who lost everything. No one asked them, some people didn't even join organizations, they just walked up and down neighborhoods asking if anyone needed help. I can't describe to you what kind of community this is. I've never felt more welcomed in an American city. AND although I can't speak for the restaurant or retail business, clients who come in to our studio are wonderful. And the ones that are semi-bitchy have a good reason for it, or are from elsewhere - sorry to say mostly Southern California. I don't know what happened down there...but that's for another post. I don't know how I came to be so lucky. I'm surrounded by amazing people everyday, my boss, coworkers, boyfriend, his family...it's wonderful.

I've been suckered in to pinterest...I guess this is the url to my boards http://pinterest.com/kullykins/
I've been using pinterest primarily for recipes for food, home remedies and beauty - but I've got boards for all sorts of things - crafting, housewares, outdoors etc. And despite my reluctance I've found some really really awesome stuff that I may have not come across otherwise.

We're going on vacation this year. No not California actually. We decided if we're going back there we're going to do it proper, which involves going to NorCal and that's just not a good idea financially. Next year we'll have a lot more flexibility. So this year we're going camping in Florida in October. I cannot freaking wait. We're going to be in a state park located in the beaches of South Walton. Apparently October is the best weather month (any earlier and it's too hot) and there are fewer bugs. It's crazy to think we'll have to drive 7 hours to get to a beach. Once we're there we'll be able to bike to white sand and turquoise ocean. Waiting 5+ months to go is already excruciating. But in September we'll be going to Durham for a wedding; one of Drack's close friends is gettin' hitched. In fact everyone is getting married or having babies or doing something very grown up.

Oh! I finished Shantaram. I cannot wait for the sequel.

Read more...