Red Sicles

Fun for kids and adults, but HEALTHY than buying popsicles at the store or from Mr Smoothie's Ice Cream Truck.

As warmer months are quickly approaching (at least for the northern hemisphere), I wanted to share a creative way I get my children excited for healthy eating. To the noncreative, they may be called “frozen NingXia Red^®on a stick,” but my imaginative children call them “Redsicles.” Okay, okay, maybe that name isn’t the most creative, but they sure taste great.

What you need:

• NingXia Red singles
• Popsicle sticks (I prefer skinny ones)
• Scissors
• Freezer

Instructions:

1. Shake packets well
2. Remove top of NingXia Red packet
3. Insert stick
4. Put in the freezer standing up (we like to leave them in overnight)
5. Remove packaging and enjoy

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http://www.salespider.com/

Who is Sales Spider?

Sales Spider is America's #1 business social network for Small and Medium Sized Businesses (SMBs). Sales Spider has approximately 1,148,241 members and is growing by thousands a day.

Sales Spider helps SMB owners and executives grow their businesses and is completely free to register. The company has multiple technology patents pending. The site features the following areas:

• Integrated Social Network and Community
  
  • Easy Searching to Find & Connect with People
  • One-to-One Messaging & Chat Forums

• Opportunity Matchmaking - Patent Pending
  
  • Daily Opportunities Matched to Keywords & Locations
  • Includes: Contracts, Jobs, Classifieds ads, Business Owners and Businesses

• Business Center
  
  • Business Library with Online tools, articles, whitepapers & links

• Business Directory
  
  • Features 14 million plus companies

• Free Classified Marketplace
  
  • B2b classified advertising

If you want to advertise and reach SaleSpider.com's members, please see www.salespidermedia.com

Who is SaleSpider Media?

SaleSpider Media is a leading internet company with 2 fast-growing, highly-related brands serving loyal consumer and business audiences. Our mission is to harness the power of interactivity to make daily life easier and more productive for people all over North America and The World.

SaleSpider Media's exclusive web properties have millions of visitors and opt-in members and are growing by over 90% each quarter.

Our team of digital experts combine our vast expertise with digital brands and best-in-class solutions to enable clients to meet their objectives, build brand value and connect to their ideal target audiences.

For More Information about SaleSpider Media check out www.SaleSpiderMedia.com

SaleSpider Business

SaleSpider Business is America's #1 business social network for Small and Medium Sized Businesses (SMBs). Sales Spider has approximately 1,148,241 members and is growing by thousands a day. Sales Spider helps SMB owners and executives grow their businesses and is completely free to register. The site includes:

• Over 14650 qualified leads in your area
• Business directory that features over 36,775,350 million businesses
• Community section for members to search and connect with people
• Marketplace for members to promote their products and services
• Over 1 million job openings
• Opportunity matching system to connect you with money making opportunities in your area – Patent Pending

To take your business to the next level, click here

SaleSpider Auto

SaleSpider Auto is the leading solution for buying and selling cars online. The site makes buying and selling easier than ever! Here are some of the reasons to join:

• Buy a Car - The largest selection of vehicle inventory with industry leading research and comparison tools. Connect with the seller on site!
• Sell a Car for Free – Quick and east to set-up a car ad and sell your car. Get messages directly to your inbox!
• Advertise Your Business – Reach 1000’s of buyers searching for cars and dealerships in your area.

Not sure what kind of car you want? No problem. We let you search by Year, Make, Model, Pricing Mileage, Transmission and much more. With hundreds of thousands of dealerships and car listings, SaleSpider is a one stop shop to buy or sell your car!

Veterans Advantage

(I HAVE THIS AND EVEN THOUGH I AM STILL IN ICELAND, THIS IS JUST ONE STEP CLOSER TO MOVING BACK TO BOSTON. HAVING THIS IN PLACE ALREADY WILL HELP TO FURNISH OUR HOME AND HELP SAVE ON SO MANY OTHER THINGS. IF YOUR A VETERAN OR YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS A VETERAN, SHOW THEM THIS BLOG!)

http://www.veteransadvantage.com/

Veterans Advantage is a national program that partners with corporations that want to do their part to honor and thank all who serve our country. Our partner companies show their appreciation and thanks by providing preferred pricing on their goods or services everyday.
Learn more about Veterans Advantage:

1. Mission: Respect, recognition and rewards for all who served, are still serving, and their families.

2. History: Founded by Vietnam Veteran Scott Higgins.

3. Board of Advisors: Highly decorated veterans, still serving in the military, corporations, charitable programs, sports, and the arts.

4. Membership Card Fees: Learn about what we put into your Veterans Advantage membership, including exclusive military discounts, and why your support allows us to serve you.

5. Testimonials: Satisfied members report and review our military and veterans benefits program every day.

Why the Veterans Advantage mission is important:

In 1789, General and President George Washington spoke these words,

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country."

It's hard to believe these words were written more than 200 years ago because they have such meaning today. We all know what Washington was saying. We must acknowledge and reward the service of our Veterans if we are to expect our young people to serve our country and to defend our freedoms.

The Government must do its part with public benefits. All of us as citizens must do our part in honoring Veterans on our national holidays. The great corporations of this country need to do their part, too. After all, corporations are the direct beneficiaries of Veteran's service because collectively, Veterans have preserved the free enterprise system under which corporations operate.

The Veterans Advantage Card Benefits Program has been created to provide greater recognition, respect, and rewards for all who have served in the U.S. Military, including Veterans, Active Duty Military, National Guard and Reserves, and their family members. You qualify from any branch of service and rank, period of service, or length of service.
As soon as you enroll, you will receive your Veterans Advantage Card, personalized with your name and branch of service, and be eligible for special offers from top corporations who wish to honor and thank you for your service. We make all efforts to let you know your benefits exist, too -- online, direct to your mailbox, and through our toll-free member support hotline.
At Veterans Advantage, we believe when one family member serves, the whole family serves. Family members who are "next of kin" may enroll as the spouse, mother, father, daughter or son of the Veteran or Serviceperson and are eligible for special benefits too.
Included with Your Veterans Advantage Membership:

• Immediate online and phone access: Everyday discounts nationwide, honoring you for your service 365 days a year.
• Your own personalized Veterans Advantage ID Card: Sent to members by First Class Mail, the Veterans Advantage "VetRewards" card is nationally recognized at thousands of locations -- including Verizon Wireless stores nationwide for 15% monthly discounts on eligible voice and data plans, and 25% off accessories.
• Your 60-page Benefits Book: Your complete benefits package - We also send this to you by First Class Mail, as part of your Veterans Advantage membership.
• Personal Attention to Your Needs: Special toll-free number for dedicated customer support, plus online help staff, for membership assistance whenever you need it.
• Special family discount: You can also enroll your family members for HALF PRICE, too!
• Insurance coverage: $55,000 in travel and accident insurance, included at no extra charge. Covers you for as long as you remain a Veterans Advantage member.
• Bonus included with your membership: You can choose a 30-day trial ($4.95 processing fee), or select from other special offers with your membership here.
• Flash and Save: The Veterans Advantage Card is accepted at thousands of participating locations, in addition to other benefits available online and by phone 365-days-a-year.

Every membership plan includes a group of member benefits worth hundreds of dollars if purchased independently, which more than covers the cost of your plan, before you make a single purchase:

• $55,000 of CHARTIS Travel & Accident Insurance Coverage plus toll free CHARTIS TRAVEL ASSIST providing you emergency travel coverage 365 days a year anytime you are more than 100 miles from home; includes $5,000 AD&D coverage.

• Veterans Advantage Prescription Drug Plan with drug discounts at over 55,000 pharmacy locations nationwide, from major pharmacy chains like CVS/pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreen's, Target, and Eckerd Drugs to local neighborhood pharmacies.

• Full Member Support Services including live person toll-free phone member support, and online benefit access & account service tools -- “Members Only” login on www.veteransadvantage.com for online benefit access and a personalized "Your Account" section for account access and information.

• Complimentary Financial Analysis Professional financial planning analysis, customized and personally delivered to Veterans Advantage members – fully complimentary!

                                    THOUSANDS IN SAAVINGS INCLUDE:

       

 

                                   AND MANY MORE

 

Thanks to our members' support since February 2001, Veterans Advantage extends nationwide benefits to all who serve and their families as a special "Thank You" from top U.S. corporations.

To become a member supporter of Veterans Advantage, you can be assured all personal and service information will be kept strictly confidential, and can choose from the following membership plans during your enrollment.

All plans are confirmed by e-mail, and your benefits begin immediately. For those choosing a 30-day trial, a $4.95 processing fee is payable upon enrollment. Plan options include:

• One-year membership: $59.95
  (A one-time charge -- an average of just $4.99 per month)
• Three-year membership: $149.95
• (That's a 20% savings compared to a one-year plan)
  An average of $49.98 per year.

• Five-year membership: $199.95
  (Our best value = a 37% discount compared to a one-year plan)
  An average of only $39.99 per year, or just 11 cents a day
• Family memberships: 50% Discounts
  You can choose to add family memberships at half the price
  you pay for your primary membership -- or $29.97, $74.97
  and $99.97, for each 1, 3, and 5-year family membership, respectively

Information on the 30-day trial:
We invite you to experience the Veterans Advantage Card program before purchasing your plan with a 30-day trial membership. If you opt for a 30-day trial, a non-refundable $4.95 processing fee is required to activate your trial.
You will be sent your membership materials electronically via e-mail for immediate access. You will also receive information on personal member support: Choose our dedicated e-mail member support, or toll-free phone member support, which is available Monday-Friday from 9 am - 9 pm ET, and Saturday 11 am - 4 pm Eastern Time at 1-866-VET-ASSIST (838-2774).
As a Veterans Advantage member, you receive physical membership materials including:

• Your Veterans Advantage "VetRewards" Card, proudly personalized with your name, branch of service, and a unique Member ID number. The card is recognized at thousands of locations nationwide -- including Verizon Wireless stores for 15% monthly discounts on voice and data plans, and 25% off accessories. 
• A 60-page Veterans Advantage Benefits Directory, with information on hundreds of important benefits provided to reward you for your service.

If you choose a 30-day trial, you can cancel at anytime during the trial with no questions asked, by toll-free phone. If you decide to continue with the program, at the end of your 30-day trial the plan price you selected will be charged to the credit card you provided upon enrollment.
Special Offers:
Veterans Advantage also has special offers rotating across the site, offering full membership benefit access as well. These include discounts on non-trial memberships, which are redeemable at their own dedicated links. You can find more information on Veterans Advantage Card special offers at this dedicated link.
Please note: Veterans Advantage was started by a group of Vets to provide greater recognition and rewards for our Active-duty Military, Veterans and their families. We receive no government support or other funding outside of your plan fees. We work very hard to keep the cost of membership as low as possible, so you can both provide support for this valuable program, and get the benefits you deserve, all for only pennies a day.

Fibromyalgia: About, Need to know, Eating Right, Supplements

 

A LINK TO VEGAN RECIPES: Vegan Recipes (all from Truestar health)

Fibromyalgia

Also indexed as:Fibromyositis, Fibrositis, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Myofibrositis, Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia—an unsolved mystery—is a complex syndrome with no known cause or sure cure. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

 

 

NEED TO KNOW

 

• Exercise Low-intensity exercise (like walking or swimming) is the best known treatment
• Address your stress Reducing stress and unpleasant emotions may also reduce symptoms
• Try 5-HTP 100 mg of the supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan three times a day may ease symptoms
• Check out SAMe 800 mg of the supplement S-adenosyl-l-methionine a day may help symptoms

ABOUT

Fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome with no known cause or cure. Its predominant symptom is pain in the fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, although other symptoms may be experienced.
Research has demonstrated that the axis connecting the three glands primarily responsible for the stress response (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals) may be dysfunctional in people with fibromyalgia.¹ Inflammation of the involved structures is generally absent in fibromyalgia.
Of the estimated three to six million people² affected by this disorder in the United States, the vast majority are women between 25 and 45 years of age.

Symptoms

Trigger-point pain at characteristic locations is the defining symptom of fibromyalgia. The most commonly affected locations are on the occiput (nape of the neck), the neck itself, shoulders, trunk, low back, and thighs. Other symptoms may also be experienced, including fatigue, chest pain, low-grade fever, swollen lymph nodes, insomnia, frequent abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression.³

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Low-intensity exercise may improve fibromyalgia symptoms. People with fibromyalgia who exercise regularly have been reported to suffer less severe symptoms than those who remain sedentary.^{4, 5, 6} In a controlled trial, a program consisting of two 25-minute exercise classes plus two educational sessions per week for six weeks resulted in immediate and sustained improvement in walking distance, fatigue, and well-being in a group of people with fibromyalgia;⁷ however, no reductions in pain, anxiety, or depression were seen. In a more recent controlled trial, a 35-minute exercise program in a warm pool once a week for six months, coupled with counseling sessions, led to improvements in hand-grip strength and endurance, as well as to reductions in pain, distress, depression, and anxiety.⁸ The results of this trial, and other similar trials, suggest that underwater exercise training, in combination with a counseling intervention, should be considered by people with fibromyalgia.

Holistic Options

Stress is believed by some researchers to be capable of aggravating fibromyalgia symptoms. Stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, have proven helpful in preliminary research.⁹
Acupuncture may be useful for short-term relief of fibromyalgia symptoms. In one preliminary trial, acupuncture produced a significant decrease in pain and point tenderness along with related biochemical changes measured in the fibromyalgia patients’ blood.¹⁰ Another uncontrolled trial used electroacupuncture (acupuncture with electrical stimulation) treatment in people with fibromyalgia who were unresponsive to conventional medical therapies. After an average of seven treatments per person, 46% claimed that electroacupuncture provided the best relief of symptoms when compared to all other therapies, and 64% reported using less medication for pain relief than prior to electroacupuncture.¹¹ A double-blind trial compared fake acupuncture to electroacupuncture and reported significant differences in improvement in five of eight outcome measurements among people with fibromyalgia.¹² Short-term pain reduction in people with fibromyalgia has been reported in other studies, some of which were at least partially controlled; however, long-term benefits have never been investigated in a controlled clinical trial.¹³ Long-term controlled trials are necessary to conclusively determine whether acupuncture is a useful treatment for fibromyalgia.
Joint manipulation, chiropractic, and related treatments may be helpful for relieving some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. A preliminary study¹⁴ found that almost half of people with fibromyalgia who received chiropractic care had “moderate to good” improvement. A small preliminary trial¹⁵ evaluated the effect of four weeks of chiropractic treatment (three to five times per week) consisting of soft tissue massage, stretching, spinal manipulation, and general advice and information. Treatment resulted in a significant decrease in pain and an increase in range of neck movement, but there was no improvement in tender points or in ability to function in daily life. Another preliminary trial¹⁶ evaluated a longer treatment period (30 sessions) consisting of spinal manipulation and deep pressure massage to tender points in the muscles. More benefit was reported by this study, as 60% of the patients experienced significant pain reduction, reduced sensed of fatigue, and improved sleep. These benefits persisted one month after the treatment was completed. People who did not feel better after 15 treatments were not likely to benefit from this type of treatment. No controlled research has evaluated manipulation therapies for fibromyalgia.

EATING RIGHT

A vegan diet (includes no animal products) that is also low in salt may help women with fibromyalgia. In a controlled clinical trial,¹⁷ women with fibromyalgia were put on a special diet consisting only of raw foods—primarily fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and cereals (such as rolled oats). The diet also contained several fermented foods, including a fermented yogurt-food made from oats, a fermented beverage made from wheat berries (called Rejuvalac), and several types of fermented vegetables, particularly cabbage. During the three-month trial, women following the therapeutic diet experienced a significant reduction in body weight, pain, morning sickness, use of painkillers, depression, and the number of sore fibromyalgia points, compared with those who continued to eat their regular diet. Due to the liberal use of nuts and seeds, this diet was not low in fat; for example, 31% of all calories came from fat. Nonetheless, the total number of calories was relatively low (less than 1,900 calories per day), which was probably responsible for the decrease in body weight.

	A vegan diet (includes no animal products) that is also low in salt may help women with fibromyalgia.	Learn More Get Recipes
Close
Cut out MSG	In one report, women with fibromyalgia experienced improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms after eliminating MSG or MSG plus aspartame from their diet.

	A vegan diet (includes no animal products) that is also low in salt may help women with fibromyalgia.	Learn More Get Recipes
Close
Cut out MSG	In one report, women with fibromyalgia experienced improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms after eliminating MSG or MSG plus aspartame from their diet.

	A vegan diet (includes no animal products) that is also low in salt may help women with fibromyalgia.	Learn More Get Recipes
Close
Cut out MSG	In one report, women with fibromyalgia experienced improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms after eliminating MSG or MSG plus aspartame from their diet.

	A vegan diet (includes no animal products) that is also low in salt may help women with fibromyalgia.	Learn More Get Recipes
Close
Cut out MSG	In one report, women with fibromyalgia experienced improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms after eliminating MSG or MSG plus aspartame from their diet.

-HTP	100 mg three times per day	[2 stars] Supplementing with 5-HTP may ease symptoms. Learn More
Close
Acetyl-L-Carnitine	1,500 mg daily for ten weeks	[2 stars] Supplementing with acetyl-L-carnitine may improve musculoskeletal pain, depression, and general health in people with fibromyalgia. Learn More
Close
SAMe	800 mg daily	[2 stars] Supplementing with SAMe may increase serotonin levels in the blood and help relieve symptoms. Learn More
Close
Coenzyme Q10	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] In a preliminary trial, headaches and overall symptoms in people with fibromyalgia significantly improved after supplementing with coenzyme Q10. Learn More
Close
Magnesium	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] A preliminary trial found that a combination of magnesium and malic acid might lessen muscle pain in people with fibromyalgia. Learn More
Close
Malic Acid	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] A preliminary trial found that a combination of magnesium and malic acid might lessen muscle pain in people with fibromyalgia. Learn More
Close
Melatonin	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] In one study, supplementing with melatonin reduced tender points and improved sleep in people with fibromyalgia. Learn More
Close
Tart Cherry	80 mg anthocyanins, the equivalent of approximately 100–120 cherries, 16–24 ounces tart cherry juice blend, 1 ounce of liquid concentrate, or 400 mg of concentrate in tablets or capsules	[1 star] Tart cherries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that may reduce muscle pain. Learn More
Close
Vitamin B1	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] People with fibromyalgia may be deficient in vitamin B1. Supplementing with the vitamin may correct the deficiency and improve symptoms. Learn More
Close
Vitamin E	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] Vitamin E was used in one early study with beneficial and sometimes dramatic results. Learn More

-HTP	100 mg three times per day	[2 stars] Supplementing with 5-HTP may ease symptoms. Learn More
Close
Acetyl-L-Carnitine	1,500 mg daily for ten weeks	[2 stars] Supplementing with acetyl-L-carnitine may improve musculoskeletal pain, depression, and general health in people with fibromyalgia. Learn More
Close
SAMe	800 mg daily	[2 stars] Supplementing with SAMe may increase serotonin levels in the blood and help relieve symptoms. Learn More
Close
Coenzyme Q10	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] In a preliminary trial, headaches and overall symptoms in people with fibromyalgia significantly improved after supplementing with coenzyme Q10. Learn More
Close
Magnesium	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] A preliminary trial found that a combination of magnesium and malic acid might lessen muscle pain in people with fibromyalgia. Learn More
Close
Malic Acid	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] A preliminary trial found that a combination of magnesium and malic acid might lessen muscle pain in people with fibromyalgia. Learn More
Close
Melatonin	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] In one study, supplementing with melatonin reduced tender points and improved sleep in people with fibromyalgia. Learn More
Close
Tart Cherry	80 mg anthocyanins, the equivalent of approximately 100–120 cherries, 16–24 ounces tart cherry juice blend, 1 ounce of liquid concentrate, or 400 mg of concentrate in tablets or capsules	[1 star] Tart cherries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that may reduce muscle pain. Learn More
Close
Vitamin B1	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] People with fibromyalgia may be deficient in vitamin B1. Supplementing with the vitamin may correct the deficiency and improve symptoms. Learn More
Close
Vitamin E	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] Vitamin E was used in one early study with beneficial and sometimes dramatic results. Learn More

Supplements that might help.