If your second chakra is out of balance you may find that you have a high craving for sweets or other carbohydrates as a way to fill an unfulfilled desire via a quick and sweet fix. A healthy second chakra requires lots of water, oil-based foods such as seeds, nuts and some fish, and orange-colored foods. Read on for a few ideas for tweaking your diet to balance this chakra. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s that time of year again. Cold and flu season is upon us. It’s never too early to take steps toward preventing those colds and viruses that seem to bring us down when we need it the least. Beyond washing your hands (which you should do regularly), read on for four more tips to avoid getting sick this winter. Read the rest of this entry »

Many of us tackled the challenging task of harnessing the complex magic of Mother Nature this summer, growing vegetables in our back yards or in pots on our patios, decks and balconies. Among your bounty was probably a variety of herbs, some of which may remain unused. Read more to learn how you can turn these herbs into teas to drink yourself and share with friends. Read the rest of this entry »

Your love is better than ice cream

Better than anything else that I’ve tried

-          Ice Cream Lyrics by Sarah McLachlan

If you have already found someone or something in your life that is better than ice cream on a hot, humid, Chicago summer day, then maybe just skim this article. BUT, if you live in a glorious old home with a lot of character including no air conditioning or if you ever go outside in Chicago in the summertime, you must admit that there’s nothing like a tasty scoop of cold sorbet or ice cream this time of year. This month we encourage you to bring the dreamy, creamy, and cool treat into your home by using an ice cream maker to create interesting concoctions. These handy machines have come a long way since the old rock-salt-crank-till-your-arm-falls-off version I grew up with. Read more to find great and easy recipes – AND tips for local venues that make great scoops if your house is too hot to handle it. Read the rest of this entry »