Shoe Gazing

Light and Lines

Foggy free...with Coconut Oil

For about 6 months or so I have been using Coconut Oil everyday.  I put about a teaspoon in my coffee every morning, I also use it to cook with...that is, whenever I actually cook.  I'm very fortunate that my hubby loves to cook.  I can tell you as someone who is not a big salmon fan, cooking the salmon with coconut oil has made a huge difference!  I love it now.  Really!

I have heard that coconut oil has many health benefits, especially for brain function. There are a lot of videos on YouTube with stories of people who were in the early stages of dementia and have been practically cured by using coconut oil. I must admit, since I've been using it I notice I feel much less foggy.  I'm forgetting things less and feel more alert.  I can't say for certain that it's a direct effect of coconut oil, but after everything I've read about it, I have a good feeling that has something to do with. 

I even put a little under my eyes and put some on my lips.  Again, a lot of videos out there for all things coconut oil.  I feel there is really nothing you can't use this for.  I've even heard some folks use it as a deodorant.  I haven't tried that yet...seems like that could get messy!   

There are different types of oil depending on what you are using it for. 

http://www.foodrenegade.com/how-to-choose-a-good-coconut-oil/ 

I use the unrefined virgin, and I am a believer, now!

Fresh and Easy, say it ain't so...!!!

I just found out that another of my favorite places is going out of business.  

It’s funny, but when this store first open I wasn’t that much of a fan at all, it seemed so sterile and empty compared to my chain store that is just around the corner from my house.  Things were different, but then again, it is a British store.  It was so “un-American” in the amount of items they carried.   Slowly I started to stop in at this new store, usually with my husband, who liked it right from the start, mostly because they carried a great selection of beer that he liked and plenty of others he had never tried.  The location of the store was so, that I could leave work and just do a big circle on my way home, so not really out of my way at all…I could walk and have done so.  So as I tried more and more of their items, the more and more I like this place, so much so that I don’t go to my other favorite store as much, actually hardly ever now….sorry Trader Joe’s… but looks like sometime in April I will have to make the extra 8 mile trip to TJ’s or make do with what my chain store offers.   There is also a Sprouts Farmers Market close to my house, so I’m sure I will survive once F&E has closed its doors forever, but the memories will always be there.  Please F&E, don’t go!  We love you!

Song of the Week - OK Go - This Too Shall Pass

Two posts in one day...WTH? I know, but I have decided to add a song that sums up the week that has just past. I've been feeling pretty frustrated and kind of down the past week. We just got back from a wonderful vacation that was so incredible, it was hard to leave...I guess I should just be greatful that I got to go at all, right?  Today is the start of a full week back to work and all the BS that goes along with that. I've also been thinking about the year that has just past and what I still have not accomplished, and encountering douchbags all around. So, here it is...my pick of the week!

Word of the Year...

What a lucky happenstance...

I have been blogging off and on for a few years now. I know my limitations. I'm not a writer or even that good with the English language, but I am drawn to this thing for some reason, and my hope is to get better as I go. So I love to browse other blogs to get an idea of what others are writing about and what draws me to read one blog while I skip over others. What is it I find appealing about certain blogs over others? I guess I'm not really interested in how many people follow my blog, or heck, even read my blog...it's just a thing I feel compelled to do. I am an avid hobbyist photographer, so I know that was one main reason I felt I needed to blog. I take all these pictures and what else am I to do with them. I post some on Facebook, but there is always that danger that your "friends" and family will take that as bragging or showing off...that, and I worry with the amount of photos that I could upload in just one setting, I will surely break FB.

While browsing blogs today I came across one that mentioned something that I have not heard of yet, a theme word of the year. Some chose a word as a challenge and others for inspiration. It is a word that describes the year to come. "Word of the Year!" Awesome idea, right? I've always loved the "365 Picture a Day" idea, (that I have decided to try this year for the first time) so this could be a great way to incorporate both, maybe....maybe not in every case, but with the use of the very popular #, I can designate a photo with my "WOTY!" Oh, lookie there, I even just came up with an acronym! 

I'm really glad that I found out about this now, the first week of January, before too much time pasted. I kind of feel this is the resolution that I couldn't come up with. I think it counts, right? So without even really thinking about it, the word that immediately popped into my head was EXPLORE!

I think this is a great word for me this year. What drew me to this word is that it's not just limited to say travel. You can explore ANYTHING, things, places, food, and experiences that you haven't before. This also sums up the way I have been feeling lately, my need to really explore more, more of who I am, where I came from, where I'm going. I guess maybe as I hit a milestone birthday this year, it's starting to sink in that life is what you make of it and how you choose to spend the time while you have it. Whatever led me here, to this blog that I discovered and the word that immediately popped into my head, I hope I can do it justice and live up to my chosen "Word of the Year!"

Wish me luck!

A true WTF moment...this is the kind of shit that drives me crazy!!!!

So I ran into the store and was in there, seriously, like 5 minutes.  My car is the white car. The parking lot was pretty empty, so I parked near NO ONE...however, when I came out this is what I found. The car park so close next to me I couldn't open my door all the way to get in, and I am not a large person, I don't need much room.   

#dontbeadouchebag

Notice how many spots to the right of my car (looking from rear) that were available to this POS!  

I guess none of those where up to their liking.  

Now, notice how many other spots were open to the left side of this POS (looking from the rear).  Again, I guess none of these were good enough, either.  The only spot that this POS liked was next to me...and not just next to me, but some of my spot.  

I was so mad.  I really wish I had a junky car in this situation, because they would have had a really nice dent in the side of their door.  I still want to go back and see it they are there and give them some hell for being an inconsiderate POS!!!!

Frustration...

Feeling major frustration tonight.  I'm hoping this doesn't carry over to tomorrow. However, I think I'll take a nice long strenuous hike just to be sure I nip in the bud early.  If it doesn't help I'll think about hitting the hot tub with a Mai Tai and pretend that I'm back on the beach.  

Stopped in at a local Indian Restaurant. 

The food was so fresh and yummy!   

Samosa Chat

Naan, Rice and Navaratan Korma

New Year...What to do?

Well, it's 2013 and we all made it.  I've been thinking a lot about what I want to give up or what kind of resolution to make.  Last year I gave up meat.  I've already given up soda.  I quit smoking 5 years ago.  There is always the old stand by of exercising more.  Last year I did yoga but have since hurt my shoulder.  That is one thing I would like to get fixed this year...my shoulder!  After PT, acupuncture, massage and shots of whatever...still no relief!

I'll keep thinking about it, and hopefully it won't take me all year to figure it out.  Tomorrow is back to work...ugh...maybe that could be my resolution...try not to work so hard this year!