Sensible Guides

We are all aware that staying healthy requires that we do our best to maintain a balanced diet, get plenty of exercise and stay away from unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol and other drugs.

As more and more people are making nutrition and healthy eating a priority, alternative healthy eating ideas are rising in popularity.

There are many studies today that indicate consumers are taking better care with their personal food choices for better health, but they are also taking a more global approach that includes social consciousness and the environment. Continue »

As we grow older we understand the importance of what we need to do to enjoying a long and healthy life but we often forget to take into consideration the role that learning plays into our well being.

We are not only talking about academic learning but learning in all aspects of our lives. From learning a new language, how to make a quilt or taking up a new sport.

Every new opportunity is a chance to grow and evolve in all areas of our lives and by taking on new challenges; we are expanding our comfort zone. By doing so we are increasing our energy, our happiness, and our overall health.

By keeping our brains active we are decreasing the chances of age related illness and gaining a better of quality of life. Continue »

Today, there are not many people who don’t know the meaning of Going Green. It’s a new term that has picked up a lot of steam in the last decade and will continue to grow in the years to come. With global warming, the depletion of the ozone layer and the disappearance of many plants and animals species on the rise, its time to take a stand.

The first step in going green is to become aware of how the decisions you make affect the world. Most people do want to help the environment, but also want to balance it with living a comfortable lifestyle. Continue »

In today’s stressed out world, finding and keeping the motivation to exercise is one of the most difficult challenges in maintaining our health and wellness. In other areas of our lives we tend to do a much better job in balancing but for majority of us, exercise gets pushed to the side.

Motivation is what provides meaning for all our efforts. It’s what gets us up in the morning. It’s what puts a smile on our face. And it sustains us through tough times. Continue »

Volunteering is as natural to me as living. You see, I was brought up with the idea that helping others grows me as a person of value and compassion. My parents, however, were very careful to make sure I was developing a strong inner core for myself and not simply using volunteer work to compensate for my own lack of self-love. As they taught me about giving, they would also question why I was volunteering for this or that. Continue »

I’m a self-admitted lover of nature and natural gardening. When I was a boy I remember working in my Grandpa’s garden. He used to call me ‘Gordie The Apprentice’. Back then, before gardening was even called organic ( it just was organic!), we were controlling pests the natural way.

I was impressed by how the art and science of gardening was perfectly coordinated and balanced. And as I play in my garden today, I can still hear my Grandpa’s wisdoms come through my own gardening practices.

It is heartening to know that traditional organic gardening practices are ‘in’ again. And it’s about time. I want to introduce you to some time-tested ideas for your own organic gardening enjoyment. Continue »

Last January, Gord and I were invited to a formal wedding in snow country. My first reaction was, “I have nothing to wear,” which made Gord burst out laughing. He knows my taste in clothes and always remarks how perfectly elegant I look, no matter what the occasion.

But this was different. It was a winter wedding. And I was at a loss for ideas. So I began to research for choices. I was surprised to find lots of information and opinions on what is best, both online and offline. Winter weddings have been steadily growing in polarity in recent years. The contrast between the snowy outdoors and cozy, elegant venues makes for an atmosphere of added romance. Continue »

Meditation is the feeling of oneness, where there is no separation between you and wherever you place your attention. It’s like you dive into the moment with all your being. You then go beyond the sensations to merge completely with the experience itself.

A Natural State

Meditation can be experienced naturally in many different ways. You get the feeling of deep relaxation and having a greater focus and awareness without attachment. You may be contemplating, praying, walking in nature, enjoying beautiful music or  romancing with your beloved. I could go on and on… Continue »

I must confess. I’ve fallen in love with ballroom dance. After watching Dancing with the Stars a few years ago, where non-professionals learned how to dance with such beauty and elegance, I was hooked.  So I took it upon myself to find out more about this type of dance. In the back of my mind I was looking for a style that both Gord and I could enjoy.

Shall We Dance?

At its most basic level ballroom is partner dancing. Once exclusively enjoyed by the upper class at their social gatherings, it dates back as early as the 16th century. The Waltz was first introduced in the early nineteenth century and today many variations have evolved, including Spanish Waltz and Cross Step. Continue »