Wake up and cleanse:

It is still spring time for most of us here in Canada. And we all know the merits of this time of awakening and cleansing our bodies from the heaviness of winter foods and embracing the lightness of this new season. I have been leafing through many books concerned with cleansing and eating according to the seasons.
My prescription for this time of the year however is simple, tried and true.

Try to go to bed early
Wake up with the light.
Upon rising squeeze fresh lemon juice into luke warm water and sip.
A wonderful way to begin your body's morning cleansing process.

If you like tea in the a.m. here is a delicious and easy, cleansing tea recipe with a hint of chai spices.

Warming - Digestive Tea
Crush some fresh ginger, green cardamom pods and fennel seeds, add along with 1 tsp. loose tea leaves (green. herbal or black), add hot water, let steep and enjoy. The ginger, cardamom and fennel are all warming spices and will add a sweetness so you won't even miss the honey. You can also add milk to this if needed and maple syrup or honey. Enjoy.

Natural Health Products Bill: Learn, listen and act

This came to my attention recently and I believe it is important to pass it on.

The Canadian government is currently discussing Bill C-51, a bill that seeks to classify Natural Health Products (NHPs) in Canada as similar to pharmaceutical drugs, enforcing stricter controls and more regulatory scrutiny that cannot be met by most NHPs. There is a nationwide movement underway to speak to this Bill and educate consumers of their health choices and the potential lack of choice if this bill is passed.

Please visit: www.stopc51.com to learn more. You can read the actual bill on this site as well.
Here's a good article on CBC.ca about the implications of this bill.
And if you want to sign a petition against this bill, please go here.

There have been 2 readings in parliament already, in less than 3 weeks under the Harper Government which has been trying to keep these proceedings away from significant media scrutiny. Only 1 more reading is required before it can be voted into law.

What do chocolate mocca and yoga have in common.  Well... not much unless you're talking about the name of one of the vivid, Japanese inspired prints on Oona Sera's mat bags.  Made out of a strong cotton outer shell and lined in a water repellant inner lining, these mat bags are sturdy and resilient, not to mention beautiful. 

Shannon, Oona Sera's founder and designer has been looking, but to date has not found a suitable organic cotton fabric that can hold her eye-catching prints. She points out the resilience of the bags.   "For now my part in helping the environment is to make a bag that lasts, so there is no need to replace it every 6 months to a year." 

We're looking forward to walking to yoga with our chocolate mocca honey for many days to come.  

Oona Sera's Eco-Compatible mat bags are US $60.  You can purchase them here.