Saturday, October 29, 2016

Goodbye Simon & Seth, My Heart and Soul Are Still with You Two

The Hottest Immune Boosters for Autumn Colds


The Writing Gourmet

Italian Wedding Soup recipe in Vinegar, 3 book of Healing Power Series

Revised and Updated:

'Tis the season for changing tree colors, changing temperatures, and ah-choo! colds and flus. It happened. I recall working like a worker bee on proofing my forthcoming book, The Healing Powers of Honey (Kensington, October 2011)...and new editions for olive oil and vinegar happened as did the coffee and tea books which followed.
After working on book projects, sort of like grad school days, I get a surge of physical energy. This time, without a pool--not so much. In fact, I recall during my Woman's World magazine columnist days, that I penned an article about boosting the immune system in the fall to stave off a cold or flu and what foods can help you to do just that. Naturally, nutrient-rich edibles, right? 
And this time around, late October after a roller coaster week, instead of sitting in bed (with my two cuddly canines--Simon and Seth whom have passed; I am with Zen my kitty and Skye the Aussie). Drinking water--lots of bottled water...And did I mention all-natural orange juice? The resort pool is down for one month and I've got a terrible case of cabin fever.  But yesterday I went to the treadmill; today raked pine needles, and cleaned the deck from the last storm amid another one brewing.

Worse, I was ordered by the powers above to lose my pricey and precious leather love seat and matching chair I placed on the deck to give it a Mediterranean appeal. It was reddish brown on a brown freshly painted deck. Golden throws for a cozy look (my senior Brittany's favorite). It doesn't get better. Both my Brittanys, Simon and Seth cuddled with me and each other on those pieces of furniture for 12 years. So sad, I came down with a case of love sickness.  I feel aches, depressed, and a sore throat that comes and goes. When the men hauled away the furniture with a sentimental flair, it felt like they were taking away a big chunk of my life, part of my love connection with my fur kids. It's all gone. The deck is now sterile with the beginnings of a HOA wannabe look to it.


Ironically, beach umbrellas decorated with white lights, flood lights, RVs, boats, plastic patio furniture, multiple car doors slamming day and night, tents outside in backyards during the summer, dogs off leash, hot tub sounds from dawn to late, bar-b-que smoke filling the air days after our wildfires, and weathered fences dot the setting of Old Tahoe-style homes in my neighborhood. Dazed and confused. Was my antique furniture out of place? Of course I'll get over the loss (again) and deal with the bare deck (a few wooden benches and black iron bistro chairs remain for now) but the principle of stripping the cozy bohemian vibe just seems unjust. But I will survive.

Pampering time is in order since I was rudely reminded of loss and change. That means movies, movies, and movies.  Hot chicken vegetable noodle soup, more orange juice, water, tea, honey,  and my healthy critters. (Are they next to go? I'm feeling vulnerable and fear the unknown.) For tonight, we're safe. Live in the moment. I am right where I am supposed to be. These are my favorite fall immune boosters for getting well faster.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Pumpkin Scones and Soup for the Pumpkin Season

The holiday season and 2017 is coming. I feel it in the air, in my neighborhood, on the streets, and in my heart and spirit. We're coming into a new year. My Earth Changes New Year predictions for Oracle 20-20 magazine will be published January 1st. Ironically, while I can forecast global quakes, when it comes to my own financial future (I flunked math) it's all fuzzy like a blizzard whiteout. So, I admit it. Recently, I did ring up a few friends-- visionaries. The outcome: I'm over read. I need to chill and let the wheel of fortune spin...

Speaking of the future, I remember 1999--Y2K.  In retrospect, I can laugh out loud. During that time, however, I spun out of control. I played into what everyone thought was going to happen: The end of the computer world as we knew it. I begged all my editors to pay me before 2000--so I could cash out just in case all of the bank computers failed. I rushed to Mr. Computer Doctor who was sleep deprived from all of his work but he upgraded my computer so it wouldn't fail.  But fate worked against him and beating the ticking clock. It crashed.
Meanwhile, I stuffed my pantry with canned food, bottled water, protein bars, crackers, and essential emergency foods galore. I was ready in case the world was going to slide back in time to the pioneer days. On New Year's Eve, I went to bed early with my two senior orange and white senior and wise furry critters and turned on the TV. I thought I would see each country, one by one, go down. Poof! All gone. But nothing huge happened. I was relieved. I was embarrassed. Life went on...and here I am many books later as well as the proud author of the Healing Powers Series. (Next up TEA and currently in production.)


'Tis the season to brew a nice cup of tea and bake a batch of pumpkin scones. It's a nice way to ease me and you into this New Year's promise. The scone is a popular British bread that is quick to make, served with tea, and also enjoyed in other countries around the world. A dropped scone is easier to make than other varieties and it tastes just as good. And the European touch I like to use comes from using European Style butter (creamy and rich), Mediterranean Sea Salt, dark chocolate, olive oil--and keeping the portion smaller than larger.

European-Style Pumpkin Scones

3 1/2 cups 100% all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar (I did use granulated)
2 teaspoons allspice
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
a dash of Mediterranean Sea Salt
1/4 cup European Style butter 
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 brown egg

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt, and spice. Add chunks of butter (sliced in small squares). In another bowl combine pumpkin, milk, and egg and stir till a dough-like mixture forms. (I used my hands.) Drop large spoonfuls onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar or Mediterranean Sea Salt or both (optional). Bake till brown and crusty, about 12 to 14 minutes. Makes 12.


Italian Wedding Soup Recipe in the NEW
The Healing Powers of Vinegar, 3rd edition
wherever books/ebooks are sold
The first scone I tasted was plain, warm, and had a refreshing texture--a change of flavor from all those sweets. To enhance a warm scone for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, try herb butter (just a small amount). Mix a teaspoon with a dash of fresh basil and parsley. Or try drizzling the scone with a bit of oil--garlic or rosemary.
As I anticipate making the first fire in late fall, my young-ish two four-leggers sleep. I'm glad I made these scones before and will do it again this week. They are a new beginning for me, and perhaps you, too, to bring in the New Year with good food, less sweets--except quality gourmet dark chocolate--and good vibes for another decade that promises the best and worst of times, with respect to Charles Dickens.

For more recipes to pair with scones or scone recipes--turn to the Healing Powers Series (click and find all the bookstores where you can get these in ebook/paperback/mass market formats).

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Vinegar Powers Does It Again! Three Times is a Charm

By Cal Orey

The Healing Powers Of Vinegar 

by Cal Orey



With a New Foreword by Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness
“A practical, health-oriented book that everyone who wants to stay healthy and live longer should read.” —Patricia Bragg, N.D., Ph.D., author of Apple Cider Vinegar
“The essential book on vinegar—the number-one superfood of all time!” —Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of The Fat Flush Plan
From Folk Medicine to 21st-Century Favorite—Discover the Amazing Powers of Vinegar!
Revised and updated, this comprehensive book draws on the latest scientific studies and interviews with top health researchers to reveal how apple cider and red wine vinegars—as well as balsamic, fruit, rice, and herb-infused vinegars—can help you stay healthy. You’ll also find proven home health cures, innovative cosmetic secrets, lively anecdotes, and environmentally friendly household hints—from making countertops sparkle to cleaning up kids and pets.
Take advantage of vinegar’s natural therapeutic, antioxidant, and culinary virtues as this 5,000-year-old healer evolves in new uses and products—from sipping vinegars to home-cooked foods.
Learn how vinegar helps lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and bone loss.
Discover how vinegar’s acetic acid kills bacteria, and may help prevent tuberculosis and combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Create home cures to treat allergies, arthritis, toothaches, sunburn, swimmer’s ear, sore throat, and other pesky ailments.
…and discover much more in this invaluable resource to help you slim down, shape up, and enhance longevity!
“Vinegar is right there in your cupboard—waiting for you to open its health properties for you and your family. Cal Orey’s book can show you how.” --Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness

Tea, Coffee, Cocoa Gifting for the Holidays on the Rise!

By Cal Orey


Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Thoughts from the Healing Powers Series Author

By Cal Orey

Here I sit in the cozy waterbed with the kitty... Thinking about things, past, present, and future.
Reno Barnes and Noble

Just finished talking with a friend about the Anchorage, Alaska Barnes and Noble signing that crashed because of the "hurricane-force" winds and Bering Sea storm. Yes, I'm still sad but...when a tour guide guy named "Lake" told me I was the only one booked on the nature tour (on the flooded road) and said: "It's all good" but rare wind shear at 50 knots to smaller aircraft replacing big aircraft spooked me. I just couldn't go forward after images of being grounded in Salt Lake City or circling SeaTac for hours played out in my mind. These severe weather were signs from Mother Nature for me to cancel and put the flight funds into a safe box for another book-related trip, whether it's a convention, research or...another affair with Canada--Victoria is calling my name.
Aussie gets pampered on the 20th

Tomorrow it's off to Reno, Nevada for a book signing linking to the new release of VINEGAR, third edition. I'm not sure what to expect. These signings can be big turn outs to one-on-one talks, "Did you get your vinegar book?" I've had the pleasure to experience both. It is what it is. I will bring gift bags, leave the Aussie at home (bath time for my prince), and simply go with the flow. Actually, Reno to me means the airport but Thursday it will just be a day trip. And I did invite a guest from WeOlive.
WA Barnes and Noble, this man purchased the entire
book series for his wife--an English professor
Mission to show vinegar is versatile in
cooking and baking--not just for
Easter eggs and salads!
Yesterday, I took the plunge. The only resort pool locals are allowed to swim in? It's down for one month. So, I went to another swimming place. Not fun.  The humidity and mold on the "bubble" were pesky reminders that this swimming pool needs help. But I did get my "endolphin" high. It was kind of like choosing between Trump and Clinton. (No, I will not go there. I wish for a power outage tonight. But it most likely will not happen. Our storm has passed.)

So, it's off to the hot tub and steam (this is still in working order), walking the pooch, and doing whatever needs to be done today before the 100 mile trip that isn't what the Alaska adventure promised. But then we don't always get what we want, do we... But yeah, we are right where we are supposed to be, as balanced people say. I believe it.

Monday, October 10, 2016

NEW Vinegar Book On Top of Charts (Again)

By Cal Orey


UPDATE:


The Healing Powers Of Vinegar


#1 Naturopathy, #1 Natural Foods, #2 Healthy Cooking on kobo.com ebooks

  • During the autumn weekend at Tahoe as I watched Hurricane Matthew wreak havoc on the Atlantic Seaboard and the edgy presidential debate, I continued to market the third edition of The Healing Powers of Vinegar--because that's what authors do. We spread the word about our words written on paper even after it's done.

    While I did see changes amid Mother Nature and the two president hopefuls, I wasn't seeing any difference in the numbers with my new book until...

    For some reason, I checked out kobo.com and my Healing Powers Series. Surprise! The revised and updated vinegar book was a stand out on the charts. And the other books on Chocolate, Coffee, and Olive Oil seem to be attracting people, too.

    It currently reads #3 in Naturopathy and #4 in Natural Foods. Plus, The Healing Powers of Honey (its perfect counterpart) is currently #27 in Naturopathy out of thousands of books. So somebody is taking notice. I'll continue to spread the word or maybe it's people who found the new, improved book on their own. Either way, I'm happy that my new words about vinegar and timeless words on honey are greeting new readers.


    The Healing Powers Of Vinegar

    by Cal Orey

    #3 in NonfictionHealth; Well BeingHealthAlternative Holistic HealthNaturopathy

    #4 in NonfictionFood; DrinkHealthy CookingNatural Foods


    REVISED AND UPDATED THIRD EDITION

    New Recipes * New Health Research * New Home Cures


    With a New Foreword by Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness
     
    “A practical, health-oriented book that everyone who wants to stay healthy and live longer should read.” —Patricia Bragg, N.D., Ph.D., author of Apple Cider Vinegar

    “The essential book on vinegar—the number-one superfood of all time!” —Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of The Fat Flush Plan
     
    From Folk Medicine to 21st-Century Favorite—Discover the Amazing Powers of Vinegar!
     
    Revised and updated, this comprehensive book draws on the latest scientific studies and interviews with top health researchers to reveal how apple cider and red wine vinegars—as well as balsamic, fruit, rice, and herb-infused vinegars—can help you stay healthy. You’ll also find proven home health cures, innovative cosmetic secrets, lively anecdotes, and environmentally friendly household hints—from making countertops sparkle to cleaning up kids and pets.
     
    *Take advantage of vinegar’s natural therapeutic, antioxidant, and culinary virtues as this 5,000-year-old healer evolves in new uses and products—from sipping vinegars to home-cooked foods.
     
    * Learn how vinegar helps lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and bone loss. 
     
    *Discover how vinegar’s acetic acid kills bacteria, and may help prevent tuberculosis and combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
     
    Create home cures to treat allergies, arthritis, toothaches, sunburn, swimmer’s ear, sore throat, and other pesky ailments.
     
    …and discover much more in this invaluable resource to help you slim down, shape up, and enhance longevity!

    “Vinegar is right there in your cupboard—waiting for you to open its health properties for you and your family. Cal Orey’s book can show you how.” —Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness

    Saturday, October 8, 2016

    Healing Powers Series' Author's Sweetest Book Is...

    BY Cal Orey

    Discover Honey’s Amazing Bee-Healthy Powers
    Did you know?...
    Known as Mother Nature’s “nectar of the gods,” honey was praised for its healing powers as far back as 5,000 years ago by Egyptians.
    Eating honey can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes—even help reduce body fat and unwanted weight!—and increase longevity.
    Pure, raw, unprocessed honey is a healthier sweetener than table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. It’s chock-full of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins—and only has 21 calories per teaspoon.
    Super “bee foods” (including nutrient-rich bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly) are used and touted for their healing powers by beekeepers and medical experts in the present day.
    Available wherever ebooks/
    books are sold.
    Honey can relieve a variety of ailments, including allergies, coughs, fatigue, pain, and stress, as well as boost libido.
    The honey bee pollinates about one-third of the food we consume (including nutritious fruits and nuts).
    Drawing on the latest honey buzz and interviews with medical doctors, beekeepers, and researchers, this charming and enlightening book (sweetened with stories about honey bees and humans) reveals 30 healing honey varieties paired with cinnamon and teas, tells you how to incorporate honey into Mediterranean-style, heart-healthy recipes such as Honey Custard French Toast, Honey-Glazed Game Hen, and Filo Pear and Honey Tarts, and provides more than 50 home cures that combat digestive woes to skin woes. You’ll also enjoy Cleopatra’s milk-and-honey beauty treatments and eco-friendly beeswax household uses—all made with the amazing honey bee’s gifts!
    “A fascinating read about a natural remedy that is a rich source of antioxidants.” —Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Mind Boosters
    “This eye-opening book provides you with a delicious truth of the traditional Mediterranean diet: Honey is a sumptuous route to optimal health.” —Dr. Will Clower, author of The French Don’t Diet Plan

    Thursday, October 6, 2016

    It's the Healing Powers Series' Author's B-Day

    By Cal Orey
    Autumn Coffee & Tea Convention 2015

    It feels strange to be relaxing at home on my birthday. The last few years I was traveling on the road to Quebec--Montreal and Quebec City, Seattle, and British Columbia. This time around, I am cozy and warm in Tahoe with my family--two and four leggers. And it feels right...



    TEA book scheduled, HONEY book slated for  gift size--
    I savor both and market the Healing Powers Series
    After all, we have a hurricane or two brewing down in Florida and to hit the Atlantic Seaboard. No surprise. I did forecast this would happen in 2016...but when it did begin it made me think: "Wow. And I almost booked a B-Day trip to Savannah Georgia!" After the "hurricane-force" Bering Sea storm threatened my Alaska trip for a Barnes and Noble book signing and nature tour (flooded Turnagain winding road), I thought a nice, warm place with Southern hospitality would be a treat. But I tuned into my sixth sense and just kept the funds with the airline for a future adventure. And I'm glad I did follow my instincts but am on edge because of the people who are in prepare and wait mode. I can feel their fear of the unknown after evacuating Angora Fire and surviving the Loma Prieta 7.1 monster quake.
    * * *
    Last night I made a cameo appearance on Coast to Coast AM. My job? I was to dish on the Salton Sea earthquake swarm. Will it fizzle or sizzle? I gave analogies, channeled the late geologist Jim Berkland, and gave my prediction. Sixty percent we may see a significant earthquake in SoCal this month. And we fear the worst, like the East Coast, but hope for the best. As the late geologist taught me: Don't be scared, be prepared. We cannot control quakes but we can be ready so we're not 100 percent blindsided when the Earth moves.

    Content to be home with my beloved Aussie

    A treat and back to vegan diet
    to lose 3 pesky lbs.
    With so much chaos going on in the world--like the 2012 film- it is nice to be indoors in my womb with my companion animals, a safe place. While adventures to the Pacific Northwest, Deep South, and Canada  as well as Las Vegas for a tea convention next spring, are on my mind it isn't the right timing. These regions will wait. I will go when it is time to go.So here I sit cuddled and cross-legged with my blue-eyed, laid-back cat Zen; got puppy's nails trimmed and a tangle or two cut so he looks handsome. I shared a veggie pizza with the sibling and am enjoying a moviefest (fielding a few psychic calls for the feel-good vibes of being a healer). I anticipate a book reading/signing in Reno, Nevada on October 20.  And,  my editor wants me to write an article on hurricanes for the November issue of Oracle 20/20 magazine. (I did go to  Hawaii after Iniki  hit and will never forget the grueling stories locals shared, from trapped dogs in a flash flood and losing loved ones in the turbulent water). 

    And this is how it's done...Rest and relaxation on your birthday when you're a genuine Type-A author-intuitive.  Not to forget yesterday at the beach with the Aussie was good. And to be honest with you, traveling is awesome but homesickness comes with it each and every time I leave on a jet plane. This year I am right where I'm supposed to be. 
    P.S. Nearly 300 birthday wishes on Facebook. Amazing. Note to self: Thank everyone and read tomorrow.  Love and light. Blessings to all of us who are being challenged today and this week.

    Tuesday, October 4, 2016

    Rustic Fruit Scones for Fall at Lake Tahoe


    Hotel room with my view to cherish
    Oct. 5 with My Skye on Tahoe beach
    Last year this time I was in British Columbia enjoying an Indian summer--finishing research for my TEA book. On October 6, my birthday, I savored a luxury hotel suite  with a panoramic view in Seattle. It was bliss but I confess I was homesick. I missed my beloved companions: Skyler and Zen, my Aussie and Siamese boys...
    On Thursday this year, I'll be home at Lake Tahoe missing the Alaska trip that didn't happen due to a "hurricane-force" storm. (I almost rebooked to Georgia/Savannah but something stopped me...)
    On the upside: the TEA book is done, accepted, and in production. Hopefully a good swim outdoors (the indoor pool is down), hot tub, dog walk to the beach with my sibling--and homemade scones with coffee in the morning will suffice and give me that "endolphin" high. It may not be the Pacific Northwest--but Tahoe, the mountains is my home.


    This is the time of year when sweet and spicy edibles enter your oven and warm up your kitchen and spirit. Autumn scones are best made with nature’s finest ingredient: apples. One apple contains 100 calories, heart-healthy fiber, potassium, and other stay healthy nutrients. And, an apple a day means fewer doctors to pay--my kitchen is full of apples--a variety of flavors and textures. So, I baked a batch of good-for-you autumn apple harvest scones to love.
    More recipes similar to this one
    are in the new 3rd edition
    available wherever books are sold
    3 cups unbleached all purpose flour (more flour more crunchy cookie-type texture, less flour more dense cake-like)
    1⁄4 cup organic white or brown sugar
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
    11⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
    1⁄4 cup European style butter (cold cubes)
    1 brown egg
    1⁄2 cup organic  milk (or try buttermilk or Greek yogurt)
    1 teaspoon white vinegar (mixed with milk it provides a poor man's buttermilk)
    2 tablespoons honey
    1 cup Granny Smith apples, firm, chopped to small chunks (or try dried cranberries, prunes, apricots, or strawberries)
    1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
    1/4 cup golden raisins
    Raw sugar  (unless you make a glaze)

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and spice. Add chunks of butter, sliced in small squares. In another bowl, combine milk, vinegar, egg and honey and stir. Combine wet ingredients with dry. Stir until a dough-like mixture forms. Fold in apples, raisins and nuts. I prefer drop scones for their rustic look and easy to do form. Drop large spoonful of dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes or till golden brown.
    For an extra autumn touch drizzle with a maple frosting glaze: Mix approximately 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1/8 cup melted butter, 3 to 4 tablespoons low-fat milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon maple extract. Swirl a spoonful of glaze-like frosting on scones when warm. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Serves 12 medium-large scones.
    This treat is fit to warm you up on a cold October day at Lake Tahoe or where you can both see and taste fall. So, what type of beverage goes well with autumn fruit scones? Ah, let me count the drinks of choice. Low-fat milk organic chocolate milk heated up and sprinkled with cinnamon hits the spot. Hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick can’t be beat. Pumpkin spice black tea or calming chamomile brew is fall-ish, too. Add a dog and cat, a crackling fire, cozy up, and tune into your favorite movie.