Tourist Town Life--The Real on Independence Day

Living in a Tourist Town? Author Shares Survival Stories

Independence Day

By Cal Orey

I wasn't going to write about this coming Fourth of July so I found this post in my blog file. Yep, it's nearing that time of year. So I'm thinking why the heck not? (The sweetest thing is my honey book will be released in audiobook format. It's a sign for me to tune in and tune out the tourist Twister-style storm a headed this way.) Welcome to my summer...

Usually I am a quiet, balanced author-intuitive who lives in the mountains, faces Mother Nature's wrath (snowstorms, blackouts, earthquakes, poor air quality to wildfires) and writes articles and books. Soon my life will face another challenge: The Tourists. (Last year it was a surreal block party during the pandemic. I watched out my window.) 

Before the pandemic, as a supersensitive, I sensed chaos was on its way...  Fourth of the July--is a piece of work.

Last night it looked like a scene out of "Twister"--and I was waiting for a flying cow to pay me a visit.  Block party! Young and old, were running loose up and down the street day and night. Cars, cars, cars everywhere. Clothes and towels, chairs, people galore were everywhere. And the noise factor? Hot tubs bubbling, screaming, laughing, sirens...

    Ugh, I feel sick to my stomach. Sure, I get it. I live in a "tourist town"--get used to it. But you see, the intensity of holiday events never comes inland to the neighborhood as much as it is this year.  Well, we do hear fireworks and live music concerts but I and my companion animals have become desensitized to it. Sort of. 

I've learned to stock up on food and water, have a low profile, and wait until the storm is over. This time the storm of unruly pets and their people overflowed into my world. RVs, flood lights, and a car lot.  

Tourist Town Needs Tourists’ Money

So you may be thinking:  "The town needs tourists' money"--but I do not get paid from the tourists. It's locals, like me, who are the bread and butter for the locals who offer services year-round during off-season. Meanwhile, as I sit here working at home (feeling captive, love to swim or walk the dog but I'm intimidated so I will not do either) I am done fighting. It is out of my control. 

As I look at photos of trips I've taken I think: "I didn't trash the city or town or do insensitive things." I do not get drunk, let my dog run loose, scream and party all day and night (however I wish I did at this moment).  So my Aussie chews his bones in between chaos and I try to finish the book that is due in less than two months but I cannot lie. I'm feeling frustrated and unbalanced.  The town has been invaded and tourists to vacation homeowners are acting selfish and insensitive to people who live here. But, but, but...

It's eerie out there (almost feeling like Will Smith's character in "I Am Legend" and sense "dark seekers" (mean zombie people and dogs are outside when it gets dark at night). Ready to board of all the windows. Besides one local's dog who jumped the fence (I felt so sorry for her--the shepherd's blue eyes met mine--she was scared) and her concerned owner rescued the dog. I feel for these pets and their people. 

Tonight we get 25 minutes of loud fireworks, after all, it's the time when we celebrate and our sensitive dogs and cats flee. And that's what I should have done. One more thing: My Aussie is barking out in the living room. I am allowing it because it's an insensitive tourist walking by my cabin with a wayward off-leash canine and ignoring our town laws. Live and let live? What else can I do. “Go ahead, boy bark!” I say and turn up the volume to the stereo.

Summer Fun…Join Them—Or Not

A few days ago, I read an article online about how a popular town in Europe, Venice, doesn’t want any more tourists. After all, too many people create traffic congestion, air pollution, lines in stores, and a quiet, quaint town of paradise can turn into a nightmare.

After 20 years of living at Lake Tahoe I became a “clacker”—refer to the film “The Devil Wears Prada”. No, I don’t wear heels but I’ve joined the fun-loving vacation homeowners. 

    That means on weekends I stop writing. Why bother? I take time to chill: garden, swim, sun, and play with my furry friends.

I purchased those silly patio umbrellas with solar lights, faux ivy, lavender flowers, river rock, patio stones, tall trees, solar lights, red bark, and cozy chairs for many islands. I created an oasis to make my time in season chaos, well, bliss. Oh, this year it arrived! I purchased earphones to plug into the TV and computer like being on an airplane. Pondering if I should order a pair for the dog. My cat, Zen? He’s chill.

And there is the ongoing feud of locals and vacation home rentals. But that is another story. 

UPDATE: The news is: Block Party 2022 and El Dorado County is on High (red) covid alert. Thank God for my blinds (indoors/outdoors) privacy trees, ordered wireless ear phones, movies, popcorn, furry friends and fish, chamomile tea, and chocolate, rowing machine, and upgraded study. 

I can do this. Mantra: This too shall pass. Autumn. Alaska. Autumn. Alaska.

Independence Day Croissants to Celebrate

 By Cal Orey

On one early July summer trip to Victoria, British Columbia I savored many things.  I planned to escape Fourth of July crowds. It worked...

Not a lot of celebrations or activity in Canada when I was there. Another memory on the Fourth of July away from home was the concierge dining room’s appetizer bar. At 5:00 P.M., I entered the highest floor of the hotel, with its picturesque panoramic view of the boat harbor, into a room complete with special food for special people staying on top floor rooms.

My dinner? A custom-tailored cheese plate, sort of. I scooped up a plate full of edibles, including crackers, cheeses, olives, croissants, and berries. It’s the stuff I eat when I’m home on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. It quelled the homesickness. I fled back to my suite, with its own "million-dollar" Inner Harbor view. I munched on the memorable feast for one. 

This year due to the chaos of flying during the on and off again pandemic--and not arriving at your destination or catching omicron 1-10, it's time to be creative and romantic. Try to enjoy the holiday in a crowded, crazy tourist town. It's a challenge. And I aim to do it instead of becoming a tourist on the road with the dog and cat stuck in gridlock and paying 10 bucks a gallon for gas and high hotel rates for the holiday. I can do better.

In the past, when I fled to Canada not only did I appreciate the solitude, but it was the fresh, over-sized croissant decorated with cream cheese and a variety of fresh berries that was something to celebrate. It's time to repeat. So, this recipe is inspired by the getaway that gave me memories to cherish. This time it will be in my cozy garden surrounded by privacy trees (including red Japanese Maple), lavender plants, faux icy/lattice, umbrellas,wooden rocking chairs, and a vase of sunflowers...

California Croissants and Berries 

Croissants (I used Pillsbury Grands! but fresh, gourmet-style from the bakery are fine, too)

Honey Walnut Filling

(Make twice the amount if you use Grands! These measurements work fine for regular croissants)

¼ cup honey

1 cup walnuts, finely chopped

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cream cheese

Berries (strawberries, blackberries or blueberries), sliced

Confectioners’ sugar (for topping after baked)

You can bake homemade croissants by using dry yeast, milk, flour, sale, an egg white, and cornstarch – but why when we’re coping with a heat wave--likely. Take the easy route and use quality pop open and bake croissants. You can buy pre-made croissants but they will not be warm out of the oven. Place triangles on a cutting board. Set aside. In a bowl, combine honey, walnuts, and cinnamon. Place a large spoonful of filling onto the wide part of each triangle. Begin with the wide end and roll into a crescent shape. Repeat. Let set in the fridge for about 15 minutes. I used a knife and lightly added slice marks to make the rolls look pretty. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 15 to 20 minute or until the bottoms are golden brown. Makes 8. (Each roll without toppings is 150 calories, 3 grams saturated fat, 320 milligrams sodium, and 4 grams total sugar.)

Here comes the healthier California part--our immune-boosting California berries, nuts, and honey. When cool, slice in half and spread with cream cheese. Top with berries of your choice. Sprinkle each croissant with confectioners’ sugar. Or drizzle with melted dark chocolate. So, yes, these Fourth of July croissants are festive and have plenty of texture with the nuts and berries, a kick of spice and sweet nature’s nectar. (I recommend local honey.) Also, the flaky croissants make it a perfect dessert but can also be enjoyed at breakfast or brunch. Enjoy one or two with iced tea or coffee. Your taste buds will experience a festive explosion of flavors! And for a getaway? Ah sweet Fall is my fantasy.

-- Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com.

Super Solar Storms -- How Do They Affect You?

 By Cal Orey

 Super Solar Storms

 Back in January, the Oracle 20/20 annual forecasts column included solar events. I wrote: “What else is in the stars” – and surprises are in store. I’m talking a major, earthshaking solar event--solar flares may be the culprit or something related. Now this could be a minor solar storm or a shutdown the Earth event. That means, blackouts, communication lines affected, to disturbance for airline flights and road travel. The solar storm may wreak havoc for a while that’ll affect the world.”

     Indeed, my projection came to fruition, sort of. In the month of April it happened! A solar event made international news. We got forecasts just like before a thunderstorm. Then, we got lights and action! Read on to find out more about the solar event that everyone was talking about.

 

So, What Happened in April 2022?

According to one internet article headline: “NASA: Massive solar storm hits Earth, sparks VHF radio blackout in Asia, Australia.” Evidently, a huge solar flare erupting on the surface of the Sun sent a solar storm toward the Earth on April 17.

Meanwhile, the author of The Evolutionary Cosmos: Outside-In Thinking the Universe explains the solar storm: “Scientists know that our Sun had just past a solar minimum, so they were expecting to see increased sunspots and other solar activity like flares and coronal mass ejections (CME).” he explains. “Solar flares are constantly observed by the GOES spacecraft which detects the X-rays that always come with solar flares. M-level and X-level flares are of the most concern because they can be associated with large CMEs that can hit the Earth and destroy electrical systems in space and on the Earth’ s surface.” 

Furthermore, Westberg notes that between March 30^th and April 30^th, 2022, there was four of the strongest X-level flares which was unusual because none happened in the previous three months. He points out, “Three of the four X-level flares happened in the last half of April, which also had many M-level flares. It was like the Sun had lit up all over its surface in the last half of April. This is something that would not be surprising at or near a solar maximum, but the Sun is just coming out of a solar minimum.”

     Westberg continues, “Based on what was happening on the sun our scientists knew that CMEs could reach Earth between 14 hours and three days after the associated flare happens. So, they let us know that there was a good chance that we could get hit-- and we were hit. In the last half of April there were three radio blackouts and disruption of phone services along with satellite systems.”

     What’s more, blame it on the unique alignment of planets and stars with our Sun. “What was unknown to most of our scientists is this was caused by an unusual conjunction of six of our eight solar system planets with 31 nearby stars.” Adds Westberg who calls this a conjunction swarm, “This scenario may not ever happen again because it will take so long for the planet alignment to make a repeat performance, that the stars will have moved. The planets and nearby stars conjunction cluster peaked on about April 15^th of 2022 and this was the cause of the unusual solar activity in the last half of April.” But solar storms and their effects have a history way, way back to the 19^th century.

  

The Carrington Event

As the story goes, a British astronomer named Richard Carrington saw a sudden flash of intense white light from the areas of sunspots. The Carrington Event was an intense geomagnetic storm in September 1859.

During this event, as history tells it, the night sky in North America lit up like daylight. Spikes of electricity surged in the world’s telegraph system (used for transmitting messages from a distance along a wire) and nobody could communicate. It created auroral shows around the globe and caused sparking to fires in telegraph stations. The storm was the result of a CME from the Sun colliding with the Earth's magnetosphere (a strong magnetic field that surrounds our planet).

Solar storms, like the Carrington Event, can blast out huge clouds of electrified gas and dust up to two million miles an hour. If high-energy blasts of particles reach Earth, they can distort and disrupt Earth’s magnetic field. Indeed, a solar event of this magnitude in the 21^st century could cause widespread changes and damage as well as visual effects that are amazing…

 

Sensational Solar Light Show

The Sun has fascinating features: solar flares, coronal mass ejections, action regions, and solar wind. Solar flares happen in areas that have active regions and will out of the blue appear as bright spots. According to NASA experts, these flares can cause high-energy particles to emit from the Sun, which can wreak havoc on astronauts and cause damage to satellites orbiting Earth. Solar flares emit bursts of electromagnetic radiation, including high-energy X-rays and gamma rays. The energy released by one flare can be more powerful than a million nuclear bombs. These particles can also damage electronic components and affect radio signals.

Next up are solar winds. The Sun is so powerful and energetic that it creates a type of wind that travels through the Solar System. The power of the solar wind varies on the activity of the surface on the Sun, whereas Earth is protected from solar wind by its strong magnetic field.

Finally, are the beautiful Northern Lights aka aurora borealis. These lights seen in the dark on a clear night are caused by the solar wind hitting Earth's atmosphere. The vibrant, moving colorful lights--green, purple, and white--are usually visible in the northern hemisphere. Northern Lights are often viewed in regions such as Alaska and Canada, in November to March. The auroras happen in a band know as the auroral zone, which happens when solar activity is high. It's bet to check out the kp index (a measurement of electromagnetic activity in the atmosphere). If a reading is of two or higher, you're more likely to view a solar light show. Note: It was reported in the news that on April 9 an airline passenger saw the light show while in flight to Anchorage, Alaska. (Sadly. in December 2019 I missed the show due to extreme cloud cover.)

            As you can see clearly now, solar storms are nothing new. While April 2022 was an intriguing month due to the storm hitting our planet Earth, this is not the first time a solar event occurred, nor will it be the last one.

 

6 Strange Universe Anomalies Linked to the Sun

So, if a geomagnetic solar event happens on Earth—how will it affect life as we know it.? Well, glitches could happen on Earth. Here is what may happen during the next solar storm in the twenty-first century:

·       A mega internet outage, which means computers at home and work can be affected causing problems for lack of communication and its effects…

·       And cell phone outages are not unusual.

·       Possible damage to satellites can occur.

·       Disabled communications by radio and TV are not impossible.

·       Blackouts can happen. (In the thriller film Trigger Effect, it shows the dire consequences of society and its chain reactions during a widespread and long power outage in Southern California.

            Excerpts from The Evolutionary Cosmos: Outside-In Thinking the Universe (Published by AuthorHouse, 2022) by Richard Westberg and Cal Orey.

A Twist on Trail Mix for Summertime

 By Cal Orey

Here comes the sun and summer. It’s a time to celebrate fun and no-cook foods. Grilling fish, poultry, and vegetables outdoors is popular but so is enjoying an abundance of fresh fruit (such as berries and melons) and vegetables (in cold pasta salads and corn  on the cob) and fun finger foods without a lot of fuss.  And that's not all. 

Enter trail mix and ice cream with a twist. Trail mix or “gorp” is a word not uncommon to hiking fans. This mix of nuts and dried fruit goes back to seventies. It was touted as a popular energy snack for hikers and health-conscious granola guys and gals, like me. Its wholesome ingredients can include dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. As the season is changing around the Lake, I’ve learned that by enjoying fun foods, like trail mix, can make summertime fun at work and play.

One past pre-pandemic summer when I was traveling to Victoria, B.C., I’d munch on trail mix (the pricey kind you buy in a bag at the airport). Once in Canada I followed the plan to swim in the morning, savor the harbor and boating in the afternoon. When I was walking on the wharf, I took photos of a lone sea otter that made me feel welcome like I was in San Francisco. After the unique bond enjoyed by onlookers, I treated myself to an ice cream cone. 

Sitting down on a bench overlooking the water, I reached into my purse. A bag of trail mix fell out. I thought, “I’m going to sprinkle the nut and fruit mix on the ice cream for a nice crunch.” Not only was it a twisted treat, to this day the combination of trail mix and ice cream are two treats I like and take me back to that special day I loved. So here, go ahead and enjoy my Canada-inspired summer fun fare.

Summertime Trail Mix

¼ cup golden raisins or dried pineapple

¼ cup ginger (crystalized)

¼ cup cashews

¼ cup white chocolate chips

¼ cup banana chips

¼ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup sweetened coconut or popped popcorn (optional)

In a plastic container, combine the dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, banana chips, and seeds. Serves 4. You can eat it by the handful as a snack or top it on granola or oatmeal for breakfast.

Trail Mix Ice Cream Cone

2 cups premium gelato or ice cream

4 ice cream cones (your choice of type, organic, preferably)

½ cup Summertime Trail Mix

Put ½ cup of ice cream into each cone. Top with trail mix. Or if you’d like, you can simply put the trail mix into the cone without ice cream. Serves 4.

This trail mix combination is ideal for warmer days. The ingredients in the mix are lighter than what I use in fall or winter. The superfoods boast a summer-ish slant. And the ice cream or gelato (chocolate chip or vanilla bean are super) are decadent and even good for you in moderation. So, as summer arrives go ahead and mix it up for the thrill of it whether you’re working or playing hard.

-- Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, and Superfoods) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com.

INTERVIEW WITH AN AUTHOR...WHAT'S NEW PRE-SUMMER OF 2022?

 By Cal Orey

Today we're talking to Cal Orey, the author of the popular Healing Powers series and her other creative works in progress...

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I prefer to write in fall/winter when it's quiet.

I was born and raised in San Jose, California. It's changed due to gentrification aka (King Kong stomped on Mother Nature and now it's a metropolis). I moved to Lake Tahoe to get back to nature. Ironically, history repeats itself. More changes, including killing healthy trees (I'm a granola girl/tree hugger) and vacation homeowner invasion like Stephen King sci-fi-ish film with creatures who are interlopers. I am a journalist-author and novelist. That's what they (my editors) call me. 

How and when did you become a writer?

I got my first poem "School Days" published when I was in third grade. My teachers told me I had a "gift" when I wrote papers. I liked to write colorful stuff. So, I ended up majoring in English (Creative Writing) in college. I hold a bachelor's and master's in these topics. But I flunked math. 

What genre do you write?

I'm known as a health author. I have had thousands of articles published on different subjects, including relationships (I flunked this topic, too, in real life), pets, Earth changes, and just about anything (even sex). However, in 2021 I fell into novels and novelettes. After all, my thesis was collection of fiction stories. And many of my tales were published in national publications throughout the years. I came full circle. 

How would you describe your writing style?

I'm candid. I like to inject heart and soul into my work. Third-person narrative is boring, first-person is more intimate and an art. I do this on a regular basis. It's thrilling to channel into another person and use their voice, too. Lately, I like to write in the morning (thanks to my cup of Joe), research after swimming or rowing (the machine, not chilly Lake) in the afternoon. Late at night I brainstorm. 

When working on a book, like now, it's similar to having renters in your brain. Overall, it's cool. Think visitors that can be amusing, thought-provoking, and inspiring but pesky at times. They don't sleep! Also, it's time travel and travel to faraway places. This month I'm in Tennessee. I almost went there but still a bit covid-shy so my imagination will suffice. And decades ago, I did hitch and hike through that state.  Some things don't change--good and bad.

What makes you different from other writers?

I like to put my personal paw print on each piece of work. In other words, I prefer to write in a down-to-earth narrative. Love to say things people are afraid to say out loud but think it. Writing raw is kind of like baring your soul or disrobing in front of the world. I lose the inhibitions for my best stuff.  Love to write from the heart and tell stories--all kinds--that'll make the reader laugh, cry, and move the reader out of their comfort zone. If I get the lump in my throat or wet eyes--it works.

Who inspires you?

My dog is my mentor. He gets me. I adore his energy--an Aussie at 9 (my fave number).  In grad school for my oral exams I chose my three authors: George Eliot, John Steinbeck, and Edward Albee; my professors weren't pleased with the last two--but I didn't care.  Steinbeck knew the Golden State, Tahoe, the ocean, and dogs. And, people in real life, past and present or future (in my imagination) make my works come alive.

How did you come up with the title of your series?

I fell into the Healing Powers series. It was the title of the first book back in 1999. The Healing Powers of Vinegar paved the way for books that followed into two, a trilogy but my editor corrected me and called it a "series." The rest is history. Nine books later... Psst. Essential Oils, #8, was chosen to be featured in FIRST FOR WOMEN (Mar. 2022 issue). These books seem to be timeless.

Who is your favorite character in (your book you want to talk about) and why?

July 4th I was in Victoria, B.C. to flee Tahoe tourist chaos

A returning character is an elderly woman who is someone who helped me a lot when I was a struggling magazine journalist rolling pennies and living on pasta and veggies. Read: I scrubbed toilets for the well-to-do to make ends meet. She was a musician, traveled abroad many times and loved Europeans.

Before the pandemic I traveled to Canada. A lot. It gave me my fix of culture, diversity, England and France. I have a sense of belonging in Quebec to British Columbia.  Now? Alaska is still on my brain. I'm booked to go back in November. It depends on the variants. If there is a hurricane-force storm like last time--I'm going. An earthquake? Count me in. Read: Cabin fever. I must see the northern lights and a moose.  Snow is optional. Hopefully it will be colder than at Lake Tahoe, my home.

Bonding with a Victoria seal. 

We live in divisive times. Should your religion/politics influence your writing?

As a Catholic I admit in my books this fact does come out a bit...I co-authored The Caged Bird Sings (a nun-in-training flees and I could related). I stayed clear from politics. But now... I fell into it. Between you and me? I am an Independent, former Democrat, and closet Republican. This is probably because I'm a middle child; dad a Republican, mom a Democrat. And I was the rebellious hippie chick growing up in the seventies. 

I finished co-authoring a romance novel (it has a lot of Asian racism in it and I love being a open-minded narrator). 

And this summer I'm working now on another strong relationship book which takes the reader back to the sixties' civil rights movement. It's a comfortable place for me to be and to write.

What are you working on now? 

I helped co-author a 2-in-1 contemporary romance novel.  Now, ah. I am marketing a Carl Sagan-ish science book I co-wrote. It is so artsy and amazing!   I'm time traveling back in time to many regions I've been...  I love sharing my stories from on the road with a dog or dog-less (that's tough) and linking it to the topic to make it a fun, lively read from the heart. 

Gentrification is ruining Tahoe, my home for
almost two decades.

Advice for young writers? 

Live life! Your experiences will take you where you are supposed to be in the writing world. Example: The Healing Powers of Honey will be released June 28, 2022. It is chock-full of road trips I took with my dog when I was free and like a wayward honey bee. This book is close to me--it is me thriving amid nature and at my best mentally and physically alive. And now people can listen to my tales!

Slim Down with Spicy Superfoods with Flavor!

 By Cal Orey

UPDATE: Newsmax is offering The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices as a GIFT BOOK. And it will debut in the July issue of Newsmax Magazine! Yes! It is in the issue...

Plus, The Healing Powers of Herbs & #Spices: Timeless Treasures is on sale at BarnesandNoble website -- 2.99 for the first time!...Summer Special!

This gem made its way through the news. On April 7, an article interviewing the author Cal Orey hit Huffington Post...and the piece was picked up by New York Daily, NY Daily Post, City Buzz, and even more online mags and newspapers! 

The new and timely release (yes, McCormick recently shared its Old Bay Seasoning is "hot"). People are still home-cooking more than ever! The reader-friendly book is now in more than 87 libraries worldwide (multiple copies, checked out); Woman's World Book Club approved Feb. 1 issue; reviewed by Booklist; 100% like it on Goodreads; major media outlet is on board carrying copies; Walmart gave it a Best Seller banner for 2 weeks; Best Seller in top 100 health books on Amazon this month; featured in magazines/newspapers...and the year is young. #9 (Series) The book that'll whisk you away!

Product Image

Best Seller

Product TitleThe Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices (Walmart website)

• • Cal Orey

• ISBN10: 0806540486

• ISBN: 9780806540481

• Format:Paperback

• 
  The mega-popular Healing Powers series from bestselling nutrition writer Cal Orey continues with its 9th installment, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices, exploring the many ways fresh herbs in your fridge and dried spices in your kitchen cupboard can provide medicinal powers, home cures, weight loss benefits, beauty treatments, and adventurous flavors and textures to enhance plant-based dishes. 

  
  

  And during the pandemic there is a spice surge because of the home-cooking comeback!

  

  The key to vibrant health for all generations is in your kitchen...
  

  Anise, bay leaf, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and more (I use a lot of the McCormick classic brand) --for thousands of years, herbs and spices have been praised for preserving and flavoring food, as well as preventing and curing illnesses. The latest research reveals that the seasonings already in your pantry--or easily found fresh in your supermarket or garden--can lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and obesity. This A-to-Z guide catalogues the most popular and versatile herbs and spices, drawn from the Mediterranean Diet but suitable for any diet plan. You will learn how to harness herbalism to heal your body and mind.
  
  

  Discover how to use nature's gifts including allspice, chives, fennel, oregano, pepper, tarragon, saffron, and special blends like Herbes de Provence to:
  
  ●Bring abundant zest to your table while lowering your cholesterol, balancing your blood sugar, and revving up your metabolism--at any age!
  ●Ward off colds and flu, banish a hacking cough, and even ease PMS or menopause woes, by adding tasty plant therapy to your favorite food or drink.
  ●Lessen your anxiety and boost your mood with aromatic natural ingredients found in dried and fresh flavorings.
  ●Soothe aches and pains without harmful side effects--and trigger feel-good endorphins--using sweet and savory garnishes, including edible flowers.
  ●Create in-home spa treatments using the same herbal potions featured at luxury spa resorts.
  Caraway Breadsticks, anyone? How about Cilantro Lime Slaw, Herbal Greek Bean Soup, or Roasted Paprika Cornish Hens? With over 50 taste-tempting recipes, along with personal stories and fascinating historical anecdotes on medicinal uses dating back to biblical times, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices is your go-to guide to embracing limitless energy and healthy longevity while feasting on memorable meals full of aroma and deliciousness!